Pilot participants who complete all four courses in the certificate program will receive $1,000 in their personal UK Invests account.

Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management UK Invests Pilot Program
upon graduate certificate completion*
asynchronous format
(Fall 2024 and Spring 2025)
University of Kentucky employees are invited to pursue a UK Invests pilot during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Ideal for working professionals with business and fiscal responsibilities, the Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management in the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration offers an opportunity to expand your public and financial management knowledge in a short period of time.
Key Dates
July 26, 2024
Application Deadline
August 26, 2024
Fall semester classes begin
January 13, 2025
Spring semester classes begin
This pilot is open to all UK employees. The first 20 employees with accepted applications will be eligible for the UK Invests incentive.
Admittance Requirements
- A minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 or higher
- Should you decide to pursue the MPFM (masters) after completing the certificate a student must have a 3.0 GPA or higher in the certificate courses or a 2.75 undergrad GPA.
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Personal statement
Steps to Enroll
Apply to the Education Employee Program
- The last possible date an employee may submit the tuition assistance form is August 31 for fall term and January 31 for spring term.
Real-World Impact
"The Graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management from the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration gave me a great working knowledge of finance and accounting in the public arena. The certificate gave me invaluable financial and accounting tools that I use on a daily basis in my current job."
David Timoney, Institutional Philanthropy Officer
Excellence in Education
The Martin School is currently ranked among the top schools of public policy and administration, ranking #3 in public budgeting and finance by US News and World Report.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Rhonda Trautman, Director of Online Programs, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration for questions or to learn more about the program.
Costs
Employee Covers (approximately) | University Covers (approximately) | ||
---|---|---|---|
Application Fee | $65 | Tuition* | $9,030 |
Distance Learning Fee | $120 ($10/credit hour) | ||
Books | $500 | ||
Taxable benefits | The amount above $5,250 per calendar year |
* Employee must submit an Employee Education Program form.

Additional Information
What are the four courses will I take?
-
PA 631 - Public Financial Management (3.0 credits)
-
PA 632 - Public Funds Management (3.0 credits)
-
PA 625 - Governmental Accounting and Financial Conditional Analysis (3.0 credits)
-
PA 627 - Governmental Audit (3.0 credits)
Will this program allow me to pursue the Master of Public Financial Management?
Yes, the graduate certificate program allows for concurrent enrollment in another graduate program or transition into the Master of Public Financial Management upon completion of the certificate. An additional application to the Graduate School is required for admission to the master's program.
What happens if 20 employees are already selected for the pilot?
The pilot program has funding approved for 20 employees. More than 20 employees can participate in the GC-PFM program Fall 24-Spring 25, however, only the first 20 employees accepted into the program will be eligible for the incentive.
Do I have to complete the program during consecutive semesters or can I do it during other semesters?
Employees will only be eligible to receive the UK Invests incentive if they complete the graduate certificate during the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. If you are unable to complete the four courses during that time you are welcome to complete them during a later semester but you will not receive the UK Invests incentive.
Are other programs eligible for the UK Invests incentive?
At this time, this is the only program that is eligible for the UK Invests incentive. If you are interested in taking advantage for the Employee Education Program (EEP) you are welcome to learn about all the online degrees eligible through UK Online.
Are there any tax considerations I need to be aware of?
- All UK Invests payments made to U.S. citizens or residents for tax purposes will be treated as 1099-MISC reportable income. The 2023 1099-MISC reporting threshold is $600. Different tax reporting rules apply to payments made to nonresidents for tax purposes. (Per C. Jones)
- Course fees and books paid on the student account will be considered a qualified education expense. (Per C. Jones)