UMass Boston

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Public Finance & Budgeting

Course Overview

Date / Time Location Credits Minimium Tuition*
1/26/26 - 5/13/26
Th 4p.m. – 6:45p.m.		 M03-0440 PPOL/PAF Conf Rm 3 $2657 (guest students)
Date
1/26/26 - 5/13/26
Time
Th 4p.m. – 6:45p.m.
Location
M03-0440 PPOL/PAF Conf Rm
Credits
3
Min. Tuition*
$2657 (guest students)

Description

This required core class covers both public finance and budgeting. The course discusses theories of optimal tax design under rational optimization and efficient public spending with rational consumers. The course also critically examines alternative reasons, other than market-oriented efficiency, for the existence of specific taxes and particular spending programs, such as politics and equity. This course further considers ways by which governments may be able to manage taxes, spending and deficits in line with citizens' preference. This include long-term budget planning, decentralization, privatization and performance based budgeting.

Prerequisites

Graduate degree student in Public Policy or graduate student with permission of instructor

Guest registration opens January 12

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Course Details

Session

Regular Academic Session

Class Dates

1/26/2026 - 5/13/2026

Location

M03-0440 PPOL/PAF Conf Rm

Enrolled / Capacity

6 / 15

Status

Closed

Instructor

Stephanie Lessing

Tuition*

$2657 (guest students)

* The tuition estimate is based on minimum, single-course cost to a new student who is a Massachusetts resident and not enrolled in a multi-course program. State residency, online/in person modality, and matriculation to a degree program may affect cost.

Tuition Details