Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management is a part-time, 12-credit program designed to prepare professionals for leadership positions in the finance and budget areas of public and nonprofit organizations.

Curriculum and Courses

The program requires 12 credits (4 courses) and is available in-person. Certificate students and their advisors decide the most appropriate course of study. Examples of courses that might be applied to the certificate include:

• PP 5317 Capital Financing and Budgeting (3 credits)
  • Description: This course is designed to familiarize students with the municipal bond market and to expose them to key public policy and management issues.
• PP 5318 Financial Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations (3 credits)
  • Description: This course is designed as a survey of the principles, issues, and skills of financial management in the public sector.
• PP 5326 Public Investment Analysis (3 credits)
  • Description: This course is a study of investment theory and public financial management.
• PP 5364 Public Finance and Budgeting (3 credits)
  • Description: This course covers the techniques, practices, and organization of the financial functions in governmental administration.
• PP 5373 Budgeting in Public Service Organizations (3 credits)
  • Description: In this course, students will explore various public budgeting and financial management issues facing decision makers.

Program Requirements

To be awarded a certificate, a student must satisfactorily complete (with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher) a set of courses specified in the certificate program requirements.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the program is based on an assessment of the applicant’s potential to succeed in graduate study. Applicants are evaluated based on their demonstrated aptitude for graduate study, experience, and academic achievement.

Cost and Financing

Visit the Cost and Financial Aid page for more information about this certificate program.

Program Details

The program emphasizes the following competencies:

• Understanding the proper ways to track revenue and spending
• Using analytic tools to analyze and maintain an excellent financial position
• Understanding the major financial issues facing public and nonprofit organizations
• Assessing and implementing appropriate financial systems
• Acting efficiently, effectively, and ethically

The Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management prepares professionals for leadership positions in the finance and budget areas of public and nonprofit organizations. Certificate students work with their advisor to choose the appropriate four-course portfolio that most effectively meets the skill-set competencies they desire.