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: May 31 • Interview Period: June 1 to June 30 • Fellowship Announcement & Notification: July 1 • Fellowship Start Date: August 1 • Capstone Project: Jan 1 - April 30 • Capstone Presentations: May • Fellowship Period: August 1 - May 31 (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
PART 3: Capstone Project
- Students will be assigned an area of interest in which they will conduct research in conjunction with the assigned city and the Capstone Coordinator.
- A municipal department will identify an issue or problem to be solved. Students will research, report, and present their results to a panel composed of city leadership/decision-makers and the faculty of the School of Public Affairs.
- Students will attend regular department and or management meetings relating to the issue or problem they have been assigned.
Who qualifies for the City Management & Urban Studies Fellowship Program (CMUSF)?
MPA graduate students at SDSU with at least 15 (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?
-
Community Development
-
Economic Development
-
Education Policy
-
Emergency Management
-
Environmental Management
-
Finance and Budgeting
-
Housing and Urban Planning
-
Human Resources
-
Legal Services
-
Library Services
-
Parks and Recreation
-
Public Health
-
Public Safety
-
Public Works
-
Transportation Planning
-
Water Policy
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 May 31st. Selected candidates will interview with preferred local and regional partners. Fellows generally serve from August until May.
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)
