A. Definition:
The student demonstrates knowledge of public sector finance and the budgeting process, skill in financial planning, budget preparation, monitoring, analysis, program and policy evaluation.

B. Competencies:
Knowledge: The student has knowledge of the rational model of public policy formulation and the ability to reconcile it with the political realities of the budget approval and review process at the federal and state levels including formulation, legislative review, budget execution and evaluation/audit. Knowledge of various forms of budgeting and taxation at the federal, state and local levels and their impacts on public sector finance. Understanding of the principles of public sector finance and the role in promoting public/private sector partnerships.

Abilities: The student analyzes the need for and relative impact of public policies on society through the use of modeling and forecasting tools such as trend extrapolation, leading indicators and impact assessment.

Abilities: The student analyzes and prepares grant proposals and contracts and manages project resource resources for specific time periods and identifies likely sources of funds needed to achieve long term strategies.

Abilities: The student translates strategic and program goals into measurable objectives relating to outputs or services rendered, outcomes measurement, and long term impacts.

Abilities: The student uses participatory program evaluation as an ongoing management tool in implementing new or existing programs.

C. Prerequisite:
College level computational skills and ability to use an Excel spreadsheet.

Core Courses (required):
MPP 630 Financial Management & Applied Public and Nonprofit Budgeting, MPP 640 Strategic Management & Systems Analysis

Concentration Course:
GPP 651 Budget Policy