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Public Works PWSA/PWMI/APWA

Two workers wearing hard hats on site

Become a more effective public works professional by joining the comprehensive Public Works PWSA/PWMI/PWMI training program in public works supervision and management.


Is this program right for you?

Are you a public works employee or municipal engineer who recently transitioned into a supervisory role? Are you a public works supervisor who wants to increase your knowledge and sharpen your supervisory skills?

Our Public Works PWSA and PWMI Certificate programs are offered in collaboration with the Wisconsin Chapter American Public Works Association (APWA). The PWMI Certificate is one of 19 APWA approved institutes nationally, and requires the full 90 hours of training.

Courses are practical, taught by experienced instructors and provide an opportunity to network and learn from other public works supervisors, managers and instructors.

There are three parts to the coursework:

  • You will earn a PWSA Certificate upon completion of 9 core courses.
  • In PWMI courses you will need to complete a total of 90 hours. This includes the 54 class hours in PWSA and an additional 36 class hours offered.
  • If you are interested in earning an APWA certificate after getting your PWSA and PWMI Certificates, you will need to complete a final capstone course.

The completion of the Public Works PWSA/PWMI/APWA certificate program also fulfills the supervisory training component of the Certified Public Manager certificate program offered by UW–Madison’s Division of Continuing Studies.

Is this program right for you?

Are you a public works employee or municipal engineer who recently transitioned into a supervisory role? Are you a public works supervisor who wants to increase your knowledge and sharpen your supervisory skills?

Our Public Works PWSA and PWMI Certificate programs are offered in collaboration with the Wisconsin Chapter American Public Works Association (APWA). The PWMI Certificate is one of 19 APWA approved institutes nationally, and requires the full 90 hours of training.

Courses are practical, taught by experienced instructors and provide an opportunity to network and learn from other public works supervisors, managers and instructors.

There are three parts to the coursework:

  • You will earn a PWSA Certificate upon completion of 9 core courses.
  • In PWMI courses you will need to complete a total of 90 hours. This includes the 54 class hours in PWSA and an additional 36 class hours offered.
  • If you are interested in earning an APWA certificate after getting your PWSA and PWMI Certificates, you will need to complete a final capstone course.

The completion of the Public Works PWSA/PWMI/APWA certificate program also fulfills the supervisory training component of the Certified Public Manager certificate program offered by UW–Madison’s Division of Continuing Studies.

Registration information

No academic experience is required to enroll.

How you'll learn

  • Course formats rotate between online and face-to-face by term.
  • In-person courses are offered weekdays at Dane County Extension in Madison and the UW–Oshkosh Fond du Lac campus.

Sample curriculum

Varies by certificate

Complete 54 hours for the PWSA certificate, an additional 36 hours for the PWMI certificate and an extra 4-hour capstone for the APWA certificate, through 14 core courses:

  • Basic Management for Public Works Supervisors
  • Citizen/Customer Service
  • Local Government Fundamentals
  • Equipment Use and Workplace Safety
  • Improving Communication Skills
  • Leadership Skills for Supervisors
  • Purchasing and Inventory Control
  • Management Assessment for Personal and Planning Development
  • Human Resources (HR) Basics for Non-HR Professionals
  • Advanced Communication Skills
  • Budgeting for Public Works
  • Fearless Performance Management
  • Fundamentals of Public Works Operations OR Municipal Engineering Fundamentals for Non-Engineers
  • Public Works Management Institute Capstone (by invitation only)

Ready to learn more about Public Works PWSA/PWMI/APWA?
View the program page

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