5 credits
Sound financial practices are crucial to managing scarce funds and making decisions in government and nonprofit organizations. Although the term "public" is synonymous with government, this course also includes nonprofit organizations because they serve a public interest. The course provides students an overview of budgeting and financial management processes in the government and nonprofit sectors from a management perspective. Students examine finance and budgeting concepts, policies, tools, and practices related to public and nonprofit organizations as well as the fiscal climate within which they operate. In addition to reading and analyzing budgets, financial statements, and reports, students also examine issues of equity, transparency, ethics, accountability, and positive social change involved in managing public finances. They develop quantitative and communication skills related to interpreting and presenting information about the financial position and performance of public and nonprofit organizations and contextualize their learning as they examine and apply budgeting tools and skills to real-world scenarios.