What You'll Learn
This certificate prepares future leaders in public and non-profit organizations to make decisions about financial resources. Your leadership abilities will improve as you learn to communicate effectively with the certified public accountants in your organizations. Over one academic year, you will learn about:
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Financial reporting
- Principles of governmental and non-profit accounting
- Public budgeting
- Capital budgeting and financing
These courses will provide you with knowledge and skills to inform leadership decisions. You will also be able to learn with other professionals in the field.
Certificate Coursework
This certificate consists of 12 total graduate credits. Students must complete 8 credits of core coursework and select 4 credits from the elective offerings. It is recommended that students begin the certificate in the Fall; however, courses can be taken in any order.
Core Coursework (8 credits)
Cost-Benefit Analysis – Fall Quarter, 4 credits
Financial Decision Analysis – Winter Quarter, 4 credits
In Winter quarter, students will complete a government Financial Condition Analysis portfolio project that will demonstrate their ability to assess the fiscal health of public organizations. This project could also be adapted into an MPA capstone project if students choose to pursue an MPA in the future.
Electives (select 4 credits)
Public Budgeting – Spring Quarter, 4 credits
Foundations of Public Policy – Spring Quarter, 4 credits
Learn more about courses in the Academic Catalog