A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for full-time students pursuing the Master of Public Administration degree. Students holding these positions work 20 hours per week and receive stipends and waivers of out-of-state tuition. Graduate assistants assist the chairperson and faculty members in their instructional and research activities. Students interested in such positions may make application to the chairperson of the School of Public Administration. Assistantships are awarded on the basis of need and high academic achievement.
As public service professionals, Master of Public Administration students are encouraged to join the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA) and other relevant professional organizations such as the Kentucky Political Science Association, the United Nations Association (Frankfort chapter), and the International Personnel Management Association. The national/regional/state conferences of ASPA and other organizations provide opportunities for students and faculty to present research papers. Membership in professional organizations provides forums for students to engage in and present their research, associate with colleagues, and grow and develop professionally.
In Fall 1987, a Research Center for Public and International Policy was established within the School of Public Administration to emphasize applied social science research. The chairperson of the School of Public Administration concurrently serves as the Director of the Research Center for Public and International Policy, which seeks both external and internal funds to carry out applied social science research. Faculty and graduate assistants in the School of Public Administration gain hands-on experience in these research programs.