What does a degree in Public Financial Management actually lead to? For many students, it means stepping into leadership, influencing financial decisions, and making a measurable impact in their organizations and communities.
Graduates of the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration's online Public Financial Management programs are applying what they’ve learned right away—advancing in their careers, expanding their responsibilities, and leading with confidence.
Every student enters the program with different goals—but they share a common outcome: gaining the skills and confidence to move forward. Hear directly from graduates about how the program shaped their careers.
Master of Public Financial Management MPFM (2019)Megan Bowles MartinezProcurement Specialist IV, City of Austin, Texas
"The University of Kentucky’s Master of Public Financial Management program enhanced my budgeting, compliance, and financial analysis skills, which I use daily to manage multiple complex procurements. The program equips graduates with the necessary tools to lead in government finance, navigate regulations, and make ethical data-driven decisions in any public sector role. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge and experience I gained, helping me provide transparency, accountability, and strategic impact in the projects I oversee."
Master of Public Financial Management MPFM (2024)Andrew StoverPolicy Analyst, Maryland State Legislature
"As someone who prioritized being able to work full time while pursuing my master's degree, the MPFM program was perfect. The structure is set up to fit your schedule, and I was often able to connect my responsibilities at work with what I was working on in the classroom. Since finishing the program, my degree has helped further my career in public service and take on issue areas I learned about in class."
Public Financial Management Graduate CertificateMichael PelfreyUniversity of Kentucky, Payroll Administrative Officer
"The courses were informative and the flexibility of the online classes allowed me to complete the assignments while working full time with two children in school and extracurricular activities. As I was completing the third of my four required courses for the certificate, I decided to continue in the program and switched to the MPFM program. As of February 2026, I now have three more courses to complete before receiving my master’s degree. As the human resources and payroll administrative officer in the Veterinary Science department at the University of Kentucky, I have gained knowledge that has helped me in my current position and should help further my future career."
Public Financial Management Graduate CertificateDavid TimoneyInstitutional Philanthropy Officer Senior
"The certificate gave me invaluable financial and accounting tools that I use daily… I can’t speak highly enough about the Martin School faculty and staff that supported me during the certificate program!”
Current MPFM studentRobert WetmoreDirector - Capital Program Management & Finance, SUNY Albany
"I was particularly drawn to the MPFM at UK’s Martin School after a nationwide search for high quality online programs at universities with strong name reputation which would be of highest value to my circumstance as a busy working professional. It was immediately clear to me that Martin School had a strong identity and also that the MPFM had a distinct curriculum that was not simply an MPA with a few courses in finance. The option for fully online and asynchronous delivery were also invaluable. Without exception, the coursework has been interesting, rewarding, and directly applicable in my workplace. Every course has been very content-filled and challenging, yet manageable while working full time."
Interested in Taking this Program?
View the program page for application deadlines and more information.
Earn your degree on your schedule. Choose from one of our 80+ degrees and certificates, designed to be flexible with your lifestyle and career at any stage of your educational goals.
University of Kentucky®
