Barren River Area Development District Local Government Employee Discount Program
July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025
Consistent with WKU’s role as a regional lighthouse and recognizing the importance that local government employees play in the future success of the communities that we serve, Western Kentucky University has established the Local Government Employee Discount Program. Eligible local government employees will be offered a discounted tuition rate of $500/credit hour through June 30th, 2025.
The discount program pertains to admission and costs related to courses offered by the Department of Political Science for WKU's Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and Graduate Certificate in Local Government Administration program offered to full-time employees of the Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) and its member organizations. Member organizations include all local governments located in the 10 counties (Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan,Metcalfe, Monroe, Simson, and Warren county) that BRADD services.
Who is Eligible for the Discount?
Full-time employees of BRADD and its member organizations will be eligible to participate in the Local Government Employee Discount Program. To receive the discount, employees will need to:
1. Apply and be accepted to the Graduate School.
2. Be accepted for study in the MPA program or for the Graduate Certificate in Local Government Administration
3. Submit signed verification of full-time employment. The signed verification of full-time employment should be e-mailed to polisci@wku.edu.
Information on admission to the Graduate School can be found at:
https://catalog.wku.edu/graduate/admission/
What Programs does the Discount Apply To?
The Local Government Employee Discount can be applied to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program or for the graduate certificate in Local Government Administration.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the primary professional degree in both the public and nonprofit sectors. WKU's MPA program prepares graduate students from diverse backgrounds to be productive leaders and managers in public service by sharing practical and theoretical knowledge, encouraging excellence in both research and practice, along with fostering an environment of professionalism. Upon graduation from the program, students will have the skills necessary to lead and engage with a wide range of public organizations, programs, and policy areas.
The graduate certificate in Local Government Administration prepares students for careers in local government administration. The two (2) required courses rely on a foundation of Public Administrative theory relevant to the current issues and skills necessary for effective and responsible local government administration. In addition to the two (2) required courses, the program allows students to choose two (2) elective courses from a selection of courses for a total of 12 credit hours. Substitutions for these courses may be made with the consent of the advisor.
How do I get started?
Students seeking to begin their master’s degree at WKU may apply to the Graduate School as a degree-seeking student.
https://acsapps.wku.edu/pls/prod/twbkwbis.P_GenMenu?name=wkumenu.P_AdmUnsecMnu
How do I know if I qualify for the Local Government Employee Discount?
All employees of BRADD and their member organizations are eligible for the discount. If you have any questions about your eligibility to participate in the discount program, please e-mail polisci@wku.edu.
How do I learn more about the MPA program or the graduate certificate in Local Government Administration?
You can learn more about the MPA program and the graduate certificate in Local Government Administration by visiting the Department of Political Science website.
MPA
https://www.wku.edu/political-science/mpa-program/
Certificate in Local Government Administration
https://www.wku.edu/political-science/local-gov-admin.php
https://www.wku.edu/political-science/local-gov-admin.php
Who do I contact if I have any questions about the MPA program or graduate certificate in Local Government Administration?
MPA@wku.edu or PoliSci@wku.edu
MPA Director: Shannon.Vaughan@wku.edu
Department Chair: Scott.Lasley@wku.edu
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