Public Finance and Economic Development Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Public Finance and Economic Development proposal is designed to meet a growing need in our governments to understand and apply varied and complex budgeting and financial practices. The program is primarily aimed at students who wish to specialize in budgeting, finance, and economic development careers in the public sector. In addition, the certificate curriculum is designed to prepare students to receive the Certified Government Finance Officer designation from the Florida Government Finance Officers Association.

Total Credit Hours Required: 18 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor’s Degree

Please note: The Public Finance and Economic Development Graduate Certificate Program may be completed online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees. International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit UCF Global. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at (407) 823-2337. UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Program Prerequisites

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

• Complete the following:
  • PAD6207 - Public Financial Management (3)
  • PAD6227 - Public Budgeting (3)
  • PAD6616 - Economic Principles for Public Policy and Management (3)

Electives

• Complete at least 3 of the following:
  • PAD5356 - Managing Community and Economic Development (3)
  • PAD5850 - Grant and Contract Management (3)
  • PAD5855 - Introduction to Public Procurement (3)
  • PAD6208 - Nonprofit Financial Management (3)
  • PAD6234 - Public Capital and Debt (3)
  • PAD6254 - Economics of Land Use Planning and Development (3)
  • PAD6260 - Fundamentals of Public Sector Accounting (3)
  • PAD6238 - Revenue Policy and Administration (3)

Grand Total Credits: 18

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines

Financial Information

Fellowship Information

Students must achieve a grade of “B-” (80%) or better in every course. Grades ‘C’ or lower cannot be used to fulfill certificate requirements. Students must maintain a program of study and graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher and can only graduate with a graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher.