City/County Management Fellowship MPA Program
Leading Communities and Managing with Excellence.
Our City/County management program and has been ranked the #1 program in the country by U.S.. News and World Report since 1998.
Leading Communities Around the Country
The City/County Management Fellows program boasts a record of excellence.
- Our alumni are serving at all levels of local government, in communities of all sizes, all over the country.
- The 40-credit hour MPA Fellows program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
- The MPA City/County Fellowship program features the advantages of:
- Designated scholarship awards.
- Attendance to the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) annual conference, supported by the School.
- Links to a large and welcoming professional network.
- Peer group learning and camaraderie.
- Additional experiential learning and relevant professional experience through paid part-time and full-time internships and other professional development opportunities.
Graduation Rate and Employment Statistics
- Of the 26 students who were admitted and enrolled for the 2018-2019 academic year:
- 65% graduated within 2 years
- 84% graduated within 3 years
- 96% graduated within 4 years
- The total percentage of students who completed the program is 96%.
- This percentage rate should be viewed in the perspective of the small number of students admitted and enrolled.
- Of the students who did not complete, some moved away, had personal obligations that took precedence, or found that the program was not a right fit for them.
As an example of where our graduates are employed, here is the information for MPA students who graduated in the 2022-2023 academic year:
- Total number of graduates: 28
- Federal government: 0
- State government: 4
- Local government: 18
- Government outside the U.S.: 0
- Nonprofit (domestic): 1
- Nonprofit (internationally oriented): 0
- Private sector (research/consulting): 3
- Private sector (not research/consulting): 1
- Obtaining further education: 1
- Military service: 0
- Retired: 0
- Unknown: 0
U.S. News & World Report MPA Ranking Highlights
What Sets the MPA Fellows Program Apart...
This Fellowship is ideal for students who are serious about public service leadership and want hands-on experience working with cities and counties. You’ll graduate with the skills, experience, network, and the public sector versatility to launch a meaningful career in local government and beyond.
- In their first year, Fellows engage in full-time intensive coursework as well as a part-time, paid internship. This allows Fellows to immediately apply academic concepts to the profession. Learn more about the curriculum in the KU Academic Catalog.
- The second year of the Fellowship revolves around a full-time, paid internship and 3 week-long intensive seminars, which round out professional concepts and provide fellows guidance as they join the profession.
- Fellows also benefit from regular interactions with our strong network of alumni who are working in local governments across the country.
Tracking City Management Fellows Success
Year 1: Learn, Apply, and Build Your Network
The Fellowship begins in the summer semester, and students complete 33 of 40 credit hours during the first year through spring. This includes:
- Paid, part-time internship opportunities,
- Mentorship and career guidance from KU faculty, alumni, and 2 dedicated practitioners in residence, who will guide students through their professional and networking experiences, and
- Networking opportunities, including mock and informational interviews with city and county managers.
Coursework in Year 1 includes:
MPA Core Courses (5 classes / 15 credits) - Foundational courses in public management, budgeting, law, and policy.
The City/County Management Certificate (4 classes / 12 credits) - Focused coursework on human management, urban policy, organizational finances, and infrastructure in local government.
Fellows Local Government Seminar (1 class / 3 credits) - Explore the real-world challenges and structure of city and county government.
Elective Course (1 class / 3 credits) - A course in local government or branch out into another public service area.
Learn more about the curriculum requirements in the Academic Catalog.
Year 2: Grow Your Experience, Take the Lead
In the second year, Fellows complete a full-time, paid internship—a key highlight of the program. The program supports fellows in the internship and employment search process and has had a 100% internship placement rate over the past five years.
Fellows also participate in three final classes throughout the year to connect, reflect, and inspire. Fellows review, compare, interpret, and scrutinize their work experiences while alumni and other practicing administrators assist them in the transition from student to public service leader.
Fall: Attend the ICMA Conference and engage with national leaders in local government in a hybrid classroom / conference setting
Winter: Join a week-long seminar at KU Edwards Campus that is focused on leadership in action
Spring: Wrap up with a final seminar in Lawrence to reflect on your growth and celebrate at graduation
Questions? - MPA Fellows
Program and admission information
Derek Bixler, Graduate Program Coordinator
wdbixler@ku.edu
785-864-6814
Issues Submitting Application
KU Graduate Studies
graduateadm@ku.edu
785-864-3140
Internships & professional development
Cari Ann Kreienhop, Graduate Programming Manager
cak@ku.edu
785-864-3665