Budgeting in Public Service

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, processes and practices of budgeting and financial management in the public sector. Students will examine foundational theories of public budgeting, as well as the legal, political and economic environments that shape fiscal decision-making in public organizations. Topics include budget preparation and execution, revenue forecasting, capital budgeting, tax administration, and fiscal transparency and accountability. Through analysis of real-world case studies, hands-on exercises and applied projects, students will gain the practical skills necessary to prepare, analyze and manage public budgets and financial documents. The course emphasizes the integration of theoretical frameworks with practical tools and techniques used by public managers and policymakers to allocate resources, evaluate outcomes and ensure financial stewardship. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to navigate complex budgetary challenges, communicate financial information effectively and make informed decisions that advance organizational and public goals. Prerequisites: Graduate classification; approval of MPSA director or PSAA department head.