Certificate

Municipal Finance

The Municipal Finance Certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in local government municipal offices.  It provides the base for a career path in municipal finance where there is great opportunity for advancement with experience and additional education. Students are encouraged to build on the certificate and obtain the A.S. Business Administration: Accounting Concentration or the A.S. Business Administration transfer degree at the College.

 
Total Credits
27
Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), does not segregate data for the positions in which students would enter after completing this certificate.  A study was conducted on behalf of the State to address the current administrative and staffing climate within the municipalities of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts due to the aging workforce and lack of qualified people to fill these positions. The findings in Commonwealth of Massachusetts Local Government Workforce Skills Gap Report: Preparing Future Local Government Finance Officials (released May 15, 2018), provide the conclusion that a joint effort between state and local government and academic institutions is needed to meet the short-term and long-term hiring needs of municipalities.

This occupational profile is provided by O*NET.

Completion of a program is based on full time enrollment. Many of our students attend part time and may not complete within the one year timeline.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Municipal Finance Certificate, students are able to:

  • Demonstrate desirable work habits including verbal/written communication skills, technological competence, critical thinking, problem solving, self-reliance, cooperativeness, and adaptability.
  • Analyze ethical issues and apply ethical standards in the performance of responsibilities in the municipal finance environment.
  • Assume an entry-level position in one of the various state or local municipal offices.
  • Demonstrate the ability to successfully complete continuing education for career advancement.

Prerequisite Statement

To graduate within this program in the specified time, students must begin in the Fall semester and successfully place into required courses based on placement test results and/or high school GPA. Academic advisors can assist with questions.

Program Completion for Business Programs

Completion of a program is based on full time enrollment. Many of our students attend part time and may not complete within the specified timeline.

Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning Requirement for Business Programs

College-level MAT courses meet the Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning General Education requirement for all business degrees. ECO101: Macroeconomics and ECO102: Microeconomics will meet the Behavior & Social Science general education requirement.