UK’s Martin School Launches Online MPA Program to Meet Growing Desire for Digital Learning

Hands on laptop keyboard
Mark Cornelison | UK Photo

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 24, 2021) — The University of Kentucky’s Martin School of Public Policy and Administration continues to expand its program offerings with recent approval of a new online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. The online program is the second new initiative at the Martin School during the current academic year and follows last August’s introduction of a four-year public policy undergraduate degree.

“This a very exciting development that will expand the opportunity for an MPA to an entirely new category of prospective students,” said Director Ron Zimmer. “Online modality creates a new opportunity for students as it provides greater access to an MPA for those who cannot make it to campus for classes."

The online program will mirror the Martin School’s existing MPA program in terms of curriculum and credit hour requirements with the added flexibility of doing the classwork off campus. This will be the Martin School’s fourth online program. The others are Master of Public Financial Management, Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management, and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management.

“Our MPA program is designed to give students the background they need to successfully implement public policy that addresses complex social, economic and political issues,” Zimmer said. "The program attracts students from a wide variety of disciplines — government agencies, nonprofits, the private sector and politics — all planning to use the knowledge and skills they acquire to start or advance their career.”

The 40-credit hour program offers rigorous academic and practical training for persons pursuing management careers in public and nonprofit organizations, building upon strong foundations in management, economics, finance and analysis. Students attending full time can complete the program in four semesters (two years). Students also have the option to study part time, taking fewer courses per semester. It will take correspondingly longer to complete the degree.

For more information about the new MPA online program and how to apply, please contact martinschool@uky.edu

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