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Graduate Certificate in
Public Financial Management

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Next ArrowFORMAT
Fully Online
Next ArrowTOTAL CREDITS 12
Next ArrowCREDENTIALS Certificate
Next Arrow COST PER CREDIT $830.00
NEXT APPLICATION DEADLINE:
December 12, 2025

About this Program


Achieve impact as a financial managers for public and non-profit organizations. This online program will equip you with foundational skills in public finance, governmental accounting, and financial management to manage organizations.

Students may complete this certificate as a stand-alone program, or in addition to their degree program, to deepen their knowledge about financial management in the public and non-profit sectors. We welcome students from all educational backgrounds who want to build upon their skills to further their work in the public and non-profit sector.

Designed For

This program is ideal for is someone with a background in economics, finance, or public administration, aiming to specialize in financial oversight and management within governmental or nonprofit sectors. They are typically professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of public sector finance, budgeting, and fiscal policy to advance their careers in public service or related fields.

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Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management

Offered by the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration

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Learn more about the Public Financial Management online program.

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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!

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Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
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What You’ll Learn


Work with faculty that have expertise in relevant areas such as public budgeting, debt management, public sector accounting, and auditing. Develop practical knowledge of public finance, governmental accounting, and financial management. Prepare to efficiently manage the finances of public and nonprofit institutions and develop new, financially sustainable programs for those organization.

 

NOTE: Courses completed as part of the Graduate Certificate (12 credit hours) can later be applied to the Master’s degree (36 credit hours). 

Kentucky School District: 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. 

Course Examples

  • PA 631 Public Financial Management
  • PA 632 Public Funds Management
  • PA 625 Governmental Accounting and Financial Condition Analysis
  • PA 627 Governmental Auditing

GOT QUESTIONS?

Schedule time to meet with a representative from the Public Financial Management program to talk about your unique situation.

How to Apply

Admissions Criteria

  • Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
  • An overall grade point average of 2.5 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
  • International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.

Application Requirements

If this is the only program you intend to enroll in, please apply as "non-degree seeking." 

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Program Contact

Dr. Rhonda Trautman
Director of Graduate Certificate

Deadlines

Spring 2026

Application Due Date:
12/12/2025
Start Date:
01/12/2026

Fall 2026

Application Due Date:
07/24/2026
Start Date:
08/24/2026

Why UK Online

Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. 

No GRE Icon No test scores required.
One tuition rate Icon Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Flexible schedule Icon Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Be Supported Icon Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.

Ready to Take Your Next Step?

Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!

Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure

Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.

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University of Kentucky has been approved to participate in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

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