Students in the Management, Finance and Leadership program or MFL, begin their training in accounting, finance and budgeting. However, unlike their business school counterparts, these courses focus on public sector problems and applications. Students learn critical professional skills, including revenue forecasting, cost-benefit analysis and the analysis of governmental fiscal conditions.

The relationship of coursework to real-life problems and opportunities is explored throughout the course of study. Focusing on the principles of management and leadership, students also consider the people and money aspects of organizations, exploring topics such as the impact of information technology, downsizing and privatization. “Our focus on leadership is unique,” says Professor Kenneth Apfel, director of the program.

The program offers two major tracks, one in management and leadership and the other in public sector financial management. According to Apfel, the School is one of the few public policy schools that offer the public sector financial management track. And, its graduates are highly sought-after for employment, with many receiving multiple job offers.

In addition, students interested in the MFL Specialization can pursue the Executive Master of Public Management Program.  The Executive Program is open to working professionals with five years of public management and policy-related experience. Students enrolled in this Program follow a prescribed curriculum, strong in management, finance, and leadership courses, totaling 36 academic credits.  Executive Master students attend evening classes which are held twice a week at the facilities of the Council for Excellence in Government located at 1301 K Street, NW in Washington, D.C.    For more information on he Executive Master Program, please visit http://www.publicpolicy.umd.edu/ExecutiveMasterProgram/

Faculty members come from such backgrounds as former Commissioner of the US Social Security Administration, former undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics and the deputy director of management for the White House Office of Management and Budget, the highest management position in the federal government. “If you are looking for the kind of learning that comes form working with people who have real- life experience in senior levels of the government, there is no better place to go,” says Apfel.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for Booz Allen Hamilton, the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, U.S. General Accounting Office, the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, and the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.