Objective
Public financial management is a universal governmental concern. Many public and non-profit agencies experience financial difficulties leading to dysfunctional political turmoil, lower service responsiveness, and erosion of citizen confidence in public institutions.
The Public Financial Management concentration supports development of applied and theoretical public financial expertise. It provides a skill set which is highly valued and in constant demand by public as well as nonprofit agencies. The concentration prepares MPA graduates to make strong organizational contributions focused on public financial management.
For Students Admitted under the Quarter Catalog
A Concentration in Public Financial Management requires students to take the regular MPA core which includes PA 663: Public Budgeting and Finance and PA 615: Public Financial Management.
Three elective courses are required with at least one from the following two courses:
PA 617: Management of Local Economic Development, or
PA 630: Program Evaluation
Students may select any two of the following for the required second and third electives:
PA 557: Public Sector Labor Relations
PA 564: Local Public Administration
PA 590: Special Topics: Fundraising and Leadership for Nonprofits
PA 617: Management of Local Economic Development
PA 630: Program Evaluation
PA 655: Strategic Planning for Government
PA 661: Principles of Public Procurement
FIN 602: Financial Theory and Corporate Finance
Other classes related to Public Financial Management may be acceptable if approved by the MPA Director.
Comprehensive Exam Requirement: Those electing to take the Public Financial Management Concentration MUST answer course-based questions for PA 6150 and PA 6630.
For Students Admitted under the Semester Catalog
A concentration in Public Financial Management requires to take the regular MPA core courses and additionally three concentration electives listed in the table below. In addition, students are expected to take two at large electives.
| Required Concentration Courses | |
|---|---|
|
PA 6150 |
Public and Nonprofit Financial Management |
| PA 6300 | Program Evaluation |
| PA 6610 | Principles of Public and Nonprofit Procurement |