University of Kentucky®
Masters Degree (MPA) in
Public Administration
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 40
CREDENTIALS MPA Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$753.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Masters Degrees
- Public Administration (MPA)
About this Program
The Masters in Public Administration offers students the analytical, communication and organizational tools to implement policy to address complex social, economic and political issues.
Our 100% online MPA program is accredited by NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) and is currently ranked among the top 30 schools of public affairs by US News and World Report. Earn your public administration degree online from the University of Kentucky!
Designed For
This program is ideal for individuals interested in careers within government, nonprofit organizations, or public service sectors. Prospective students often have backgrounds in political science, economics, sociology, or public policy, and are committed to addressing societal challenges through effective governance, policy analysis, and leadership in public and nonprofit organizations.
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Fill out this form to be sent information on the Masters (MPA) in Public Administration program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
This program offers the opportunity for students to customize the curriculum to their specific policy interests: Education, Environmental, Non-profit, Public Financial Management, etc.
- Core mechanisms of public administration, including the organization and management of human and financial resources
- Political, economic, legal, and social environments of public policy and administration
- Unique challenges and opportunities of providing public goods and services in a diverse society. This includes the understanding of public administration and policy in an international and comparative context
Course Examples
- PA 621 Quantitative Methods of Research
- PA 631 Public Financial Management
- PA 651 The Policy Process
- PA 622 Public Program Evaluation
- PA 602 Strategic Planning of Public/NonProfits
- PA 652 Public Policy Economics
- PA 623 Decision Analysis and Support Sys
- PA 642 Public/Non Profit Org Theory
- PA 681 Capstone
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from the Public Administration program to talk about your unique situation.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Must have obtained a baccalaureate degree, prior to the start of the admission term, from a fully accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or from a recognized foreign institution. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
- An overall grade point average of 2.75 on undergraduate work and 3.00 on all graduate work, if applicable.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
- Resume
- Personal Statement - Indicate your public service background and why you want to obtain an MPA
- CV or resume
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (Only an email address is required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter.)
- Official transcripts
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2026
The Martin School’s MPA program challenges students to critically solve today’s most pressing policy issues. It provided me with a strong foundation in the fundamentals of public administration across various levels of government and nonprofit organizations while improving my ability to navigate and analyze complex policy issues from diverse perspectives.
Ryan Kaffenberger, alumniWhy UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Save money by paying for only 9 standard credit hours per semester, even if you take more.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Frequently Asked Questions
About
Who are the core faculty I will learn from?
The Online MPA program is taught by experienced faculty from the University of Kentucky’s Martin School of Public Policy and Administration — ranked among the top public affairs schools in the nation. Our professors bring real-world policy, research, and leadership experience to the virtual classroom.
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
Is there a tuition cap?
Yes! For graduate students who enroll full-time (9+ credit hours) exclusively in a distance education program, will receive a capped tuition rate. To see the current term’s capped tuition rate, please visit https://www.uky.edu/studentaccount/tuition and look for “Graduate Students Enrolled Exclusively in Distance Education Courses -- full-time.” This is the per semester rate you will pay when enrolled for 9 or more credit hours. Please note, this rate only applies to programs using the standard graduate tuition rate.
What tuition assistance is available for graduate students?
Graduate students should review the Student Funding information available through the Graduate School. Specific programs may offer additional funding that is unique to that program. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) in the department in which you wish to enroll with questions about the availability of assistantships and the application process.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully online programs, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Should I enroll as a full-time graduate student?
This depends on each student and their ability to manage the heavy course load of enrolling full-time, which is 9 credit hours (typically, 3 classes) per semester. Students who enroll full-time may find it difficult to keep even a part-time job. Students who are able to manage a full-time courseload can take advantage of our Graduate Tuition Cap and save on tuition, which offers a flat tuition rate per semester when enrolled in 9 or more credit hours.
Will I have to attend class at a specific time?
No, all classes are asynchronous. This means that students complete the course requirements according to the syllabus and deadlines, but they have flexibility within their own schedule to complete coursework at times that work best for their schedule. We recommend students log in everyday to ensure they are staying on top of communication and assignments.
What should I expect in online classes?
It's important to know how to approach learning in an online program. Online classes are not harder nor easier than in-person classes, but they are different due to their asynchronous modality. This means students should expect to:
Develop a routine: Login to your online class routinely (we recommend at least once daily) to receive updates and contribute meaningfully to any ongoing discussions.
Be good time managers: Determine when you have time to work on coursework throughout the week so you don't fall behind or put off assignments until the last minute.
Communicate: If you are having any trouble, message your peers and/or your instructor right away to ask for help or clarification. Never be afraid to reach out to your instructors or Student Affairs if you need assistance--we have many resources to help you, but we need to know your situation to act accordingly on your behalf.
If you need additional support in navigating the online classroom, Canvas (our learning management system) has a number of helpful tools, including a module for new students that walks through everything you need to know about navigating information in your online class.
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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