Graduate Certificate in Budget and Public Finance

The certificate in budgeting and public finance provides course work in the theoretical and practical foundations of public budgeting and in the formulation and evaluation of public budgets, as well as the complex choices of economic reasoning in response to resource allocation in the process of formulating and implementing public budgets. The courses in the certificate provide a background in budget policy and process, characteristics of public revenue and expenditure, and governmental accounting and financial reporting. This certificate is particularly well suited for those who are, or envision becoming, budget analysts or financial management officers in public agencies at any level of government.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Admissions Deadlines:	Fall – July 1
	Spring - November 1
Recommendations required:	One (1) recommendation
Prior academic records:	Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission.
	If transcripts are in a language other than English, English language translations must be provided. The English translation alone should be uploaded into your application.
Statement of purpose:	In an essay of 250-500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in your chosen field. Include your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application.
International applicants only:	Please follow this link - https://columbian.gwu.edu/international-graduate-applicants - to review the International Applicant Information carefully for requirements. Please note: International students who require a student visa are not eligible for admission to this program.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College  of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
PPPA 6005	Public Budgeting, Revenue, and Expenditure Analysis
Electives
Three of the following:
PPPA 6048	Financing State and Local Government
PPPA 6051	Governmental Budgeting
PPPA 6052	Tax Policy Analysis
or PPPA 6054	Issues in Federal Budgeting
PPPA 6053	Financial Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations
PPPA 6055	Contracting Out and Public–Private Partnerships

Combined program

• Dual Master of Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in budget and public finance