
Master in
Master of Public Administration Eastern Kentucky University

Introduction
Make a difference and help transform the status quo. The public administration field offers a wealth of opportunity as well as professional mobility. EKU’s public administration program allows you to leverage your interests and work experience by acquiring in-depth specialization in a range of focus areas. Graduates are prepared to assume a variety of leadership roles within the nonprofit, public sector, and government institutions.
What sets our program apart?
Providing a program that can be tailored to your career goals, EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as public sector leadership, public finance administration, human resources management, community development, and emergency management.
- Earn a certificate in an area of specialization as you complete your degree
- Accelerated 8-week terms
- Courses begin 6 times per year
- Reduced tuition for active-duty military members
- Personalized graduation plan
- No campus visits required
- Free online tutoring and career services assistance
- Ranked by U.S. News & World Report among the best universities offering online degrees
Gallery
Scholarships and Funding
Grants
Grants are a type of financial support that does not need to be repaid. Many grants are based on financial need alone, however, some grants also take academic performance, academic degree program, and/or residence status into consideration.
Grants are available at the federal and state level.
Private Loans
Private student loans are not funded or subsidized by the federal government; instead, they are funded by banks, credit unions, or other types of lenders.
The bank or lender – not the federal government – sets interest rates, loan limits, terms, and conditions of private student loans. Your ability to qualify for and borrow a private student loan may be based on numerous factors that can include your credit history, whether or not you choose to have a co-signer, your co-signer’s credit history, your choice of school, and your course of study. These loans do not offer the flexible repayment terms or borrower protections featured by federal student loans.
Employer Tuition Reimbursement
Employer tuition reimbursement includes a variety of employer-sponsored programs to help employees pay for college. In many cases, the funds received from these programs will be excluded from income and are tax-free.
Employee tuition reimbursement programs are typically governed by an employer’s human resources department. Employers may provide up to $5,250 per year in employer education assistance benefits for undergraduate or graduate courses.
Your employer may require you to attain a particular grade or to complete a program in order to obtain reimbursement. The employer may also require that you remain employed for a period of time after completing the course of study. Finally, your employer may require you to provide receipts or other substantiation of the educational expenses.
Military Benefits
For information on veteran and active duty military services and offerings, contact the EKU Office of Military and Veteran Affairs at 859.622.2345. EKU is repeatedly recognized by both Military Times and GI Jobs as a leader among Military Friendly® Schools and we look forward to helping you reach your goals.
Outside Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded by an organization other than the government or university. They are available from a number of groups, organizations, and entities nationwide. These scholarships can be general in nature or very specialized and tied to the type of work you would be doing after graduation.
If you receive an outside scholarship, you must notify your financial aid office so the award can be properly reported as part of your total aid package. Failure to report awards can result in the award not being accepted or a portion of the funds having to be repaid due to overpayment.
Departmental Scholarships
Departmental scholarships are awarded by specific EKU departments. The types, size, and criteria for these scholarships will vary by department.
If you receive a departmental scholarship, you must notify your financial aid office so the award can be properly reported as part of your total aid package. Failure to report awards can result in the award not being accepted or a portion of the funds having to be repaid due to overpayment.
Foundation Scholarships
EKU is fortunate to have hundreds of generous individuals and organizations that have donated scholarship money for current EKU students from a variety of backgrounds, situations, and interests. These are referred to as EKU Foundation Scholarships. Due to the number of these scholarships and the varying criteria for them, EKU has developed a single Foundation Scholarship application.
After completing the application, you will be considered for any foundation scholarship for which you are eligible. Criteria for these scholarships vary and can include academics, major, interests, place of residence, and more.
Curriculum
Core Courses --- 21
- POL 800 --- Research Methods --- 3
- POL 801 --- Administration, Ethics, and Public Policy --- 3
- POL 874 --- Public Sector Leadership --- 3
- POL 875 --- Public Sector Organizations and Management --- 3
- POL 876 --- Public Human Resources Management --- 3
- POL 877 --- Public Finance Administration --- 3
- POL 879 --- Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation --- 3
Concentration --- 12-15
Select one of the following concentrations:
- Community Development --- 12
- Emergency Management & Disaster Resilience --- 12
- Interdisciplinary Studies --- 12
- Nonprofit Management Concentration --- 12
Together with your advisor, select 12 hours of approved electives for a general public administration degree
Field Study Requirement --- 3
Together with your advisor, select one of the following:
- POL 870 --- Internship in Public Administration
- POL 871 --- Applied Research in Public Administration
Total Hours --- 36
Career Opportunities
A degree in public administration (MPA) can open the door to a number of rewarding career opportunities in the nonprofit, public and private sectors.
Public administration programs prepare students to work in social service and government agencies. From developing programs and resources for low-income individuals and families to serving in public office, MPA graduates have a competitive edge in the job market. MPA programs provide essential skills for today’s work environment and allow you to bring your on-the-job experience into the classroom, helping you make your mark as a public servant.
Job Opportunities
Urban & Regional Planners
- Median Annual Salary: $73,050 per year / $35 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 39,100
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Master’s Degree
Human Resource Manager
- Median Annual Salary: $113,300 per year / $54 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 152,100
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Social & Community Services Manager
- Median Annual Salary: $65,320 per year $31 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 168,800
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Emergency Mgmt Director
- Median Annual Salary: $74,420 per year / $35 per hour
- Number of Jobs: 9,900
- Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree
English Language Requirements
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