Courses
With topics ranging from foundational courses in governance and ethics to specialized technical training, the School’s continuing education courses equip public officials with critical skills, knowledge, and expertise.
Each year, the School of Government offers more than 200 courses for public officials across the state. In 2021–22, the School had 16,992 registrations from public officials across the state, including all 100 counties. The average course usefulness rating from clients is 4.64 out of 5.
Courses in Action
"I am a certified budget and evaluation officer. I could not have achieved this level of expertise without the School of Government. Courses in local budgeting, performance management, and capital financing not only helped me receive my professional certification, but have also helped in my daily job. I have been attending courses and reading publications for the past 17 years of my career in local government."
Budget and Evaluation Officer
"As a newly elected official in 2007, the courses offered by the School of Government helped me understand the terminology, the duties of my position, the requirements of my position, and how to effectively represent the citizens of my community. I have also been afforded the opportunity to meet and network with other elected leaders. These relationships gave me the opportunity to learn about a variety of ways to address community needs and realize their similarities. I never feel that I do not have a team of professionals to consult—my comrades and the professional staff of the School."
Elected Official
Survey Feedback
“The course increased my professional knowledge.”
(n=2,035)
“The course helped to increase my job performance.”
(n=2,023)
“I made networking connections through the course.”
(n=2,004)
"I accepted employment for a municipality in 1997. My accounting experience was in private industry in various disciplines. I had little formal education in the governmental area in my undergraduate work. I began taking courses through the School of Government and networking with other finance professionals in NC. That combination, along with the accessibility of the faculty and staff at the School, have made my career in government a fulfilling and successful experience. The availability of a certification in my field is the icing on the cake and substantiates my professionalism and expertise. I have 22-plus years invested in governmental accounting and finance and would recommend it to anyone in my field. I would not have stayed in my governmental job if not for the School. My sincere praise and thank you goes out to ALL the faculty and staff who diligently support the needs and education of governmental units. BRAVO!"
Finance Administrator
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill