WKU News

Starting Fall 2022, the Potter College of Arts and Letters (PCAL) at WKU will offer the Local Government Employee Discount Program to Barren River Area Development District (BRADD) employees.

Representatives from PCAL and BRADD met on Wednesday, July 27^th, to sign the agreement at the BRADD headquarters.

With this program, eligible local government employees will be offered a discounted tuition rate of $500 per credit hour for courses offered by the Department of Political Science’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and graduate certificate in Local Government Administration. This program will be offered until June 30, 2025.

“The impact of local government is essential in progressing the lives of its citizens,” says PCAL Dean, Dr. Terrance Brown. “PCAL is delighted to partner with BRADD to provide enhanced, graduate-level training for its employees through the Master of Public Administration program and graduate certificate in Local Government Administration.”

All employees of BRADD and their member organizations are eligible for the discount program. Those interested will need to apply to the WKU Graduate School and be accepted into either the MPA program or the graduate certificate program. A signed verification of full-time employment is also required.

The MPA program prepares graduate students to be productive leaders and managers in public service by sharing knowledge, encouraging excellence in research and practice, and fostering an environment of professionalism within diverse communities. The program requires 39 credit hours and the successful completion of a written MPA comprehensive exam.

The graduate certificate in Local Government Administration will help develop skills and knowledge needed to increase the effectiveness of local governments. The certificate highlights the basics of local government administration, while also addressing emerging trends in areas like e-governance.  The certificate requires 12 credit hours and can be earned online within a period of one year. 

“It is our hope that local government employees will take advantage of this discount to enhance their professional development,” says Dr. Scott Lasley, Department Chair of Political Science. “It should not only benefit employees who participate, but also enrich the quality of local government.”

To learn more about the MPA program and graduate certificate, please visit the Department of Political Science website at https://www.wku.edu/political-science/index.php.

If you have any questions, please contact MPA@wku.edu or PoliSci@wku.edu.