This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to serve as managers in the executive arm of government; and that focuses on the systematic study of executive organization and management. These programs include courses in the roles, development, and principles of public administration; the management of public policy; executive-legislative relations; public budgetary processes and financial management; administrative law; public personnel management; professional ethics; and research methods.

Public administration, general

To work as a financial analyst in B.C., you may choose to earn a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation. You can earn the designation by completing the CFA® Program and acceptable work experience requirements. 

Employment as a senior manager in financial, communications, and other business services may additionally require several years of related work experience. 

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.

Senior government managers and officials

To work as an administrative professional in B.C., you may choose to earn the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional designation. The designation is earned by completing the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) program, for which you must be a member of the Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP).

Employment as an administrative services manager usually requires several years of related work experience.

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as an administrative professional in B.C., you may choose to earn the Certification in Health Information Management (CHIM) from the Canadian College of Health Information Management. Eligibility is achieved through completion of: an accredited program, and the CHIM examination.

Employment as an administrative services manager usually requires several years of related work experience.

To work as an administrative professional in B.C., you may choose earn certification through the Chartered Governance Institute of Canada. Eligibility is achieved through completion of the International Qualifying Program. 

Employment as an administrative services manager usually requires several years of related work experience.

Other administrative services managers

To work as an administrative officer in B.C., you may choose to earn the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional designation. The designation is earned by completing the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) program, for which you must be a member of the Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP).

Administrative officers

Court officers

Social policy researchers and program officers

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as an immigration and citizenship consultant in B.C., you must be a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants. Eligibility is achieved through completing a recognized educational program.

Immigration consultants

Public Administration Diplomas

Public Administration Certificates

The Public Administration Certificate will allow you to develop critical skills in public administration and governance including building relationships with diverse stakeholders and community groups. Through applied learning, you will experience different perspectives and objectives to consider issues in new and creative ways. Relationships within the context of public administration are explored, including with Indigenous community leadership and governance. Upon completion of this certificate, you may be employed in a variety of public administration settings.

Public Administration Certificate

The Local Government Administration Certificate gives you a broader understanding of local government in BC, develop new skills, and learn from local government leaders and colleagues. Once you graduate, you'll have improved skills as a staff member, manager, leader and change agent within your organization.

Local Government Administration Certificate

The Local Government Leadership Development Certificate is designed for local government professionals with at least two years in a management or supervisory role who want to build on their strengths and take on more senior roles. You'll discover problem-solving and issue-resolution techniques and frameworks that work in the context of local government, learn to develop plans and recommendations for decision-makers, and gain the skills you'll need for effective communication with elected officials, the public, stakeholders and senior management. You'll also analyze public-sector workplace challenges and develop ethical and professional responses, as you improve your knowledge and skills.

Local Government Leadership Development Certificate

The Public Administration Certificate provides you the opportunity to gain increased knowledge of the political and organizational realities of local governments in B.C. You 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. 

The First Nation Public Administration (FNPA) Certificate is comprised of both a certificate and a diploma. The FNPA certificate is offered through community-based delivery or semester delivery. The program offers courses for high school graduates, administrators and managers who require specific skills and education necessary for effective and responsible management in local First Nations governments and Aboriginal organizations. Course topics include: organizational design and development; human resource administration; labour relations, policy development and implementation; legislative and government structure (provincial and federal); communication; economics; housing issues; administrative law; research; ethics; financial management; information management: accounting; finite mathematics and treaty negotiations related to your field and its impacts.

First Nations Public Administration Certificate

The First Nations Public Administration Certificate consists of courses that provide you with foundations in internal and external First Nations issues and culture, and in the principles of government, politics, and public administration, as well as some specialization in First Nations law, self-government and administration. The program provides requisite education to assist individuals involved in the administration of First Nations governments and expanded educational opportunities at the university level for students who are not in a position to commit to a four-year program of study.

 This Certificate provides a comprehensive overview of local government administration in Canada, with a focus on British Columbia. The Certificate complements existing degree programs at UNBC and is designed to help students prepare for careers in local government administration, policy, planning and economic development. Some of the courses in the Certificate also meet the requirements for provincial certification programs for local government administrators.

The Professional Specialization Certificates are designed for mid-career professionals who have already completed a Bachelor's degree and are preparing to advance their careers by studying a particular management issue. The Local Government Management Professional Specialization Certificate allows you to learn the knowledge required to work in local government management. 

Educational Path

Public Administration Certificates

Programs

Careers