This Certificate Program is designed for public managers and others interested in obtaining an understanding of governmental financial management concepts, functions, techniques, and issues. The program is designed to familiarize students with financial management problems and the techniques available for solving them. An emphasis is placed on how to recognize, evaluate, and utilize financial information in decision-making.

Those most interested in pursuing the Certificate would likely fall into one of three categories. First, current private sector finance professionals who wish to develop an understanding of financial management functions and practices within the public sector. Second, current public sector financial managers who wish to further develop expertise in public sector financial management. Finally, inservice public sector employees who wish to start a career in government finance and who may use the courses for the Certificate as a guide for their course work towards the Master of Public Administration degree.

Students may only pursue the certificate program in combination with a CSULB degree program.