About This Program

Sound fiscal management at all levels of government is essential for meeting the demands of an increasingly expensive and complex service-delivery need. Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Public Budgeting and Financial Management provides students interested in public sector affairs and local government officials (budgeters, planners, finance analysts, and elected officials) with the skills to enable them to effectively support local government financial decision-making. Participants should expect to attain a comprehensive understanding of public budgeting and financial management practices and theories including knowledge of the various government revenue sources, major expenditures, and borrowing mechanisms used to finance long-life capital assets.

Competencies

1. Upon completion, students will be able to lead and manage in public governance.
2. Upon completion, students will be able to participate in and contribute to the policy process.
3. Upon completion, students will be able to analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
4. The ability to communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry
5. The ability to articulate and apply a public service perspective

 
 

Admissions Criteria

Students wishing to enroll in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Public Budgeting and Financial Management without seeking a master's or PhD may apply for admission to UT Arlington as a non-degree seeking student. A bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.8 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework is required for admission. Students with GPAs lower than 2.8 may be recommended for admission by the certificate adviser, based on the following admission enhancing factors:

1. the applicant’s work experience and level of responsibility;
2. undergraduate degree in economics, financial management, accounting, or other closely related field; and
3. two letters of recommendation.

Students already enrolled in a master’s degree program, especially the campus and online MPA, at UT Arlington may enroll by submitting the appropriate application form to the certificate advisor and his or her academic graduate adviser. Students who have completed a master’s degree may apply for admission to UT Arlington as a non-degree seeking student. In either case, a minimum GPA of 3.0 in master’s degree work is required.

Curriculum

Foundations
PAPP 5326	PUBLIC BUDGETING	3
PAPP 5329	FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN THE PUBLIC AND NON-PROFIT SERVICES	3
PAPP 5332	PUBLIC CAPITAL BUDGETING	3
Electives
Select two of the following:		6
PAPP 5302	FOUNDATIONS OF URBAN RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
PAPP 5306	THE URBAN ECONOMY
PAPP 5310	URBAN POLICY AND THE LAW
PAPP 5312	ECONOMIC POLICY
PAPP 5321	URBAN MANAGEMENT
PAPP 5324	URBAN PUBLIC FINANCE
PAPP 5345	EVALUATION RESEARCH
A course approved in advance by certificate advisor.
Total Hours		15

Program Completion

Students shall be awarded the certificate upon satisfactory completion of coursework requirements and a grade point average of 3.0.

Students who later enroll in a graduate degree program at UT Arlington may apply 12 hours of certificate coursework to that degree within six years of certificate award, with approval of the appropriate Graduate Studies Committee and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Advising Resources

The College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs (CAPPA) at UT Arlington equips students with skills and knowledge to address real-world challenges in design, public policy, and research. Our Advising Office supports academic and career success. Explore our Future Students page to connect with an Academic Advisor and shape your future.

Location:

203 CAPPA Building

Email:

cappa.advising@uta.edu

Phone:

817-272-2801

Web:

General advising

Future students