Program Overview

Program Overview

The Municipal Administration Essentials course is a 18-hour online program spanning six weeks, requiring a minimum of 3 hours of coursework per week. This comprehensive course covers municipal management concepts and practical applications, including budgeting, decision-making, challenges, opportunities, and business case development.

Course Outline

• Module 1: Introduction to Municipal Governance
• Module 2: The Corporate Structure within Local Government
• Module 3: Decision-Making Processes
• Module 4: Business Case Development
• Module 5: Leadership Skills in Local Government
• Module 6: Practical Application of a Business Case for Municipal Government

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Grasp the corporate and hierarchical framework of local government administration
• Comprehend the governance and senior leadership levels' decision-making, implementation, and financing processes
• Understand the pivotal roles and responsibilities of corporate officers, directors, managers, and supervisors within the local government context
• Identify both opportunities and challenges within the corporate local government environment

Microcredential

This course offers the opportunity to earn a microcredential, which is evidence of a skill or competency related to employment. The microcredential is developed in collaboration with employers, industries, and organizations related to the course content and can be displayed on social media, digital resumes, personal webpages, and email signatures. To earn the microcredential, learners must successfully complete a competency-based assessment.

Recommendations

The Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for effective learning and participation. A list of minimum recommended scores on common English tests is available.

Target Audience

This course is recommended for those currently in or aspiring to leadership positions in municipal government.

Certificate Application

This course applies towards the Certificate in Governance and Administration.

Course Details

• Type: Online - Self-Paced
• Dates: April 10, 2026, to May 22, 2026
• Total Learning Hours: 18.0
• Location: Online Campus - Atlantic Time
• Instruction Delivery Method: Blended - Online
• Course Fee: $625.00 (non-credit)
• CEUs: 1.8
• Instructor: Christa Dicks

Instructor Biography

Christa Dicks is a versatile leader with a background in municipal leadership and a passion for leveraging technology to enhance government operations. She has an MBA and an MEd, with practical experience in various government organizations and roles, including serving as the CBRM's Municipal Clerk. Christa is pursuing a Ph.D. in Information Technology, focusing on integrating government systems to improve service delivery and communication.

Course Requirements

• A webcam and microphone/headset are required for live sessions.
• The course requires the use of the NetID login.
• There are no required textbooks; all readings are within the course platform.

Section Notes

• The course has scheduled written assignments and discussions within the term timeframe.
• Live sessions are held on specified dates and times, with an additional mandatory class presentation session.