Program Overview

Public Capital Markets Credential Program

The Public Capital Markets Credential (PCMC) program is a two-week, hybrid program tailored for university students, graduates, and early-career professionals interested in public finance and aspiring to work in public capital markets. In partnership with the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE) in China, and led by Professor Justin Marlowe, the program is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and insights essential for success in the public capital markets sector.

Program Overview

• The program features hybrid, rigorous academic training led by University of Chicago faculty.
• Participants engage in dynamic learning through a variety of formats, including lectures, in-depth discussions, research presentations, career sharing sessions, and capstone projects.
• Top-performing participants (top 5-10%) will have the exclusive opportunity to participate in the University of Chicago Center for Municipal Finance research projects after the PCMC program.

Program Details

• Subjects: Sub-national public capital market, municipal bond market
• Level: Beginner, intermediate
• Duration: Two (2) weeks, approximately 20–25 hours per week
• Dates: January 19–30, 2026
• Cost: $2,500 with various discount types
• Format: One week virtual and one week in-person in Beijing, China

Faculty Profiles

• Justin Marlowe, Ph.D.: Research Professor in the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, where he also serves as Director of the Center for Municipal Finance.

Participant Experience

• Program Dates & Time Commitment: January 19–30, 2026, 20–25 hours per week
• Format: One week virtual (Jan. 19–23) and one week in-person (Jan. 26–30) in Beijing, China
• Certification of Credential Completion: Issued by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy to showcase academic rigor

Program Fee & Payment

• The program fee is $2,500.
• We offer partial discounts to early action applicants, CUFE and University of Chicago community members.
• Once admitted, participants will secure their seat by submitting a $1,000 USD enrollment deposit, which is non-refundable and applies toward the total program fee.

Admissions

• We welcome participants across all walks of life, including undergraduates, graduates, and early-career professionals worldwide to join our program.
• Eligibility:
  • Minimum age of 18.
  • At least one-quarter/semester, full-time undergraduate study completed before the start of the program.
  • No prerequisites are needed. PCMC is open to all academic backgrounds.
  • Attendance in Beijing is required for the second week of the program, from January 26 to January 30.

Application Requirements

• Motivation statement (300-word limit) describing why you want to join the program and how it will benefit your future development
• Resume
• Unofficial Academic Transcripts
  • Must include your full name, school name, course names, dates (term and year), and grades
  • Unofficial transcripts are accepted. Please upload a PDF copy
  • English translation must be submitted for all foreign language transcripts
• English language proficiency proof for some international applicants

Application Deadline

Refund and Cancellation Policy

If the participant decides to cancel their Program enrollment, the participant must submit a request in writing at least 30 days prior to the program start date to receive the paid amount less the non-refundable enrollment deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are there any prerequisites for joining PCMC? While the content is rigorous, there are no prerequisites for this program. We welcome learners from all backgrounds to apply.
• What do the housing options look like? Housing will not be provided during the in-person week, but we’ll share a list of nearby hotels for your convenience.
• Are scholarships offered for PCMC? There are no scholarship offerings for PCMC participants. Details about the possible discount types can be found in the “Program Fee and Payment” section.
• Is this a for-credit program? The program is a non-credit program. You will receive a shareable certification issued by the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy to showcase your academic rigor.