Public Administration
Certificate
This program is designed with and for professionals currently employed in a Municipality, Regional District, Improvement District, First Nations Government or supporting agency in British Columbia.
The purpose of the program is to provide opportunities for participants to gain increased knowledge of the political and organizational realities of local governments in BC and to identify opportunities for change within these systems. It is expected that participants will be more effective managers, leaders and change agents as a result of their involvement in the program. Participants will gain a broader understanding of local government functions in British Columbia, and will have opportunities to network with local government colleagues and to meet leaders in their field of local government.
This program has been developed in cooperation with the Local Government Management Association of BC, the Provincial Board of Examiners, and members of the local government communities in northwest BC and throughout the province.
Experience with this program has shown that most participants complete the program in two years, and graduate with a CMTN Certificate in Local Government Administration.
Apply to CMTN
Visit Apply to CMTN for an Admissions Checklist and to apply online.
Our Educational Advisors are here to help if you have any questions or need guidance along the way.
Dates and locations
| Intake | Location |
|---|---|
| PADM 201: September 5, 2019 - September 7, 2019 | Smithers |
This is a part-time program, specifically designed for people working full-time in the field of local government. The program offers one course per semester (Fall and Winter semesters only). Courses are scheduled in two 3-day sessions (Thu, Fri, & Sat) per course, generally centrally located at CMTN’s Terrace campus. Classes are organized as interactive seminars, with guest faculty and highly regarded local government professionals leading most of the sessions.
Experience with this program has shown that most participants complete the program in two years, and graduate with a CMTN Certificate in Local Government Administration.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PADM 200 | Local Government Administration in BC | 3 |
| PADM 201 | Municipal Finance in BC | 3 |
| PADM 202 | Local Government Service in BC | 3 |
| PADM 203 | Municipal Law in BC | 3 |
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- Grade 12 or equivalent or Mature Student AND
- Resume or letter from employer citing experience in a public sector environment
(First Nations, Municipal, Regional, NGO)* OR - Permission of Instructor form [PDF]
*Students without experience in the public sector are encouraged to contact the instructor for permission
| Fees | Full-time domestic |
|---|---|
| Cost per 3 credit course | |
| Tuition | $958.39 |
| Student Union fees | $41.92 |
| Mandatory fees | $22.20 |
| Textbook | $78.75 |
| Total tuition: | $1,101.22 |
| 1 | These fees are term based and may vary due to the length of the program. |
| 2 | Please note that these are approximate costs and may vary depending on courses taken. |
Fees effective as of August 1, 2020 for the 2020/21 academic year.
Please note courses are not offered every year and are offered one at a time.
Scholarship opportunities
The Board of Examiners[1] administers two scholarship programs for which it accepts applications. Both scholarship programs use the sample application form.
The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Commemorative Scholarship Program
This provincially funded scholarship program was established to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. This program provides financial assistance to persons working in local government in the province who:
- Are taking courses leading to certification and/or
- Wish to upgrade their professional skills through enrolment in post-secondary courses of study and/or attendance at other courses relating to local government administration.
The Jeff McKelvey Scholarship Program
In 1986, the UBCM established this program upon the retirement of the late Jeff McKelvey, who served as Executive Director of the UBCM for fourteen years. Any local government employee is eligible to receive an award from this fund to assist in improving job skills.
| 1 | Please note: these scholarship opportunities are offered directly through the Board of Examiners, not through CMTN. Interested students are encouraged to download the application form and submit to the BOE. |
Career opportunities
Coast Mountain College’s Local Government Certificate is widely recognized and can help local government professionals achieve further qualifications in their field. The following opportunities may be available to graduates of this program:
Board of Examiners (BOE) - provincial certification program
In British Columbia, local government officials may receive certification from the Board of Examiners. Although certification is often used by councils or regional boards in the recruitment or advancement of their staff, it is not mandatory for a local government corporation to employ only persons who hold certification.
Visit the Board of Examiners website for further information about this certification process and requirements.