Applications are now being accepted for the Class of 2026 Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program offered by the Schaefer Center for Public Policy at the University of Baltimore. Applications are due by July 7, 2025.

The Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program (CPM) is a leadership development program accredited by the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium. The 300-hour academically grounded, job-relevant program requires participants to complete a Capstone Project for their agency to improve a service, reduce costs, or increase revenue.

The 2026 program is fully funded and will be offered entirely online combining live online instruction, and discussion with self-paced learning, built upon a set of core competencies. Training will include interactive classes, projects, and readings. The overall goal of the program is to develop world-class leaders for Maryland public service.

“Completing the Certified Public Manager (CPM) program at UB has been a transformative experience for me, providing an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally by equipping me with essential skills in leadership, strategic planning, and public administration. One of the most impactful aspects of the CPM program was the emphasis on practical, real-world applications. The program also fostered a strong network of peers and mentors, providing ongoing support and collaboration opportunities. Overall, the program has not only enhanced my professional capabilities but also instilled a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to public service. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to advance their career in public management.” Jeff Tosi, Director of Government Affairs, Maryland Environmental Service.

The Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program has a limited number of funded spaces available for managers and executives from state, local, municipal government, and nonprofit organizations in Maryland for 2026. Eligible applicants can attend the program at no charge to them or their agency. The program is open to supervisors and managers living or working in Maryland who work for a government (local, state, or federal), quasi-governmental, or nonprofit organization.

Apply online at the Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program website.

CONTACT: Diane Geiman, Training Manager, [email protected], or Dr. Ann Cotten, Executive Director of the Schaefer Center for Public Policy and Director of the Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program at [email protected].

About the Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program
The Maryland Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program’s mission is to promote excellence in public management by providing comprehensive training in the core competencies of public sector management. The program leverages the expertise of faculty of the College of Public Affairs and practitioners to deliver an academically grounded and job relevant curriculum that promotes cross-sector collaboration and prepares candidates for the work of today and the challenges of tomorrow. The Schaefer Center is the only authorized provider of Certified Public Manager® Training in Maryland. The program is accredited by the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium and is one of 44 CPM programs across the United States.

To learn more about the Certified Public Manager® program and to apply for an upcoming cohort, please visit the CPM website at: https://schaefercenter.ubalt.edu/maryland-certified-public-manager-program/

About the Schaefer Center for Public Policy
The Schaefer Center for Public Policy is Maryland’s preeminent applied research and policy
analysis center. As part of the University of Baltimore’s College of Public Affairs, the Schaefer
Center promotes excellence in Maryland’s public and nonprofit organizations through applied
research, technical assistance, policy analysis, policy conferences, and professional development programs. The Schaefer Center is home to the NextGen Leaders for Public Service program and the Maryland Certified Public Manager® Program.