Montana Certified Public Manager® Program
Lead Montana Forward.
Become a Certified Public Manager®
Strengthen your leadership. Transform your organization. Serve Montana.
The University of Montana's Montana Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program provides practical leadership and management training for Montana's public-sector professionals.
Offered through the Department of Public Administration and Policy, this 18-month, fully virtual program helps current and emerging leaders develop the skills to strengthen organizations, support employees and improve public service.
First cohort begins January 2027.
Professional Leadership Development That Works for Montana
18 Months | 100% Virtual | $3,750 Tuition | Group Discounts Available
Build practical leadership skills while continuing to serve your organization and community.
Learn alongside public-sector professionals from throughout Montana, develop a valuable statewide professional network and apply what you learn directly to your workplace.
Who Should Enroll?
Police and Fire Service Leaders
Effective public-safety leadership requires more than technical expertise.
Whether you're a police supervisor, fire officer, division commander or emerging leader, CPM develops skills in personnel management, communication, strategic planning, budgeting and organizational improvement.
Build your capacity to lead teams, navigate organizational challenges and support the communities you serve.
State and Local Government Professionals
From state agencies to city halls and county departments, public managers face increasingly complex organizational challenges.
CPM prepares managers, supervisors and emerging leaders to strengthen organizational performance, lead employees and deliver effective public services.
Emerging Public-Sector Leaders
Preparing for your first supervisory role or looking to advance your career?
Develop the skills, confidence and professional network to take your next step in public leadership.
Build the Skills to Lead
The CPM curriculum focuses on seven essential areas of public management:
What You'll Learn
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Build effective teams and strengthen organizational performance.
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Translate organizational priorities into practical strategies and measurable outcomes.
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Strengthen communication with employees, elected officials, stakeholders and the public.
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Develop an understanding of public-sector financial decision-making.
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Support employee development and effective workforce management.
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Lead with accountability, professionalism and a commitment to public service.
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Apply your learning through a workplace-based capstone project.
Put Your Learning to Work
Leadership development should create value beyond the classroom.
Throughout the CPM program, participants connect coursework to real challenges in their organizations.
Each participant completes an organizational improvement capstone project designed to apply new leadership and management skills to a workplace need.
The result is an opportunity to strengthen both individual leadership capacity and organizational effectiveness.
Invest in Your Organization's Future
Strong public organizations depend on skilled, prepared leaders.
The Montana Certified Public Manager® Program provides a professional development opportunity for organizations seeking to strengthen their leadership teams, develop emerging supervisors and prepare employees for greater responsibility.
At $3,750 per participant, CPM offers 18 months of professional learning without the travel requirements of an in-person program.
Group tuition discounts are available for organizations enrolling multiple employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate?
The program is designed for Montana's public-sector managers, supervisors, professionals and emerging leaders. Contact the program for specific eligibility and enrollment requirements.
Is the program entirely online?
Yes. The CPM program is delivered fully virtually, allowing professionals across Montana to participate without relocating or traveling to a campus.
How long does the program take?
The program is designed as an 18-month cohort experience.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition is $3,750 per participant. Group discounts are available for organizations enrolling multiple employees.
Can my employer pay for the program?
Participants are encouraged to discuss professional-development sponsorship with their employers. Contact the program to discuss organizational enrollment and payment arrangements.
What is the capstone project?
Participants complete an organizational improvement project that applies program concepts to a real workplace challenge.
When does the next cohort begin?
The inaugural cohort begins in January 2027. Additional cohorts are planned for September.
Take the Next Step in Public Leadership
January 2027 Cohort
Develop the skills to lead effectively, strengthen your organization and make a difference in Montana's communities.