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The MPA program is 40 credit hours, including a 3-credit hour internship and a 3-credit hour capstone class. The program combines one and half year of graduate study leading to academic courses for 36 credits with a half year of internship placement (3 credits) and Capstone course (3 credits). This is called a “One-Plus-One Matching Program.”

The MPA program provides the analytic and conceptual foundations necessary for successful advancement within public agencies. The curriculum covers the areas of economics, finance, budgeting, accounting, management, statistics, research methods, policy formulation and analysis, and the political and legal environments of public administration.

You can read more about the core curriculum on the Martin School's MPA page. Note that the major area of difference is the final semester-- while general MPA students complete an internship in the summer, IPPMI MPA students complete it during the last semester in place of elective courses. 

How to apply for a Master's in Public Administration

Admission Requirements

Participation in this “1+1 Matching Program” requires a minimum of a baccalaureate degree, 3 years of substantial professional experience in a managerial or public policy position, and English language competency.

All applicants whose native language is not English are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS scores directly from the testing service. The minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 550 (paper-based) 213 (computer-based) or 79 (internet-based). The minimum IELTS score is 6.5. Submitted scores must be no more than two years old. Since the Internship and capstone project require a specific set of English language skills unique to the job market and policy analysis work, each student will attend an 8 week course at the IPPMI before the academic courses start.

Tuition

All costs incurred during the education of the selected officials will be funded by the MOPAS. Funds to cover the expenses of students in the “1+1 Matching Program”, includes tuition, student fees, and internship support. The MOPAS agrees that the tuition and fees set by University of Kentucky annually are announced the spring semester for the subsequent fiscal year which begins on July 1st. Also, the MOPAS agrees the possibility of up to a 5-percent increase in each year, if needed, to reflect changes in University of Kentucky’s tuition schedule.

Tuition and fees are established in accordance with the University of Kentucky’s Graduate Non-Resident tuition and fees. Additionally, fees for English language instruction and internships arranged by the IPPMI will be assessed. Fees vary from year to year. Please contact Dr. Doo Oak Kim to inquire about fees. 

UK Cost of Attendance

The Ministry of Public Administration and Security, the Republic of Korea and the International Public Policy and Management Institute of the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Kentucky, USA desiring to enhance mutual understanding and friendship by promoting the One-Plus-One Matching Program in Public Administration coordinate to offer international students a chance to earn a Master's of Public Administration through the Martin School at UK.

Important Dates

September 15: Deadline to apply for spring admission

April 15: Deadline to apply for spring admission

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Our MOU with the Korean Government

  • Offer selected officials of the Korean Government the opportunity to complete the requirements for a Master of Public Administration degree, English language courses, professional field visits and internship practicum in the United States;
  • Exchange and training of faculty, staff and officials to share experiences and ideas in the field of public administration;
  • Exchange of academic information, materials and publications related to education and training program;
  • Any other academic exchanges or cooperative activities that may be jointly decided upon by the Sides such as one year long professional training.

IPPMI Director

Headshot of Dr. Doo Oak Kim

Dr. Doo Oak Kim Director of IPPMI, Associate Professor

Location Detail
1169 Patterson Office Tower
Email
doo-oak.kim@uky.edu
Phone
859-257-8924 (Office)

IPPMI Assistant

Olivia Concoridista Oswald, IPPMI Assistant

Olivia Oswald IPPMI Assistant

Location Detail
1177 Patterson Office Tower
Email
olivia.oswald@uky.edu
Phone
859-257-1627 (Office)