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At the Martin School, we believe that studying public policy is one of the most powerful ways for students to turn their passions for leadership, service and advocacy into careers that make a difference. Our public policy program prepares students for a wide range of meaningful career paths — whether in law, government, nonprofit leadership, policy research, communications or other fields. Our graduates leave with the critical thinking, analytical and communication skills needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced world. Many also continue their education in law school or other graduate programs. 

7:1 Students to Faculty

Close instruction with a diverse faculty is at the core of our educational commitment.

#4 Public Budgeting and Finance

We have ranked highly in US News and World Report for years.

$6.5M $6.5 Million in grant funding in the last five years!

Our faculty deliver ground-breaking research at the highest levels.

#26 Public Affairs graduate programs

according to US World and News Report 2024

Academic Programs

All Programs Online, Certificates, Undergraduate Minor, & more!

You can earn Master's degree or Certificate at your own pace, online. Our programs are designed to meet you where you are, and train you to launch a career in public service.

Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy B.A.

A major or minor in Public Policy will give you the skills you need to offer applied, analytical solutions that impact the world. 

Master of Public Administration M.P.A.

Master the skills required for advanced careers across the public administration, government, nonprofit management, and public affairs opportunities. 

Master of Public Policy M.P.P.

Master applied analytical solutions to further analyze policy and use data to drive progress within an organization. This degree is ideal for those wanting to advance professionally and practically.

Master of Public Financial Management M.P.F.M.

Designed in mind with professionals who are currently in the workforce and hoping to gain practical skills in    public budgeting and finance to advance in their career while maintaining employment.

PhD in Public Policy and Administration Ph.D.

This degree is designed for those who are interested in carrying out sophisticated policy research and meaningful careers in academia, government agencies, and organizations of their choosing.

Latest News

Graduating MPA Student, Emily Wiley, selected as UK Commencement Speaker

Graduating MPA/Non-Profit Certificate student, Emily Wiley, was selected as one of four 2024 Commencement speakers at the UK-wide ceremony on Friday, May 3.  Congratulations!  For more information on her and the other speakers, read the UK Now article here 

Valentina Osunmade published an article on Tornado-Safe Rooms

MPP student, Valentina Osunmade, wrote an article on tornado-safe rooms in the spring 2024 edition of the KAMM newsletter.  You can read it here  Congrats on your accomplishment!

PhD news!

Congratulations to Yunjun Kim on his recent publication "Assessing the Economic Impact of Innovative Cities" in Policy Studies https://doi.org/10.1080/

MPA student Devin Dunigan attended the 19th Annual Black Policy Conference at Harvard Kennedy School of Government

Congratulations to Devin on this amazing accomplishment! In a world where meaningful change often begins with dialogue, Devin Dunigan, a first-year Master of Public Policy student, recently embarked on an inspiring journey at the 19th Annual Black Policy Conference held at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. This prestigious event serves as a beacon of hope, bringing together leading minds and practitioners to address challenges impacting Black communities and fostering sustainable solutions.

Three Martin School Students received the Employee Educational Assistance Awards

Three Martin School students received the Women’s Forum Employee Educational Assistance Award compliments UK’s existing tuition waiver program, the Employee Education Program (EEP). Recipients receive $250 to assist with the cost of books and/or other materials, supplies and fees related to their UK coursework. Congratulations to them! The Spring 2024 recipients are:

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