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2021 Martin School Grads

Master of Public Policy

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Master in Public Policy

The Martin School's 37-hour MPP is designed for students considering a career in policy research or pursuing a PhD; it overlaps in some ways with the MPA, but emphasizes data analysis and evaluation. An MPP can help develop the competencies needed to address complex policy questions via quantitative analysis within all levels of government and nonprofits. This program also builds a foundation for students wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration.

The MPP program is taught by Martin School’s core faculty members and adjunct faculty members, with additional electives being offered by joint faculty members from various departments on campus. The program is classroom-based and conducted on the University of Kentucky's main campus in Lexington. Courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening, allowing for part-time work during the program. 

Curriculum

Prerequisites

In preparation for the program, students should have taken at least one statistics and one algebra course. It is possible to take statistics concurrently in the first semester of MPP coursework, but it will not count towards the MPP degree.

Four Components

The MPP curriculum consists of four major components:

  1.  the policy core
  2. an area of concentration,
  3. an internship or equivalent experience, and a
  4. capstone project

Area of Concentration

The area of concentration consists of two related courses that apply the concepts of the policy core to a particular subject or policy area. The following areas of concentration are common among MPP students.

  • Non-Profit Management
  • Public Financial Management
  • Policy Analysis
  • Social Policy 

In consultation with the DGS, students can create their own concentrations with relevant courses from other departments.

Policy Core

All students take 28 hours of policy core courses. The core provides the analytic and conceptual foundations necessary for successful entry into and advancement within public and nonprofit agencies. The core covers the areas of economics, finance, budgeting, management, statistics, research methods, policy formulation, and policy analysis.

First Year, Fall

PA 651 THE POLICY PROCESS (3) 

PA 624 GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (3) 

PA 692 ECONOMETRICS FOR POLICY ANALYSTS (3) 

PA 795 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (1)  - Math Prep (1 credit hour)

First Year, Spring

PA 622 PUBLIC PROGRAM EVALUATION (3) 

PA 652 PUBLIC POLICY ECONOMICS (3) 

PA 690 PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS OVERVIEW (3) 

Total: 9 credit hours

Second Year, Fall

PA 642 Public and Non-Profit Organizational Theory and Behavior(3) 

Guided Elective (choose one) or free elective

PA 631: Public Financial Management

Second Year, Spring

PA 681: Capstone

Approved Elective or guided elective

Total: 6 credit hours

International Students

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 are the minimum scores required for the TOEFL/IELTS?

UK's Graduate School sets minimum score requirements for English language. You can find that information here.

Marina Byrd

"The Martin School MPP program prepared me for my career by providing the writing, communication, and analytical skills necessary for working as an analyst. The professors ensure that their students understand how to apply these skills to real-world examples to be ready for a job after graduation.  The Martin School also helps students build on skills learned in the classroom by connecting them with internships and jobs with many different types of government entities and nonprofits."

Important Dates

Fall semester

  • All students seeking funding from the Martin School: February 15th
  • International students: April 15th
  • Domestic students not seeking funding: one month prior to classes starting (generally late July)

 

How to apply

  • Unofficial transcripts (official will be required later)
  • Personal statement
  • CV or resume
  • Statistics and algebra courses on transcript
  • TOEFL/IELTS for international students
  • Two letters of recommendation

Apply now

Contact Graduate Student Affairs

Director of Graduate Studies, MPA and MPP

Jeongyoon Lee

Jeongyoon Lee Director of Graduate Studies, MPA and MPP

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