Gov't Budgeting & Finance

MPA Financial Management II Core. This course introduces students to budgeting and financial management in the public sector, with an emphasis on real-world application and analytical skill development. Drawing on current and historical challenges—including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic—students will explore the political, technical, and managerial dimensions of public budgeting in the United States. Topics include the structure and function of operating and capital budgets, principles of revenue generation, deficit spending, and debt financing. Students will work with actual federal, state, and local budgets, gaining experience in constructing, analyzing, and presenting budgets in a government context. By the end of the course, students will be able to evaluate budget proposals and make data-informed recommendations grounded in public policy goals and financial feasibility.