Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Finance and Acquisition

The School of Public Policy offers professional programs that develop innovative leaders in the art of policy and governance, advance the frontiers of applied interdisciplinary knowledge, and promote local, national and global public good. The curriculums are designed to develop the skills and techniques used by professionals to implement policies, projects, and programs that resolve important societal problems.

Mentoring and advising are an essential part of the program. Students meet with faculty and the academic program director to ensure that educational goals and career learning and development goals are met. Students with specific academic questions may contact Thomas Kennedy, Director, Office of Executive Programs, via email: tkennedy@umd.edu. 

The Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Finance and Acquisition is designed to meet the ever-increasing demand for qualified acquisitions experts to support and supervise the varied and complex purchases carried out by federal, state, and local governments.

• In the 12-credit, 4-course curriculum, students enroll in a mix of core and elective coursework.
• Equips working professionals with the tools and techniques related to leadership and management to address specific issues related to the procurement of goods and services for public organizations.
• Successful graduates acquire an understanding of the principles and practices of public sector finance and acquisition, taking the next step in their careers.
• Can be completed in nine months of continuous part-time enrollment. See Designation of Full-time/Part-time Status.

Registration Overview

• See the sample plan of study, below. Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director. 
• Actual course offerings are determined by the program and may vary semester to semester. Students should note if a course has a pre-requisite or co-requisite. 
• Specific class meeting information (days and time) is posted on UMD’s interactive web service services, Testudo. Once on that site, select “Schedule of Classes,” then the term/year. Courses are listed by academic unit. 
• The program uses specific section codes for registration which are listed on the sample plan of study. 

One-Year Sample Plan

Two-Year Sample Plan

Courses

For a listing of program courses, see the Graduate School Catalog program requirements for Z033 and Z160. For course descriptions that includes pre-requisites or co-requisites, see PLCY.

Overall 

• Offered in person (major code Z033) or online (major code Z160). The curriculum is identical.
• Uses the semester academic calendar with classes held in the fall and spring semester (16 weeks each).
• Classes are held weekday evenings (e.g., after 5:00 p.m.) to accommodate the working professional’s schedule.
• Instruction provided by University of Maryland faculty and professionals in the field.

In-Person Learning 

• Classes meet in UMD College Park campus classrooms, offering a focused, distraction-free learning environment. 
• Instructors present dynamic and interactive seminar-style instruction. 
• Students enrolled in a program that features in-person instruction are required to submit the University’s Immunization Record Form prior to the first day of their first semester/term. See Health Requirements. 

Online Learning 

• Using advanced audio and video technology, UMD’s online learning environment delivers dynamic and interactive content. 
• Featuring convenience and flexibility, online instruction permits asynchronous or synchronous participation.
• Lectures are video archived. Students who are unable to attend in real time can review the session through asynchronous participation.

Upon successful completion, graduates will have mastered the following competencies:

• Understand the principles and practices of public sector finance and acquisition.
• Understand how the principles and practices of finance and acquisition management relate to the overall management of organizations and programs designed to serve the public.
• Apply the tools and techniques related to leadership and management to address specific issues related to the procurement of goods and services for public organizations.