Program Description
This is a long-running and award-winning program that consists of two fully online certificates: NACLAA Level I and NACLAA Level II (primarily designed for municipal administrators holding or aspiring to higher-level positions).
Courses in both certificates focus on concepts, structures, and processes that define local government administration. Students are provided with the theoretical and practical knowledge that is essential for success working in local authority administration. Our instructors are academics and practitioners from across the country who are experts in their field.
Is This Program Right For You?
The NACLAA Level I program is suited for entry to medium-level municipal administrators who are interested in professional development and career advancement. Individuals who are exploring career options in local government or transitioning into the field would also find this program advantageous.
Testimonials
- “NACLAA is a well-rounded program that shows you the relationship between all levels of government and how they collaborate to develop a community.” Local Authority Administration (NACLAA I) Certificate student
- “The program gave me new insight into how interconnected everything is in the municipal world, how it all works together.” Local Authority Administration (NACLAA I) Certificate student
- “The instructors are excellent. This is a great program for municipal government leaders.” Local Authority Administration (NACLAA I) Certificate student
Learning Objectives
- Gain a broader understanding and explore theories of the local government structure and its policies and procedures.
- Identify and analyze community issues relevant to Canadian municipalities.
- Build knowledge and enhance skills in critical areas such as finance, leadership, municipal law, sustainability, and public administration.
- Network with municipal administrators from across the country, sharing experiences and ideas either online or in person.
- CLGM designation accreditation opportunity.
What will I receive?
Upon completion of all program requirements, you will receive a Certificate in Local Authority Administration, Level I.
Cost
- The approximate cost of this Certificate is $6,360 CAD
- Course Fees are typically $795 CAD
- Pay as you go - students pay on a course-by-course basis as they register. You do not need to pay the entire program fee at once.
- An application fee of $100 CAD is required for admission into the program.
- Course fees are GST-exempt.
- Consider applying for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant.
- Some courses may require additional resources such as textbooks. This information can be found in the course section details.
Program Details
- This program is comprised of five core courses and 117 hours of electives. Each course is 39 hours in length, for a total of 312 instructional hours.
- This program is designed for part-time study and can generally be completed within two to three years.
- Local Government and Public Administration Professionalism are recommended as the first courses in NACLAA Level I. There is no recommended order for the remaining courses. Electives can be taken at any time throughout the program, provided that their prerequisites are met.
- Courses are graded with assessments. This might include quizzes, exams, discussion forums, papers, and presentations.
- Courses are typically offered online asynchronously. Please check the course section for details. Further details on delivery formats can be found here.
- Course materials are shared in eClass. Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks. This information can be found in the course section details.
Your Instructors
- Our instructors are not just educators; they are industry experts, adult learning specialists, and professionals deeply connected to the pulse of their respective fields.
How to Apply
- We are open to students with a variety of educational and professional backgrounds. Our expectation is that you have a commitment to learn and achieve your continuing education goals. It is recommended students have prior knowledge and/or work experience in the related field.
- To apply, download the Application for Program Admission.
- The admission fee is $100
- Individual courses are open for general studies and may be completed without being admitted into a program.
- Programs change occasionally, so we recommend applying for admission early. Once admitted, your requirements to complete the program are locked in. You can be confident that completed and eligible courses will continue to apply to your program.
How to Apply for your Credential
- Students can verify their program requirements and progress by logging into the University of Alberta’s student portal, Bear Tracks, to view their Academic Requirements.
- A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 is required to graduate.
- To qualify for program completion, you must submit a request to obtain your credential.
- For a breakdown of details and how to qualify, visit the program completion page.
- Upon completing this credential, you are eligible to become a University of Alberta Associate Alumni .
Transferability and Professional Designations
- Students who hold the Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration (CMMA) or the University of Regina’s Certificate in Local Government Authority (CLGA) may receive transfer credits toward the NACLAA Level I certificate.
- Completion of both NACLAA programs (Level I and Level II) fulfills the educational requirements for the Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) designation in Alberta.
- The CLGM is conferred by the Society of Local Government Managers (SLGM), the professional organization that regulates the practices of local government managers and ensures its members act in the local government’s best possible interest.
- Consult with the SLGM prior to enrolling in any of our elective courses to make sure that they meet the requirements for the CLGM professional designation. For example, note that our EXLDR elective courses do not meet the current course requirements for the CLGM designation.
- To learn about transferability from other institutions, see our Transfer Credit information
Explore Funding and Scholarship Opportunities
International Students
- International Students are welcome to enroll in our courses, with the only requirement being a stable internet connection. There are no differential course fees for international students completing courses in this program.
- Students are responsible for ensuring that they are proficient in English so that they can fully participate in classes.
- Please note that non-credit programming does not qualify for a study permit, therefore this program cannot be used for immigration to Canada. Foreign nationals authorized to work in Canada who are prohibited from engaging in studies as a condition of their work permit are allowed to engage in distance learning courses. For more information please contact University of Alberta International Student Services.
Further information can be found on withdrawals, refunds+ transfers, assessment + grading, and program admission.
Support Services
- Student Service Centre - for payment and registration inquiries
- Program Office - for course/program inquiries and the Canada Alberta Job Grant
- eClass support
- IT assistance
- Learning remotely
Contact us