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The International Public Policy and Management Institute offers a one-year Professional Certification program for international professionals in the field of public policy and government. The Certificate program is designed to provide international professionals with an academic, professional & cultural experience in the United States.

The program consists of the following five components:

  • Independent academic studies and research on current issues in disciplines relevant to participant’s professions
  • Comprehensive English language training for formal and practical communication
  • Professional field trips to private and public enterprises, and government agencies
  • Job shadowing experience with local public and government officials
  • American cultural experiences

Qualifications & Admissions Process

Program Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Basic English language competency

Application Deadlines

  • July 1 for Fall semester

  • October 31 for Spring semester

Program Cost

  • $24,000/year

Funding Requirements

Funding must be secured for the entirety of the initial period requested.  The minimum funding required is: 

  • J-1 Exchange Visitor is $1,834/month or $22,000/year
  • J-2 Spouse is an additional $567/month or $6,800/year
  • J-2 Child (per child) is an additional $392/month or $4,700/year

*More information on funding

Required Documents

  • Application Form
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Letter of Recommendation (at least one)
  • Certificate of Employment
  • Certificate of English Test (TOEFL or equivalent)
  • Official Transcript
  • A copy of the biographical page of your passport (and of each accompanying dependent, if applicable)
  • Marriage Certificate (if bringing spouse)
  • City of Birth (of applicant and each accompanying family member)
  • Emergency Contact in home country. Must include contact’s name, phone, address and, if possible, e-mail address.
  • Email addresses and phone numbers of any dependents (spouse or children)
  • Personal Statement (Research Plan)
  • Affidavit of Financial Support and Bank Statement
    • 51% of total program funding must come from outside source

Coursework 18 hours/week

Integrated Communication in Public Policy
9 hours/week
Instructors: Michael Taylor and Keith Gilbertson 

Federal, State, and Local Government in the United States
2 hours/week
InstructorMichael Childress

American Government Studies
2 hours/week
Instructor: Margaret Plattner and Tracey Enlow

Understanding America
2 hours/week 
Instructor: Doo Oak Kim, Keith Gilbertson, Geraldine Maschio, YoonBai Kim

Public Policy Field Visits
3 hours/week 
Instructor: Doo Oak Kim

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)