Program Offerings PFM Graduate Certificate FAQs 12-hour online program

We are thrilled to announce we are accepting applications for our Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management! This 12-hour program is offered entirely online! The Martin School has been among the top graduate programs in the nation in public financial management, and we look forward to connecting working professionals around the country with our top-notch curriculum and faculty.

If you are interested in applying, don’t wait! We are only accepting applications until August 19 for fall enrollment. You can read more about the program requirements and how to apply here.

What is a graduate certificate?

While not a full degree program, a graduate certificate offers the student a focused look through graduate-level coursework in a particular specialty topic, setting him or her apart as a burgeoning expert. There are various flavors of graduate certificates—some complement a Master’s degree or professional degree, for example. The Martin School’s Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management is an independent, stand-alone program. It is not a Master’s degree, but indicates to employers that a professional has had a structured, rigorous introduction to principles of public financial management.

Who is this program intended for?

This program is intended for the working professional who may have a few years’ experience in government, non-profit management, or even public sector-adjacent work—perhaps at a private enterprise that has a high level of touch with the public financial management process. Students that would benefit from developing expertise and skills in budgeting, debt management, investment strategy, cash management, accounting, and financial auditing to take the next step in their careers are ideal candidates.

What does a typical class look like?

As a graduate-level program, each class is as rigorous as our in-person courses for degree-seeking students. However, as an online certificate, students should be able to maintain their full-time work and complete coursework at times that are convenient for them. It’s important to emphasize that this is an asynchronous program, meaning there will be due dates throughout a module—our faculty will expect you to have class assignments or prep work to complete every week. A typical class will be 8 weeks long, so students are only taking one course at any given time. The four courses making up the graduate certificate span two semesters(Fall/Spring). On a given week, students may interact with their classmates in a forum discussion, read graduate-level material, work on case studies, and submit assignments. Professors will outline expectations and assignments at the outset.