Accredited Top 30 program Masters in Public Administration Traditional In-Person and Online
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 (1)
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
International MPA Students
Does the Martin School have funding available for MPA or MPP?
-
We do not have funding available for spring 2024. Funding applications for fall 2024 will open in December 2023
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
What is the minimum GPA for a Master's degree?
A 2.75 GPA is required.
Minimum language scores
| TOEFL iBT | 1837, Program Code 99 | 79 |
| IELTS | University of Kentucky Graduate School, Lexington, Kentucky | 6.5 Overall Mean Band Score |
| Duolingo | University of Kentucky Graduate School | 115 (May be evaluated by an ESL professional) |
Important Dates
Fall applications:
February 15: Deadline to apply and be considered for funding.
March 15: Notification letters regarding financial support sent out for fall semester
April 15: Deadline for international students to apply
One month prior to classes starting (fall): deadline for domestic students to apply
Spring applications:
September 15: Deadline for International students to apply for spring
One month prior to classes starting (spring): deadline for domestic students to apply
Starting your Master's Degree
- Transcripts (unofficial are acceptable for the application but official ones will be required by the Graduate School)
- Personal statement (indicate your public service background and why you want to obtain an MPA)
- CV or resume
- TOEFL/IELTS for international students
- GRE not required
