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Master of Public Policy

Become a leader in policy change!

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. 

APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2025 ARE OPEN!

  • 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
  • Supplemental Funding Interest Form
  • Funding FAQs

APPLY NOW!

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.

Fall Year 1

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)

Spring Year 1

PA 622 PUBLIC PROGRAM EVALUATION (3) 

PA 652 PUBLIC POLICY ECONOMICS (3) 

PA 690 PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS OVERVIEW (3) 

Fall Year 2

PA 623 DECISION ANALYSIS AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS (3)

PA 642 PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THEORY AND BEHAVIOR (3) 

PA 631 PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (3)

PA 711 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (3)


 

Spring Year 2

PA 681 CAPSTONE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (3)

Public Policy Elective (choose two):

  • PPL 575 Education Finance and Policy
  • PPL 583 Tax Policy
  • PPL 584 Environmental Policy

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.


MPP Components

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

Client-Based Capstones

The Martin School's MPP features a modern client-based capstone program! Students have the opportunity to work on something of value to an organization and the larger community while applying what they learned in class to a something of importance. They also make numerous professional connections along the way! 

Some of our students have even been invited to present their capstone projects to the organization after its completion! 

Past MPP students have created client-based capstones with the following organizations:

  • Kentucky Youth Advocates
  • Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
  • Lexington-Fayette County Urban County Government (LFUCG) Department of Social Services
  • United Way of Bluegrass
  • Kentucky League of Cities
  • Blue Grass Community Foundation
  • Prichard Committee
  • Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation
logos for the client-based capstone organizations

Contact Graduate Student Affairs

Director of Graduate Studies, MPA & MPP

Jeongyoon Lee

Dr. Jeongyoon Lee Director of Graduate Studies, MPA & MPP

Linked Department (or Location)
Meet Dr. Jeongyoon Lee
Location Detail
425 Patterson Office Tower
Email
jeongyoon.lee@uky.edu
Phone
859-257-5742

Graduate Student Affairs Officer

Audrey Sparks headshot

Audrey Sparks Graduate Student Affairs Officer

Linked Department (or Location)
Meet Audrey Sparks
Location Detail
407 Patterson Office Tower
Email
audrey.sparks@uky.edu
Phone
859-562-3132

Frequently Asked Questions

Master of Public Administration vs Master of Public Policy

Master of Public Administration

The Master of Public Administration focuses on leadership, organizational management, budgeting, human resources, and public service ethics to develop the skills needed to manage teams, lead organizations, and oversee programs. MPA graduates typically pursue careers in public administration, government management, nonprofit management, and public affairs. MPA graduates have a basic understanding of quantitative methods, which allows them to fill various job roles. Common roles include city manager, public affairs director, nonprofit executive director, and human resources manager. 

Master of Public Policy

The Master of Public Policy emphasizes quantitative analysis, research, economics, econometrics, and policy evaluation to develop skills in data analysis, economic modeling, and policy design. MPP graduates often work as policy analysts, researchers, consultants, or advisors in government agencies, think tanks, research institutions, and international organizations. MPP graduates have a much more in-depth understanding of quantitative analysis, which allows them to act in much more data-centered roles. Common roles include policy analyst, program evaluator, legislative analyst, and public policy consultant.