Program Overview

Master's Degree (MPP) in Public Administration - Public Policy

The Master of Public Administration - Public Policy (MPP) program at the University of Kentucky’s Martin School equips students with the advanced analytical skills needed to address today’s most complex policy challenges. With a strong emphasis on quantitative methods, program evaluation, and economic analysis, students gain expertise in designing, analyzing, and interpreting public policies across sectors.

Program Overview

Coursework spans topics such as microeconomics, statistics, public finance, and data-driven decision-making, preparing graduates to assess policy impacts and drive evidence-based solutions. Renowned for its academic rigor and exceptional faculty, the Martin School’s MPP program produces graduates who are highly competitive for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and think tanks. The program also provides a strong foundation for students planning to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Policy, Public Administration, or related fields.

Who is this program for?

This degree is ideal for those wanting to advance professionally and practically, applying analytical solutions to further analyze policy and use data to drive progress within an organization.

Program Specific Requirements

• Prerequisites:
  • College algebra equivalent to MA 109
  • Basic statistics equivalent to PA 621
• Application Requirements:
  • Two letters of recommendation that provide evidence about the applicant’s ability and potential
  • Personal statement with a demonstrated desire to work in the public or nonprofit sector
  • Upload unofficial copies of transcripts from all higher education institutions attended
  • Upload a 2-3 page biographical sketch that describes your motivation for wanting to earn this degree and wanting to attend our program
  • Upload a CV
  • Supply the email addresses for at least two individuals, preferably professors, who are familiar with your academic abilities
  • All applicants whose native language is not English will be asked to self-report TOEFL or IELTS scores on the application as well as have official scores directly sent by Educational Testing Service (ETS)

Admission Requirements

Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Program Specific Requirements listed, those will also apply.

Application Deadlines

• Domestic Students:
  • Fall: 07/24/2026
• International Students:
  • Fall: 04/15/2026

Degree Components

• 37 credit hours total
  • 28 credit hours of Policy Core courses
  • 3 credit hours in an Area of Concentration (electives)
  • 3 credit hours Internship or equivalent experience
  • 3 credit hours client-based Capstone

Tuition / Credit Hour

• Resident: $825.50
• Non-Resident: $2,060.50

Related Careers

• Policy Analyst
• Quantitative Policy Analyst
• Public Policy Researcher
• Legislative Analyst
• Economic Policy Analyst
• Data Analyst (Public Sector)
• Research and Evaluation Specialist
• Budget Analyst
• Government Affairs Analyst
• Regulatory Affairs Analyst
• Program Evaluation Specialist
• Health Policy Analyst
• Education Policy Analyst
• Environmental Policy Analyst
• International Development Analyst
• Social Policy Researcher
• Public Affairs Specialist
• Housing Policy Analyst
• Transportation Policy Analyst
• Policy Advisor

Program Specific Funding Opportunities

The Martin School offers full-time graduate students the opportunity to serve as Research, Graduate, & Teaching Assistants. These positions cover tuition & health insurance and pay a biweekly stipend. Students must apply to the program by Feb. 15 for the Fall semester to automatically be considered. No separate application is required.

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 something of importance. They also make numerous professional connections along the way. Past MPP students have created client-based capstones with various organizations, including Kentucky Youth Advocates, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and United Way of Bluegrass.