Command School
EnrollCommanders & Chief Executives
This professional development program blends classroom instruction with coursework to deliver concepts, tools, and practical resources to equip senior and executive leaders to excel in their roles. The curriculum applies theory to practical problems facing the participant, their agency/department, and citizens.
Hybrid | 300 hours (11-months)
The program requires 300 hours to complete, with just over half earned through in-person class sessions. The remaining hours are completed independently and include written assignments and reflections, required readings, and participation in coaching and networking sessions.
Participants also complete a Capstone Project focused on addressing a significant challenge within their organization or community.
In partnership with the KU Public Management Center's Heartland Certified Public Manager Program ® — graduates earn the Certified Public Manager® certificate.
What You Will Take Away
You will identify and address a significant challenge within your department or community through a practical, applied project that will be presented at the end of the course.
Develop and implement organizational goals and strategic plans aligned with mission and operational priorities.
Build, manage, and evaluate budgets while effectively allocating personnel and organizational resources.
Plan and execute complex initiatives from concept through completion.
Strengthen leadership effectiveness through enhanced critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and decision-making skills.
Apply newly acquired skills to real-world public safety challenges using practical tools that directly benefit your organization.
Command School and National CPM Consortium Competencies:
| Competencies | Goals |
|---|---|
| Public Safety | Builds organizational trust and legitimacy in collaboration with its members and with the community |
| Professional & Organizational Integrity | strengthens relationships and builds trust through modeling ethical behavior and confronting integrity gaps |
| Developing Self | Demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning, self-awareness, and individual performance through feedback, study, and analysis |
| Leading People | Establishes a trusting and motivational environment to inspire and empower others to act |
| Managing Work | Ensures work is strategically aligned to the organizational goals to get things done effectively |
| Change Leadership | Initiates and supports change within the organization by implementing strategies to inspire others through advocacy |
| Public Service Focus | Delivers superior stakeholder experiences though internal, external, and remote collaboration |
| Systemic Integration | Approaches planning, decision-making, and implementation from an enterprise perspective |