Advance Your Career in Local Government and Public Leadership

Built for today's public sector professionals

Whether you're looking to move into leadership, expand your impact, or transition your career, Dalhousie’s Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development offers flexible, high-impact programs designed for real-world application.

Our programs are targeted, practical, and immediately applicable—built to help you grow without stepping away from your career.

Explore courses and certificates Discover graduate programs Find your path Why choose Dalhousie Get in touch

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6,000+ learners enrolling in courses each year

150+ expert instructors

200+ courses and programs offered every year

Two pathways for advancing your career

Short, flexible professional courses designed to give you practical, in-demand skills to advance or change your career.

Courses and certificates in local government

Build practical, job-ready skills for working in or with municipal governments.

These programs are designed to help you apply learning immediately in areas such as:

Municipal governance and administration
Policy development and implementation
Community engagement and planning
Public sector finance

Whether you're entering the field or enhancing your expertise, these offerings support career progression and on-the-job impact.

Explore courses and certificates

Graduate programs for leadership and advancement

Build advanced leadership and management expertise for careers in business and public service through the
Career Advance MBA and MPA (Management).

These programs are designed to help you apply learning immediately in areas such as:

Leadership, strategy, and decision-making
Public sector management and administration
Organizational effectiveness and change
Real-world problem solving and applied learning

Whether you're advancing your career or preparing for senior roles, these degrees support long-term growth and leadership development.

Explore graduate programs

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Find your path

Find the professional development that's just right for your career goals.

Build practical skills with courses and certificates or advance into leadership with a graduate degree.

Career Advance MBA

Advance your leadership and business expertise with a flexible MBA designed for working professionals.

Part-time, primarily online with in-person intensives
Focus on strategy, leadership, and decision-making
Designed for mid-career professionals

MPA (Management)

Build advanced leadership and management skills for careers in public service.

Part-time, blended online and in-person format
Focus on public sector management and governance
Designed for professionals advancing into leadership roles

Certificate in Governance and Administration

Develop practical knowledge to support effective municipal governance and administration.

Fully online, flexible format
Focus on municipal law, governance, and operations
Designed for municipal professionals and those entering the field

Certificate in Information and Communication

Strengthen communication and engagement skills for public sector environments.

Fully online, flexible format
Focus on collaboration, communication, and information management
Designed for public-facing and administrative roles

Certificate in Local Government Finance

Develop essential financial management skills for municipal environments.

Fully online, flexible format
Focus on budgeting, planning, and public sector finance
Designed for professionals working with municipal finances

Certificate in Public Sector Leadership

Build practical skills to support planning and development in municipal settings.

Fully online, flexible format
Focus on land use planning and community development
Designed for professionals in planning and development roles

Why choose Dalhousie

Flexible learning
Study online or in blended formats while continuing to work.

Real-world application
Apply what you learn directly to your current role.

Expert instruction
Learn from experienced professionals and academic leaders.

Career growth at every stage
Progress from short programs to advanced degrees.

Strong professional network
Connect with peers across sectors and industries.

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Questions?

We're here to guide you on your career development journey.

For inquiries on local government certificates, contact openlearning@dal.ca

For inquiries on the Career Advance MBA or the MPA (Management) programs, contact fomgrad@dal.ca

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