The Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management is designed for working professionals and traditional students seeking to increase their public finance and financial management knowledge, which is a vital asset for leaders in both government and non-profit organizations. The Martin School is among the top graduate programs in the nation in public financial management, and is one of very few offering a certificate of this kind. The Graduate Certificate can be completed as a stand-alone certificate or as part of our Master Programs by concurrently enrolling in both. Please contact our Program Director, Dr. Rhonda Trautman, with any questions.
The Graduate Certificate is offered 100% online. The 12-credit hour program offers the same high quality experience as traditional on-campus programs with instruction provided by faculty with backgrounds and expertise in relevant areas such as public budgeting, debt management, public sector accounting and auditing.
Coursework is designed to engage students weekly through assignments, readings, exams, and other activities with the same level of rigor of other traditional Master programs offered by the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration. Students can expect a combination of self-study and student-faculty interaction over an online learning network in four sequential, 8-week modules over two semesters. Students accepted into the online program pay in-state tuition rate (per credit hour plus fees), offering in-state and out-of-state students an affordable option for a graduate certificate.
Of special interest to Kentucky School District Finance Officers and personnel, the Kentucky Department of Education has approved the Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management for training credits to be applied to mandatory continuing education requirements. The program's Training Code is FO-245. Applicants are encouraged to contact KDE directly for details.
