Master's Degree in Public Administration - Public Policy
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
Master applied analytical solutions to further analyze policy and use data to drive progress within an organization. This degree is ideal for those wanting to advance professionally and practically.
Program Overview
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. 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. Evening classes on UK’s Lexington campus offer flexibility for students balancing work and graduate study.
The Martin School's Master of Public Policy (MPP) program is designed to prepare students with strong analytic skills to address complex public policy challenges through data-driven research and evidence-based decision-making.
To accomplish our mission, we:
• Foster a commitment to public service and excellence in public policy analysis and evaluation.
• Prepare both pre-service and in-service students to provide professional leadership in public policy formulation, implementation, and assessment at all levels of government, in nonprofit organizations, and in policy-related roles in the private sector.
• Strengthen the analytical and problem-solving capabilities of our students by emphasizing quantitative methods, policy analysis, and applied research so they can excel as policy analysts, researchers, and advisors.
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
FIND OUT EXACTLY
What You'll Learn
The core provides the analytic and conceptual foundations necessary for successful entry into and advancement within public and nonprofit agencies. The core covers the areas of economics, finance, budgeting, management, statistics, research methods, policy formulation, and policy analysis.
Degree Components
37 credit hours total
- 28 credit hours of Policy Core courses
-
3 credit hours in an Area of Concentration (electives)
- With the selection of specific courses, students can concurrently earn a Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management or Nonprofit Management (separate application to certificate is required).
- 3 credit hours Internship or equivalent experience*
- 3 credit hours client-based Capstone
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Admission Requirements
Please view the Graduate School's Admission Requirements. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Application Requirements
Please view the application requirements for the Graduate School. If there are Additional Requirements listed below, those program-specific requirements also apply.
Program Specific Requirements
Prerequisites
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree is a quantitative focused degree intended to prepare students for a career in research. Therefore, incoming students should have the following prerequisite courses:
• 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. If/when you decide to enroll, you will need to have official transcripts sent to the Graduate School.
• 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, particularly your ability to do graduate work and who have agreed to write recommendation letters for you. Working professionals should seek to obtain at least one academic reference but may submit letters from supervisors or others familiar with their experience.
• 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). See the Graduate School website for exceptions. International students whose instruction was in English can send proof of this directly to Graduate Admissions.
Application Deadlines
Domestic Students
-
Fall
- 07/25/2025
International Students
-
Fall
- 04/15/2025
Explore Funding Options
As a graduate student, there are additional opportunities for student funding. Once you are admitted into a degree-bearing graduate program at UK, you can apply for a wide variety of financial assistance, including assistantships and fellowships. These opportunities can be tied to your program’s availability, so you should inquire with your program director about opportunities available within your program!
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. Learn more about Martin School funding opportunities. Students must apply to the program by Feb. 15 for the Fall semester to automatically be considered. No separate application is required.
Expand Your Learning
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 a something of importance. They also make numerous professional connections along the way!
Some of our students have even been invited to present their capstone projects to the organization after its completion!
Past MPP students have created client-based capstones with the following organizations:
- Kentucky Youth Advocates
- Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
- Lexington-Fayette County Urban County Government (LFUCG) Department of Social Services
- United Way of Bluegrass
- Kentucky League of Cities
- Blue Grass Community Foundation
- Prichard Committee
- Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Get More Information
Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
