University of Kentucky®
Masters Degree (MPFM) in
Public Financial Management
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 36
CREDENTIALS MPFM Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$791.50
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Masters Degrees
- Public Financial Management (MPFM)
About this Program
Gain the skills to lead in government and nonprofit finance with the University of Kentucky’s 100% online Master of Public Financial Management (MPFM) program. Designed for working professionals, this flexible graduate degree equips you with the expertise to manage public funds, navigate financial regulations, and drive policy impact. Whether you’re advancing in your current role or transitioning into public sector leadership, the UK MPFM prepares you to make data-driven, ethical financial decisions in today’s complex public finance landscape.
The online public financial management master's degree 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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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
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
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2026
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 HogsedWhy 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.
Degrees are conferred by the University of Kentucky, an accredited university.
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
How long does it take to complete the MPFM program?
The program can be completed in as little as 24 months, depending on your course load and schedule.
Do I need a background in finance or public administration to apply?
While a background in public service, finance, or accounting is helpful, it is not required. The program is designed for professionals from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds.
How many credit hours are required to complete the MPFM?
The MPFM program requires 36 credit hours to graduate.
Can I work while completing the MPFM program?
Yes! The flexible online format is specifically designed for working professionals who want to advance their education without putting their careers on hold.
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.
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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