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Become a leader in policy change

Join one of US News and World Report's Top 30 MPA programs!  The Martin School trains professionals to work in non-profits, government agencies, non-governmental agencies and the political sphere, building on strong foundations in management, finance and analysis.  The Masters in Public Administration offers students the analytical, communication and organizational tools to implement policy to address complex social, economic and political issues.

Policy Core + Electives + Internship

Curriculum

  • 40 hours including policy core
  • 9 hours in an area of concentration (electives); can be satisfied with a certificate
  • internship or equivalent experience (PA 711)
  • a capstone (PA 681)

Fall Year 1

PA 621 Quantitative Methods of Research (3)

PA 631 Public Financial Management (3)

PA 651 The Policy Process (3)

PA 691 Leadership and Ethics in Public service (3)

Spring Year 1

PA 622 Public Program Evaluation (3)

PA 602 Strategic Planning of Public/Non-Profits (3)

PA 652 Public Policy Economics (3)

Fall Year 2

PA 623 Decision Analysis and Support Sys (3)

PA 642 Public/Non Profit Org Theory (3)

Elective (3)

Elective (3)

Spring Year 2

PA 681 Capstone (3)

Elective (3)

Internship (1)

Electives

  • Nine hours total; Taken in your second year (Fall/spring)
  • Based on your policy interests (Education, Environmental, Non-profit, Public Financial Management, etc)
  • A certificate can count for electives Public Financial Management or Non-Profit Certificate

2021-2022 Graduation Rates of MPA Cohort

Below is a breakdown of time to graduation for the 5-year MPA cohort starting in 2017-2018:

Initially enrolled 19
Graduated within 2 years 16
Graduated within 3 years 18
Graduated within 4 years 19

*Full-time students generally complete the degree in two years, while part-time students (less than 9 credit hours per semester) can take at least twice as long, depending on the various course loads. Dual degree students (PharmD/MPA or JD/MPA) generally complete both programs in four years.

2021- 2022 MPA Job Placements

The majority of 2021-2022 graduates found employment in both U.S. local/state/federal government and International government, due to our International program with the Korean Development Institute.

NASPAA Categories Students
Total 23
US Government 3
State Government 3
U.S. Local Government 1
International Quasi-Government or Government All Levels 4
Nonprofit (domestic-oriented) 4
Nonprofit (international) 1
Private Sector (research/consulting) 1
Private Sector (not research/consulting) 1
Obtaining Further Education 5
Military Service 0
Unemployed (not seeking employment) 0
Unemployed (seeking employment) 0
Status Unknown 0

Most students obtaining further education are joint PharmD/MPA students who complete their Pharmacy degree after their MPA.

Complete a fully online Masters of Public Administration!

The Martin School offers a fully online and accredited Masters of Public Administration!  This program also comes with in-state tuition and the ability to complete the degree on your schedule.

Full-time vs. part-time MPA student

Explore your options for the MPA program!

International MPA Students

Can the Martin School waive the application fee?

We do not have any fee waivers available 
 

If my instruction was in English, how do I get a TOEFL/IELTS waiver?

Once you apply, your institution should email the appropriate Graduate School admissions officer with proof of English instruction

Apply now!

Important application dates Apply to the MPA program!

50% non-profits

Half of public policy graduates serve in non-profits

32% Public Sector

State, city and local governments

10% Private Sector

Our students help companies bridge the gap to the public sector

Contact Graduate Student Affairs

Director of Graduate Studies, MPA and MPP

Caroline Weber

Caroline Weber Director of Graduate Studies, MPA and MPP

Linked Department (or Location)
Meet Dr. Caroline Weber
Location Detail
431 Patterson Office Tower
Email
caroline.weber@uky.edu
Phone
859-562-3179

NASPAA Accredited

The Martin School's MPA program is accredited by the NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation and listed on the Annual Roster of Accredited Programs in conformity with NASPAA standards.

NASPAA, the global standard in public service education, is the premier specialized accreditor of graduate programs in the area of public affairs. Only 173 institutions are currently accredited.

The most recent reaccreditation cycle was completed in 2021, and is valid through 2028

MPA Mission Statement

The Martin School's Master of Public Administration program prepares future public and nonprofit leaders who are committed to integrity and excellence in public policy, public financial analysis, and public management.

To accomplish our mission we:

  • Foster commitment to public service and excellence in public policy and administration.
  • Prepare both pre-service and in-service students to provide professional leadership in public policy and administration at all levels of government, in not-for-profit organizations, and in the public service-related activities of profit-seeking enterprises.
  • Enhance the knowledge and problem solving capabilities of our students by focusing on policy analytic and public financial management skills so they can function effectively as analysts, managers, and leaders.