Certificate Programs

Local Government Administration

Prepare for a job as a local government or municipal administrator with a Certificate in Local Government Administration.

There continues to be a need for municipal administrators in Saskatchewan. The Certificate in Local Government Administration will equip you with the knowledge, skills and educational requirement to pursue a career as a municipal administrator. The five course certificate in Local Government Administration can be completed in one year. The Advanced Certificate in Local Government Administration has an additional five courses and can be completed in about two years.

Both certificates are recognized by hiring bodies in Saskatchewan as one of the ways to meet requirements for both rural and urban municipal administrator positions.

Our partners that build and maintain the program include:

SUMA (Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association)
UMAAS (Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan)
Government of Saskatchewan, Ministry of Government Relations
SARM (Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities)
RMAA (Rural Municipalities Administrators Association)

Concurrent Program Option

The certificate can also be taken as a secondary, or concurrent, program for students who are pursuing a degree.

Quick Facts

Program: Certificate in Local Government Administration Advanced Certificate in Local Government Administration

Length: Certificate: 1 year Advanced Certificate: 1-2 years

Offered Through: University of Regina

Faculty: Centre for Continuing Education

Resources: Course Catalogue Program Requirements

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Why Study Local Government Administration at the University of Regina?

The certificates in Local Government Administration are recognized as education requirements for the Rural Municipalities Administrators’ Association (RMAA) and Urban Municipal Administrators Association of Saskatchewan (UMAAS). Graduates are qualified to work in municipal offices.

Flexibility

The certificate in Local Government Administration is primarily online with one intensive course option.

The courses in this program are full-credit undergraduate-level courses that can be used toward other undergraduate programs.

Certificate program

Students may want to complete a credential quickly so they can work. Our undergraduate certificate programs are a great way to earn a credential in a short amount of time.

Our certificate programs also provide ways for learners to get a start in university if they’ve never attended or have been away for a long time. Our certificates are also a way to re-skill or upskill, to augment your resume, supplement the learning from a degree program, make a career change, or start off a longer academic journey.

Expert instructors

Our instructors are chosen not only for their academic qualifications but also because they have spent many years working in these professions in the community. This provides a bridge for students between theoretical knowledge and practical applications with first-hand, real-world experiences.

Earn Credit Toward Other Degree Programs

Students in both certificates may apply courses taken in that program towards a Bachelor of Arts or other programs. Students who wish to pursue further degree studies should consult with their CCE advisor early in their program.

Local Government Administration Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between the Certificate in Local Government Administration and the Advanced Certificate in Local Government Administration?

The Certificate in Local Government Administration consists of five courses. It meets the educational requirement for a Rural Class C Certificate with the RMAA, and the Standard Certificate with UMAAS.

The Advanced Certificate has ten courses. It is intended for students who want to deepen their knowledge of subjects that relate to local government issues and administration. It meets the educational requirement for the Superior A Certificate with the RMAA, and the Advanced Certificate level 1 with UMAAS students can apply these certificate courses toward a Bachelor of Arts and other degrees.

What are some of the courses that Local Government Administration students take?

LG 200 Local Government Authority in Saskatchewan

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of society, democracy and principles of local government administration in the Saskatchewan context. Topics include: local government democratic values, public administration principles and values, municipal policy making, elected officials responsibilities, communication, public relations, local government finance, budgeting and ethical decision-making.

LG 202 Local Government Legislation and Statute Law

An introduction to Saskatchewan legislation relevant to municipal government processes, procedures and authority. Topics include case law, statute law, contracts, preparation and interpretation of bylaws, interpretation of statutes and detailed study of Government of Saskatchewan Acts governing rural, urban and Northern municipalities.

LG 204 Basic Accounting Practices

This course presents the fundamentals of financial accounting theory and practice at the introductory level. Basic accounting principles, their application in modern business organizations, the preparation of business records and financial reports are considered.

LG 208AA Local Government

This course provides students with an overview of the skills necessary to become an effective manager in local government today. Topics include an introduction to public sector management, effective leadership, and the fundamental functions of local government. Students will learn the knowledge and skills to manage a small to medium size municipality in Saskatchewan.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes! We offer the following scholarships for our certificate students:

Centre for Continuing Education Certificate Awards
University of Regina Alumni Association (URAA) Professional Development Award

Use our online Student Awards Management System (SAMS) to find other awards and scholarships for which you may be eligible. There are also scholarships through professional associations.

Can I get recognition for prior learning for this program?

Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR) credit may be granted for students who have completed the Saskatchewan Municipal Leadership Development Program (MLDP) or the Rural Municipal Administrator Internship Program (MAIP) .

What Can You Do With a Certificate in Local Government Administration?

Upon successfully completing your certificate in Local Government Administration, you will be ready for the next step of your career. Our graduates go on to become administrators for villages, towns, cities and rural municipalities.

The jobs our graduates go on to include:

Administrator
Assistant Administrator
Chief Administrative Officer
Finance Officer

Required Courses - Certificate in Local Government Administration

Course Offerings

LG 200	Local Government Authority in Saskatchewan
LG 202	Local Government Legislation and Statute Law
LG 204	Basic Accounting Practices
LG 206	Local Government Accounting
LG 208 AA-ZZ	Local Government Management Practices

Required Courses - Advanced Certificate in Local Government Administration