Fully Online Program Master of Public Financial Management 36 credit hour program
Why MPFM?
The Master of Public Financial Management (MPFM) is designed to meet the national demand for well-trained financial managers for public and non-profit organizations and prepares students for careers in public financial management, accounting and budget analysis. Offered 100% online and asynchronously, the MPFM courses and schedule are designed for working and non-traditional students to engage in their classes at their own pace while taking two classes per semester (8 weeks each). The 36 credit hour program includes all the courses found in the Graduate Certificate (link) plus an additional 24 hours. For more information, contact the Program Director, Rhonda Trautman rhonda.trautman@uky.edu
MPFM Curriculum Can be completed in 2 years of course work, including summers
Each course is 8 weeks, except in the summer
Fall 1: PA 631 Public Financial Management/PA 632 Public Funds Management
Spring 1: PA 625 Govt Accounting & Financial Condition Analysis/PA 627 Governmental Auditing
Summer 1 (4 weeks): PA 696 Legal Issues in PFM/PA 626 Applications in Govt Accounting & Auditing
Fall 2: PA 633 Municipal Securities/PA 695 Data and Revenue Forecasting
Spring 2: PA 683 Tax Policy/PA 697 Public Financial Policy Analysis
Summer 2 (4 weeks): PA 694 Public Pensions and Insurance/PA 681 Capstone Project
The Capstone is a self-selected research project centered on relevant policy questions, which you will present during your final master's exam.
MPFM vs Graduate Certificate
Both the MPFM and the Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management:
- Include four foundational courses in public financial management
- are affordable-all online students pay the in-state tuition rate
- are offered in similar online, asynchronous formats
- If a student starts in the Certificate and continues into the Masters, those certificate credits will count towards your Masters
Graduate Certificate
- Can be completed in one academic year
- can enhance other advanced degrees or provide an introduction to professionals
Master of Public Financial Management
- Can be completed in two years of continuous enrollment (fall-spring-summer)
- Provides the opportunity to take electives focusing on technical, central financial management questions
- Includes a capstone project
Tuition and Student Visas
Certificate students pay the in-state tuition rate when enrolled in fully online courses; please note that admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa. Per state laws, distance education courses and programs must be legally authorized in a state prior to offering courses or programs to students residing there.
Starting your Master's Degree
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement (indicate your public service background and why you want to obtain an MPA)
- CV or resume
- TOEFL/IELTS for international students
- Residential master's students who want to be considered for funded positions must also submit a Funding Interest Form with their application for admission. Please note: you do not need to attach this to your admission application; just submit the form directly to us via this link
- GRE not required for MPA
