City Management & Urban Studies Fellowship Program (CMUSF)
About the Program
Dive into the heart of urban leadership with the San Diego State University School of Public Affairs' Graduate City Management & Urban Studies Fellowship Program.
This 10-month, immersive fellowship offers a unique blend of in-class learning, hands-on fieldwork, and a capstone project, all designed to prepare MPA students for impactful careers in city management. With the support of scholarships and stipends provided by our partner cities, eligible students will experience unparalleled mentorship and practical exposure to the challenges and opportunities within urban governance.
If you're an aspiring leader eager to shape the future of city management, join us for an educational journey that promises not only to enrich your knowledge but also to offer substantial financial support.
What is the City Management & Urban Studies Fellowship Program (CMUSF)?
The City Management Fellowship Program is a highly competitive 10-month, 20-hour-per-week, career-development opportunity that places MPA graduate students in management-track positions with direct mentorship from senior government leaders, and rotational assignments within a local city. SDSU graduate students enrolled in public administration have the opportunity to assume real responsibility, thrive in an environment that recognizes potential, and gain unique exposure to local government.
What is the Timeline for this Fellowship?
• Application Due: September 15 • Interview Period: September 15 to October 15 • Fellowship Announcement & Notification: November 1 • Fellowship Start Date: January 1 • Fellowship Period: January to October (10 months)
What does this fellowship look like?
PART 1: In-Class Learning Experience
- Roles and responsibilities of department directors, City Manager, City and local elected officials and their staff and how they work together in practice
- City management norms and culture
- Municipal services provided
PART 2: Immersive Learning Experience (10-month practicum)
- Mentorship: Students will be assigned a mentor/guide for the entire length of the program by the city at the department director level or above, and by the University
- Onboarding: 2-hour overview of specific organization
- Tours: City hall, water/wastewater, police, fire, parks, libraries, public work projects and tours of regional facilities that serve multiple jurisdictions. For example, Airport, MTS, Port of San Diego, County Jail, Metro Wastewater
- Ride Along: Police department, fire, and capstone-related services
- Required Meetings:
- Weekly meetings with designated city-based mentors
- Director and department level meetings
Who qualifies for the City Management & Urban Studies Fellowship Program (CMUSF)?
MPA graduate students at SDSU with at least 12 (but no more than 24) units and a minimum 3.5 GPA are eligible to apply for the fellowship.
What are the benefits of becoming a City Management & Urban Studies Fellow?
In addition to hands-on experience working in local and regional government, fellows receive a monthly stipend from the sponsoring local government and a scholarship for tuition and fees – the equivalent of one year of academic study in the Master’s program.
What are careers options in local government?
A Sample of Careers Associated with City Management
Economic Development Specialist – Working on business retention, attraction, and expansion efforts in a city or region.
Education Policy Analyst – Researching and evaluating policies impacting schools, teachers, and students at the local, state, or federal level.
Emergency Management Coordinator – Developing and implementing emergency response plans for cities, counties, or universities.
Environmental Compliance Manager – Ensuring businesses and government agencies comply with environmental laws and regulations.
Budget Analyst – Preparing and monitoring government budgets to ensure financial accountability.
City Planner – Developing land use plans and policies to guide urban growth and development.
HR Director – Managing hiring, employee benefits, and labor relations for government agencies.
City Attorney – Providing legal counsel to a city government and representing it in legal matters.
Library Director – Overseeing operations, budgeting, and programming for public libraries.
Parks and Recreation Director – Overseeing park maintenance, recreational programs, and community events.
Public Health Officer – Developing and enforcing health policies for a city or state.
Police Chief – Managing law enforcement operations for a city or county.
Public Works Director – Managing infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and utilities.
Transportation Planner – Developing mobility plans and conducting traffic studies for urban areas.
Water Resources Manager – Developing policies to ensure sustainable water supply and quality.
Workforce Development Manager – Focusing on programs that enhance employment opportunities and job training for residents.
School Board Policy Coordinator – Developing and revising policies for school districts based on legal, financial, and educational considerations.
Disaster Recovery Specialist – Managing post-disaster response efforts, including funding distribution and rebuilding programs.
Sustainability Program Manager – Developing and implementing policies to promote sustainability in local governments or private companies.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – Government – Overseeing financial planning and management for a city, county, or state agency.
Housing Program Manager – Administering affordable housing programs and policies at the local or state level.
Talent Acquisition Manager – Leading recruitment efforts for public agencies or large nonprofit organizations.
Public Defender – Representing individuals who cannot afford private legal representation in criminal cases.
Archivist – Managing historical records and special collections in public libraries or government agencies.
Recreation Coordinator – Planning and managing sports leagues, community events, and youth activities.
Epidemiologist – Studying disease patterns and developing strategies to improve public health outcomes.
Fire Marshal – Overseeing fire prevention, safety inspections, and investigations.
Fleet Manager – Overseeing maintenance and procurement of government vehicles.
Transit Operations Manager – Overseeing bus and rail systems, ensuring efficiency and safety.
Stormwater Program Coordinator – Managing drainage, flood control, and water conservation programs.
What are the program goals?
• Provide an opportunity for SPA graduate students who are interested in a career in city management with a high-level hand-on interactions with leaders in the field. • Introduce SPA graduate students to the fundamental aspects of managing a city. • Provide a unique, practical learning experience for SPA graduate students. • Create a cadre of talented individuals ready to staff positions in urban management.
How do I become a Fellow?
Interested and qualified students should send a cover letter and resume to the School of Public Affairs Director by September 15. Selected candidates will interview with preferred local and regional partners. Fellows generally serve from January to October.
Concentration of Study for City Management Fellows
Students selected to participate in the fellowship program will complete a concentration of six to 24 units of courses in city management and related courses. These courses shall be composed of both 600 and 500 level courses, to include the following: • PA 620 Management of Urban Governments (3-units) • PA 550 Public Budgeting (3-units) • PA 531 Employer/Employee Relations (3-units) • Elective Special Topics in City Management and Urban Affairs ▪Maximum of three (3 x 1-unit) special topics courses concerning contemporary issues facing the management of municipal governments. Topics will vary. • PA 796 Internship in Public Administration - (0-12 units) • PA 795 Capstone Seminar in Public Affairs (3-units)
