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Masters Degree (MPFM) in
Public Financial Management

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Next ArrowFORMAT
Fully Online
Next ArrowTOTAL CREDITS 36
Next ArrowCREDENTIALS MPFM Degree
Next Arrow COST PER CREDIT $791.50
NEXT APPLICATION DATE:
December 13, 2024

About this Program


Achieve impact as a financial manager for public and nonprofit organizations. This online program will equip you with skills in public finance, governmental accounting, and financial management to manage organizations.

This program can be completed in two years of continuous enrollment (fall-spring-summer).

Designed For

This program is appropriate for individuals seeking to specialize in financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal policy within government and nonprofit sectors. Prospective students often have backgrounds in finance, economics, accounting, or public administration, and are interested in managing public funds effectively to promote transparency, accountability, and economic stability.

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Masters Degree in Public Financial Management

Offered by the Martin School of Public Administration

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Learn more about the Public Financial Management online program.

Earn your degree on your schedule. Online makes it possible.

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What You’ll Learn


Courses are taught in sequential, 8- and 4-week modules that allow you to actively participate as you balance work-life demands. As a student in our program, you will:

  • Work with faculty that have expertise in relevant areas such as public budgeting, debt management, public sector accounting, and auditing.
  • Develop practical knowledge of public finance, governmental accounting, and financial management.
  • Prepare to efficiently manage the finances of public and nonprofit institutions and develop new, financially sustainable programs for those organizations.

Career Stats

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Course Examples

  • PA 631 Public Financial Management
  • PA 632 Public Funds Management
  • PA 625 Govt Accounting & Financial Condition Analysis
  • PA 627 Governmental Auditing
  • PA 696 Legal Issues in PFM
  • PA 626 Applications in Govt Accounting & Auditing
  • PA 633 Municipal Securities
  • PA 695 Data and Revenue Forecasting
  • PA 685 Tax Administration
  • PA 697 Public Financial Policy Analysis
  • PA 694 Public Pensions and Insurance
  • PA 681 Capstone Project

GOT QUESTIONS?

Schedule time to meet with a representative from the Public Financial Management 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.

*Summer semester start date in only available to students who have completed the Public Financial Management graduate certificate at UK.

Application Requirements

  • Resume or CV
  • Personal statement - Indicate your public service background and why you want to obtain an MPFM
  • Two (2) letters of recommendation 
  • Official transcripts
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Program Contact

Dr. Rhonda Trautman
Program Director

Deadlines

Fall 2025

Application Due Date:
07/25/2025
Start Date:
08/25/2025

Spring 2025

Application Due Date:
12/13/2024
Start Date:
01/13/2025

Graduating from the Martin School's MPFM program was transformative. Beyond leveraging my UK employee benefits, the program ignited a profound passion for public financial management thanks to the exceptional instructors and well-structured courses. Its online asynchronous format perfectly complemented my professional life, equipping me with invaluable knowledge for my present role and future endeavors.

Lauren Hogsed
UK College of Design Assistant Dean of Finance and Martin School Alumna

Why UK Online

Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. 

No GRE Icon No test scores required.
UK degree Icon Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
Grad tuition cap Icon Save money by paying for only 9 standard credit hours per semester, even if you take more.
Flexible schedule Icon Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions

Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.

Tuition

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.

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.

For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.

Online Learning

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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