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What's a typical college major for future city managers?

Can anybody verify the common majors for city managers? I'm really curious as it's a career path I'm interested in. Thanks for the help!

21 hours ago

City Managers usually have backgrounds in fields related to administration, policy, and management. Perhaps the most common major for those pursuing a City Manager career is Public Administration. This major's curriculum typically includes topics like municipal finance, policy making, community development, and organizational behavior, providing a comprehensive understanding of how local government works.

Another closely related major would be Political Science, where students learn about government systems, policy-making processes, and public affairs. Some city managers also come from a Business Administration background, with an emphasis on management, finance, and strategic planning.

Urban Planning is another common major for aspiring city managers. Urban planners usually study community development, environmental planning, and land use, which can be particularly useful for managing a city's growth and infrastructure.

Ultimately, city managers often hold a Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA) or a related field. This advanced degree further delves into topics like budgeting, human resources, policy analysis, and leadership, giving students extensive knowledge and practical abilities to run a municipality effectively.

Of course, these are the typical majors, but city managers can come from a variety of academic backgrounds. Critical decision-making, leadership, communication, and a deep understanding of government workings are crucial for the role, regardless of the specific major.

21 hours ago

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