phd programs university of kentucky

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Doctoral Program (PhD)

The doctoral degree in public policy and administration offered by the University of Kentucky through the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration is an academic credential of the highest order. Since 1988, the Martin School has offered a doctoral degree in public administration (now public policy and administration) to prepare scholars and leaders for distinguished careers in public service. Our Ph.D. program was ranked #4 by the National Research Council. 

The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare graduates to carry out sophisticated research at the frontier of public policy and administration theory. It provides knowledge of the principle core features of organizational behavior and administrative decision making in public and quasi-public organizations; the development of public budgets and management of public finances; an understanding of the critical aspects of public policy processes, including the interrelationships of economic, political and social factors that facilitate and constrain change. Our graduates have an ability to apply research and analytical methods to the analysis of policy and administrative problems, and an in-depth understanding of policy issues and analytical approaches in a functional public affairs area.

Preparation and Curriculum

Many incoming students hold a master's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, economics, agricultural economics, or business administration. All students are also expected to have a strong background in research methodologies. Students who have not had adequate preparation in specific courses may be required to enroll in pre-requisite courses prior to entering certain Ph.D. classes. Details about these requirements will be provided by the Director of Graduate Studies,  Dr. David Agrawal . 

Course work toward the Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration is divided into four phases with a total requirement of 42 hours of graduate course work beyond the master's level as well as the completion and successful defense of a dissertation of original research. Course work includes 12 credit hours of core courses, 9 hours of research methods, 3 hours of economics, 3 additional hours of theory, and 15 hours in the area of concentration.

Core Curriculum (12 hours)

• PA 731: Fiscal/Budgetary Policy
• PA 742: Theory of Public Organizations
• PA 751: Public Policy Formulation and Implementation
• PA 752: Economics of Policy Analysis

Research Methods (9 hours)

• ECO 703 Introduction to Econometrics 
• PA 692 Econometrics for Policy Analysts 
• PA 792 Causal Inference

Theory (3 hours)

• AEC 503 Price Theory and Applications

Area of Concentration (15 hours)

• Public Financial Management
• Public Management
• Public Policy
• Education Policy

Current students

Doctoral Placements

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our graduates. 

PhD Application Requirements

* T he GRE is no longer required for admission

• Transcripts (unofficial are accepted for the application; official transcripts are required before matriculation)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Please also indicate if you have previously applied to the Martin School?  If so, when? 
• How many years of paid public or non-profit experience have you had?
• Do you have support from any of the following programs: The Fulbright Foundation, and/or Government Support (Provide specific information).
• Please explain why you want to earn this degree at the Martin School and what your research interests are.
• CV or resume
• ​Please upload a sample of academic or professional work.

NOTE: we do not offer application fee waivers

Important Dates

Fall semester

• Submit funding application here
• International students: April 15th
• Domestic students not seeking funding: one month prior to classes starting (generally late July)

Spring semester

• International students: September 15th 
• Domestic students not seeking funding: one month prior to classes starting (generally early December)
• Please note: funding is not available for spring admits

https://gradschool.uky.edu/apply

Advising Do I need to select an advisor prior to applying?

No.  However, if you know who you want to work with, please indicate that in your personal statement. The Martin School does its best to pair students with advisors who match their research interests. 

Meet our Researchers and discover who might work best for you.

Funding What about funding for the PhD program?

All PhD students will be considered for funding, but admission is highly competitive and selective via committee.  You do not have to apply separately for PhD funding. If you make satisfactory progress in the program, you can receive funding for four years.

International students TOEFL/IELTS

• International applicants with a degree in English-based instruction should send proof of this from the school directly to the Graduate School admissions officer
• International applicants with a domestic U.S. master's degree do not have to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores
• All others must submit official TOEFL (79 minimum) or IELTS (6.5 minimum) in your application

Contact Graduate Student Affairs

Director of graduate studies, phd.

Dr. David Agrawal Director of Graduate Studies, PhD,

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Graduate Programs PhD in Nursing

National Research Council

in Kentucky.

The goal of the PhD Program is to prepare students to conduct clinical research that generates new knowledge applicable to nursing practice. A foundation of research and scholarship gained at the bachelor’s, master's, or DNP level is further enhanced at the PhD level. Our students are prepared to assume roles in a variety of research settings, from private industry and hospitals to top research-intensive nursing schools affiliated with major academic health centers. 

The PhD program has a hybrid delivery model.   Applicants to the program have the option to participate either in-person on campus (traditional format) or remotely via zoom (on-line format). Individuals select one format upon admission, but they are free to change formats each semester.  Students enrolled in the on-line format will participate in synchronous course offerings via zoom with the in-person students.

You can work with faculty who have a wide variety of research interests.  Invaluable mentoring by faculty members and collegial interactions among doctoral students support the development of nurse researchers.  Click each researchers' name at the bottom of this page for a video  from them about their research program.  Doctoral students have the opportunity to participate in faculty members' research programs, such as psychosocial and biobehavioral interventions for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, promoting self-management of chronic illnesses, mental health, rural health, genomics, peri-operative nursing, substance abuse, health services research, tobacco policy and smoking cessation, occupational health and safety, health disparities, health risks in pregnant women, and more.  

PhD Program Entry Points

Post-bsn and post-msn option.

For those who wish to build on their BSN degree to become active nurse researchers and contribute to the development of science that improves health outcomes. This option also includes those with an earned master's degree who desire to develop research skills that contribute to science, scholarship and improved health outcomes. 

Post DNP Option

Curriculum plans are customized for each individual based on a faculty review of completed DNP coursework as comparable to courses in the PhD Program.

All entry options also have part-time plans. Deadline for fall admission is Feb. 15. Admission decisions are made on a competitive basis. Applications received after Feb. 15 will be considered on a space-available basis.

Research Summaries

Click the researchers' name below to see a video from them about their research. These researchers are your potential mentors in the PhD program. 

With research as a central component of the College's mission, College faculty and students currently boast more than $40 million in its research portfolio as they produce groundbreaking knowledge in cardiovascular disease, tobacco control policy, diabetes, cancer, health disparities, maternal-child health, chronic pain, and mental health.

Read more about the College research initiatives. 

Apply for our PhD Program

• Fall semester admission: Feb. 15
• Spring semester admission: Oct. 15

PhD Admissions

Student Services : [email protected] 859-323-5108

315 College of Nursing Building 751 Rose Street University of Kentucky Lexington, KY 40536-0232

The baccalaureate and DNP programs at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, (202) 887-6791

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

The Doctoral Program in Electrical Engineering has two paths leading to a Ph.D.:

• Direct-to-Ph.D.: Students entering the doctoral program with a B.S. degree take 42 credits of coursework in support of their research work.
• M.S.-to-Ph.D.: Students entering the doctoral program with an M.S. degree in a relevant discipline take 24 credits of coursework (18 if from an accredited M.S. program in the U.S.) in support of their research work.

Stages in the doctoral program include:

• Identify a research advisor and establish a research direction and course plan.
• Take the doctoral qualifying exam.
• Identify a dissertation committee, then develop and present an oral dissertation proposal.
• Carry out the necessary research work, write a dissertation document detailing this work and successfully defend the dissertation.

Comprehensive information about the Ph.D. program can be found in the  Graduate Bulletin  and the  Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Student Handbook

To learn more about the many research opportunities available in ECE, visit  ECE Research  or read about the backgrounds of our world-class  faculty .

Research and teaching assistantships are available – just indicate your interest on your application form and you will be considered. Read detailed information about application requirements and deadlines for the PhD program in Electrical Engineering.

To apply, fill out an application online at The Graduate School’s page .

For more information,  Contact Us

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PhD in Business Administration

Preparing students for placement where advanced knowledge and high level research skills are essential.

Quick Links

View 2023–2024 PhD Student Handbook

The mission of the doctoral program is to prepare students for successful careers in higher education, at government institutes, “think-tanks”, business corporations and financial institutions. To accomplish this mission, the program prepares graduates to comprehend and evaluate research, to perform research that advances knowledge, and to provide effective instruction, all within a business-related discipline and in a supportive collegial environment.

Concentrations offered.

The Von Allmen School of Accountancy doctoral program is designed to equip doctoral graduates for successful careers as educators and researchers at major colleges and universities.

Finance & Quantitative Methods (Not accepting applications for Fall 2025)

At the Gatton College, the PhD program in business administration with a concentration in finance and quantitative methods emphasizes the development of university-level research and teaching skills.

The Gatton College's doctoral program in management prepares students for successful academic careers at research-intensive universities. Our doctoral students work closely with the world-class faculty on cutting-edge research.

Marketing & Supply Chain  (Not accepting applications for Fall 2025)

The Marketing & Supply Chain’s Ph.D. program is designed to provide its students with the skills necessary to become successful marketing professors in esteemed business schools.

Admission Guidelines

To be considered for the PhD in Business Administration program, the applicant must meet the admission guidelines of the Graduate School and Gatton College of Business and Economics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Obtaining your PhD involves a tremendous amount of preparation and hard work. Click the link below for some answers to frequently asked questions about achieving your PhD in Business Administration.

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Graduate Degrees

The University of Kentucky offers advanced degrees in over 90 program areas. More than 6,000 graduate students are enrolled in degree programs leading to a doctorate, master's, or specialist degree.The Graduate Programs page has a list of all programs and links to their websites for more information. Each program has specific admissions requirements, so be sure to read thoroughly. 

For degree requirements please review the Graduate School Bulletin . Additional questions regarding eligibility, program requirements and coursework should be directed to the Director of Graduate Studies for that program.

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PhD Program Application Information

Home Academics PhD Program PhD Program Application Information

All applications for graduate study at the University of Kentucky must be submitted on-line. We are now part of the Hobsons ApplyYourself Application Network, a system used by over 700 colleges and universities that provides an opportunity to submit all Graduate School and program requirements in one application including letters of recommendation.

The first step  in the process is to set up a new account and establish a username and password. Do not lose this information; you will need it if you wish to return to continue an unfinished application or later to review your completed application.

Application Materials

Transcripts.

You will be asked to upload  copies of transcripts from all higher education institutions attended and, in the case of domestic students, to self-report cumulative GPAs for each institution. If you are offered admission and decide to enroll, you will then be required to submit official transcripts to the Graduate School.

Letters of Recommendation

The PhD Program at the University of Kentucky requires applicants to provide three letters of reference that address their potential for success in a research-oriented doctoral program and aptitude for research and teaching.  Recommendations from individuals who have supervised your research and scholarly work (e.g., research project supervisors, thesis advisors, professors) tend to be the most useful to the admissions committee and should comprise the majority of the letters.

Please exclude personal, pastoral and relative references.  If you graduated within the past 5 years, you must provide at least one academic reference.

As part of the online application you will be asked to supply email contact information for your three references. Once your application has been submitted, the system will contact each person identified and their recommendations will be submitted electronically directly to us. You can check back into your application at any time to see who has submitted a recommendation.

Personal Statement (uploaded electronic document)

Your statement should be no more than 5 pages, double-spaced, and should address the following prompts:

• Describe your motivation for pursuing a PhD in social work
• Articulate what specifically attracts you to the University of Kentucky social work PhD program
• Identify your career goals and how a PhD in social work would help you achieve those goals
• Describe the primary areas of research that you would like to explore during your doctoral training and articulate the significance of these lines of inquiry to social work
• Describe any other factors that should be considered in the evaluation of your application

Additional Documentation

A current resume or CV is required.

Writing Sample

Applicants to the PhD program must submit a recent, single-authored scholar writing sample.  The sample should provide evidence of writing ability, creative and critical thinking, and potential for independent research. The submission should be a “clean” copy (i.e., free of editorial markings).

The following are examples of appropriate submissions of scholarly writing:

• Published article or book chapter
• Master’s thesis
• Unpublished research report or white paper
• Term paper written in an upper-level graduate course
• Grant application

Application Fee (must be paid before you can submit your application)

Admissions Timeline

The Fall 2024 application is closed , please check back soon for the Fall 2025 application deadline.

Financial Assistance

We are steadfastly committed to funding our PhD students. Funding availability varies from year to year and fully funded positions are contingent upon available monies.

Funded positions for PhD students most often comprise of Teaching Assistantships (TA) or Research Assistantships (RA) that include a stipend, tuition reimbursement and health insurance. Funded teaching and research assistantships are available on a competitive basis.

College-wide scholarships are also another funding option for PhD students.

Fellowships are non-service awards made to students to assist in the pursuit of an advanced degree. This award includes a monthly stipend and typically covers tuition costs. Fellowships are awarded by The Graduate School on a university-wide competitive basis. The Director of Graduate Studies (Dr. Kalea Benner) is responsible for nominating students for these awards to the graduate school. However, a few fellowships are open by self-nomination. Consult the Graduate School’s website  for more information. There are numerous opportunities for social work PhD students to receive fellowships, scholarships, and grants from outside sources.

The University of Kentucky Graduate Student Congress also has travel and research awards for graduate students.

If you wish to apply for a teaching or research assistantship, please write a cover letter of application. If there is one faculty member you’d especially like to work with, mention that in the letter.

For Further Information

If you are considering applying, please call and talk with the Program Director. The director is happy to talk with potential applicants and to answer all questions.

Dr. Natalie Pope [email protected] 859-218-2768

The Decision Process

Once you submit all of your application materials to the Graduate School online, the Program Director will forward your application to the College’s Doctoral Committee who will make a decision based on objective criteria (e.g., GPA, recommendations, etc.). Those who are favorably reviewed and are also requesting funding support may be asked to participate in an interview via Zoom. Generally, we like to complete all of our interviews before the end of April.

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Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Education Sciences - Educational Leadership Option

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Do you aspire to work in academia or research with a focus on leadership in educational contexts? Our online Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) is a scholarly doctorate leading to roles as university faculty, postdoctoral scholars, social research scientists, or educational professionals outside traditional settings. Students enjoy the flexibility of completing their studies online. Exams and defense are all completed remotely. Students will be required to participate in synchronous online program activities 5-6 times per semester.

At a Glance

Credits and tuition cost (2023-2024).

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• Education Sciences - Educational Leadership Option (Ph.D.)

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Doctorate in Education Sciences - Educational Leadership Option overview

Hear from program leaders, what you'll learn.

Designed for the working educational professional who wants to gain expertise for a research-intensive career, this rigorous, online program can be completed in as little as four years. Coursework covers three major areas: leadership (5 courses), research design and methods (5 courses), and a specialization area of your choice (4 courses).

Course Examples

• EDL 700 Knowledge Base
• EDL 701 Leadership in Educational Organizations I
• EDL 703 Leading Organizational Change
• EDL 702 Leadership for Organizational Learning
• EDL 704 Politics of Educational Leadership

Related Posts

• Earning an Education Doctorate Degree with UK Online: Choosing Between the EdD or PhD Program

Connect with a Program Representative

How to apply, application requirements.

On the UK Graduate School application, select the degree : Doctoral, Program: Education Sciences, Option: Educational Leadership 

Standard graduate application requirements apply.

• Professional Resume : This should provide your name, contact information, postsecondary education (all degrees, years awarded, institution names, emphasis area), work experiences, professional certifications, professional memberships, publications, research experiences, and Honors/Awards.
• Personal Statement : Submit an up to 2-page personal statement addressing the following prompts. The paper should be double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font.    Why do you want to complete a Ph.D. in educational leadership studies?    Why have you chosen to apply to this particular program?    What are your interests as it relates to research in the area of educational leadership?    How does this program align with your career goal as an academician or researcher?
• Academic Recommendation  ( Only email address required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter. ): A recommendation from someone who has earned a doctoral degree and serves in an academic institution is preferred. This recommender should be able to speak to your ability to successfully navigate doctoral-level coursework and complete independent research.
• Professional Recommendation  ( Only email address required. Our system will ask them to upload their letter. ): Recommender should be able to speak to your creativity, ability to navigate systems, and critical thinking skills.
• September 12, 2024, 5:00 PM Eastern
• October 17, 2024, 5:00 PM Eastern
• November 14, 2024, 5:00 PM Eastern
• Prospective applicants must register in advance for the sessions via this link. 

Admissions Criteria

Standard graduate admission requirements apply.

• A graduate degree (M.A. or equivalent) from an accredited college or university, with a minimum GPA of 3.5
• Provide documentation of a previous course that covered the required content describe above. -OR- 
• Complete EPE 558/EDP 558 before August 15th of the year of admission. -OR-
• Show proof of completion of the “Statistical Reasoning,” course offered through the Open Learning Initiative entitled:  https://oli.cmu.edu/courses/statistical-reasoning-copy/ . It’s self-paced and free for independent learners.  

Program Contact

Distance learning, licensure & authorization.

Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa. 

Student Support

Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. These services are available completely online to meet the needs of our online students.

Why UK Online

One tuition rate, grad tuition cap, testimonial, related programs.

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Research that Matters PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

IN THE PAST 10 YEARS

FROM HISTORICALLY UNDERREPRESENTED GROUPS

Training Tomorrow's Leaders

Pharmaceutical science is the lifeblood of health care. Ready to conduct cutting-edge research? Develop drugs for the treatment of human diseases? Study how the human body reacts to medicine? Then pharmaceutical sciences is for you. 

UKCOP's Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program is dedicated to a holistic, student-centric training model that provides our students with instruction, guidance, and mentorship in 3 domains:  Breadth (across pharmaceutical sciences disciplines), Career (focused on real-world skills and experiences, driven by individual student goals), and Scientific Depth (project-based research to achieve expertise and rigor). 

Our Guiding Principles

We train students to become rigorous scientists, focused on drugs and drug therapy, who are well-rounded problem solvers poised to lead in academia, healthcare, industry and society.

• We recruit the best and brightest students who will become critical thinkers empowered to impact society
• We educate using an integrated training system
• We are One Program in pharmaceutical sciences with thematic tracks
• Our program is student-centric and harnesses our unique strengths
• We strive to maximize programmatic relevance in a changing environment

Learn more about the principles that guide the design and execution of our program:

UK Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program Guiding Principles Document

Publication in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education

Feola DJ, Black EP, McNamara PJ, and Romanelli F.  Development of guiding principles for a new era in graduate education.   American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education .  2019 Mar;83(2):7422.  doi: 10.5688/ajpe7422

Our PhD Program

Scientific tracks.

Medicinal, Bioorganic & Computational Chemistry

Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Engineering

Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics

Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics

Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy

We wish to remember and honor those who inhabited this Commonwealth before the arrival of the Europeans. Briefly occupying these lands were the Osage, Wyndott tribe, and Miami peoples. The Adena and Hopewell peoples, who are recognized by the naming of the time period in which they resided here, were here more permanently. Some of their mounds remain in the Lexington area, including at UK’s Adena Park.

In more recent years, the Cherokee occupied southeast Kentucky, the Yuchi southwest Kentucky, the Chickasaw extreme western Kentucky and the Shawnee central Kentucky including what is now the city of Lexington. The Shawnee left when colonization pushed through the Appalachian Mountains. Lower Shawnee Town ceremonial grounds are still visible in Greenup County.

We honor the first inhabitants who were here, respect their culture, and acknowledge the presence of their descendants who are here today in all walks of life including fellow pharmacists and healthcare professionals.

Doctor of Philosophy in English

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Ph.D. Education Sciences STEM Education Emphasis

The Education Sciences Interdisciplinary Ph.D. with an emphasis in STEM Education is an intensive program designed to prepare future researchers, teacher educators, and researcher-practitioners to meet the national call for more individuals with heightened scholarly expertise in STEM Education. The Education Sciences Interdisciplinary Ph.D. program requires study throughout the year. Full-time study is strongly encouraged; however, part-time study is a possible alternative, particularly for professional educators.

Why You Should Enroll

The Education Sciences Interdisciplinary Ph.D. with an emphasis in STEM Education is an intensive program designed to prepare future researchers, teacher educators, and researcher-practitioners to meet the national call for more individuals with heightened scholarly expertise in STEM Education.

Program Details

Delivery Method:

Credit Hours:

Time to Completion:

Tuition Cost:  Refer to  Full-time per Credit Hour Rates for Undergraduate Students  on the  UK Tuition and Mandatory Fees  page.

Coursework Requirements

The program includes 45 credit hours of coursework culminating in a dissertation study designed by the candidate. Coursework encompasses four main core components:

• Education Sciences Interdisciplinary Ph.D. core focusing on research methodologies (12 hours)
• STEM Education required courses addressing pedagogy and research in STEM Education (15 hours)
• STEM Education Methodology (9 hours)
• Electives (9 hours)

The program is not a fully online program and students must be able to commute to UK’s campus in Lexington, KY at least once a week for courses.  However, there are some courses available fully online and others that are hybrid (half online and half on campus) to assist with those students within lengthy driving distances.

The time needed to complete the program varies based on students’ education and professional experiences, interests, and career goals.

How to Apply

Required Materials:

• GRE scores (optional, not required)
• TOEFL or IELTS (for international students whose native language is not English)
• GPA requirement: 2.75 undergraduate; 3.0 Graduate work
• Official transcripts: official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended must be submitted to the Graduate School (send to The Graduate School, Attn: Admissions Office, 201 Gillis Building, Lexington, KY 40506-0033) – unofficial transcripts can be submitted to initiate application process, but all admissions are contingent upon receipt of official transcripts
• A short statement about your career goals and interests
• Writing sample (e.g., paper written for coursework requirement, grant application, publication)
• Three letters of recommendation (the online system will email your references to submit their letters)
• Interview with STEM Ed faculty specializing in your area of interest (Interview will be scheduled upon completion of application materials)
• Onsite writing sample prior to interview
• $65.00 admissions fee paid in full (international students: $75.00)

Gather the required materials and submit an application to the  Graduate School .

Applications are accepted throughout the academic year. In order to guarantee accept/deny decision and time to enroll, domestic applications must be submitted AT LEAST one month prior to the beginning of the semester in which you wish to enroll. International applications must be submitted by April 15 (to start during the fall) and by September 15 (to start during the spring).

The onsite writing sample and interview can be conducted virtually in cases where applicants are not living within driving distance of UK.

Funding Opportunities

Graduate Assistantship opportunities are available for our students. We begin reviewing applications for teaching assistantships in April for funding to begin in the fall semester. However, applications are accepted throughout the year. Availability and renewal depends upon classroom teaching and research needs, and priority is given to students enrolled in our degree programs.

Full-time assistantships involve about 20 hours of job duties and include a stipend, full tuition waiver, and student health insurance.  Please note that assistantships are not guaranteed to be available for all students needing this opportunity as positions are limited.  In order to be considered for a funded assistantship, students must have already applied to the program.

Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have regarding this program. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Jennifer Wilhelm

Professor and Director of Graduate Studies

(859) 257-1643

[email protected]

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College of Arts & Sciences

• Anthropology - Graduate
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Kristin Monroe

Associate Professor

Director of Graduate Studies in Anthropology

Deparment of Anthropology

203D Lafferty Hall

Lexington, KY 40506

859-257-5390

Other programs from the College of Arts & Sciences:

Applied environmental and sustainability studies (masters) - online, digital mapping (masters or graduate certificate) - online, applied statistics (masters of applied statistics) - online, teaching world languages - graduate, teaching english as a second language - graduate, statistics - graduate, mathematics - graduate, history - graduate, hispanic studies - graduate, german - graduate, geological sciences - graduate, geography - graduate, french - graduate, english - graduate, creative writing - graduate, classics - graduate, chemistry - graduate, biology - graduate.

Since its inception in the 1960s, the graduate program has been nationally recognized as a leader in applied anthropology. We define applied anthropology as research with practical application and impact, but anchored in a rigorous foundation in anthropological theory and method, whether from socio-cultural, bio-cultural, medical, or archaeological perspectives. With grounding in core anthropological theory and method, we train our students to be skilled researchers who can traverse both academic and non-academic settings, bringing to their research a sound intellectual base, and skills for application and practice.

Master of Arts (MA) in Applied Anthropology

The M.A. degree in Applied Anthropology at UK is designed to train students to apply the theories, methods, and practices of anthropology to solve real world problems, and to prepare students for careers in different domains of application or for further graduate study. The program draws on the department’s considerable research strengths in a variety of areas (see website for more information), and puts strong emphasis on training in theory, application, and proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods and skills. The M.A. in Applied Anthropology program has three Areas of Concentration – Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology and Medical Anthropology. Students must declare their area of concentration in their program application.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Anthropology

The PhD program in Anthropology consists of a minimum of 36 credit hours, plus a minimum of two semesters of ANT 767. Students must fulfill any and all other requirements of the Graduate School. An entering PhD student should complete required coursework by the end of the second year, and successfully defend a dissertation proposal and successfully complete the qualifying exams as early as the fifth semester, but no later than the tenth semester, after admission to the program. Upon acceptance into 3 the graduate program, a student will be assigned a graduate advisor who will review and approve all first year coursework, and in consultation with the DGS, evaluate requests for transfer of up to 9 credit hours of equivalent graduate-level coursework. Following the first year, all coursework will be approved by the student’s committee.

Application Requirements

• Please provide an updated curriculum vitae containing information on your academic and professional accomplishments and experiences.
• For MA applicants , discuss how you think the applied MA suits your particular professional and career goals and discuss why the University of Kentucky's Department of Anthropology is a good fit.
• For PhD applicants , please describe your research interests and a potential dissertation project.
• See below for tips on how to prepare a statement of purpose.
• Please upload in the slot for a Personal Statement
• Please upload one exemplary sample of your writing. This can be a previously published article or an article submitted for publication as the primary author, a paper or essay written for a class, a chapter of your undergraduate or Master’s thesis, or a section of a report submitted to an agency. Please do not submit an entire thesis or a lengthy, multi-authored report.
• Three letters of recommendation (see Instructions in the section below)

Applicants must meet the Graduate School admission requirements .

The GRE is not required for admission to this program during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Application deadlines:

• Fall: January 1

Letter of Recommendation Instructions

Recommenders, please attach a letter and rate the scholarly ability of the applicant in comparison with students in the same field who have approximately the same amount of experience and education:

Outstanding (upper 5%) Very Good (upper 10%) Good (upper 25%) Average (upper 50%) or Below Average.

Further, please provide your recommendation for admissions to our program: Strongly recommend, Recommend, Recommend with reservations, or No recommendation. Finally, please provide your estimate of the applicant’s promise as a graduate student. Give views on such matters as previous accomplishments and training, intellectual independence, capacity for analytical thinking, ability to organize and express ideas clearly, drive and motivation, ability to work with others, and any other information you feel may assist us in evaluating the applicant’s potential for graduate work.

Preparing a Statement of Purpose for PhD applicants

The statement of purpose that accompanies your application for graduate study at the PhD level is very important to the admissions committee and is often a crucial factor in the decision to admit. A clear, well-focused statement reveals your potential for graduate work. Some tips for writing a successful statement of purpose:

• Make sure that your research interests can be fulfilled and supported through graduate study in our program. In advance of submitting your application, we strongly encourage applicants to email those faculty members with whom you would most like to work and share your research interests.
• Be as specific as possible about (1) the direction you wish to pursue in the area of your interest and (2) your educational and/or career objectives. Provide details about the types of anthropology problems that interest you, the kinds of methods and approaches you want to learn more about, and in what parts of the world you want to study. If you want to work with specific faculty, you should mention this in your essay.
• Write clearly and persuasively. Your statement should clearly and persuasively articulate your plans for graduate study. Please provide details about your experiences, skills, and background that will help you carry out your research interests at the graduate level. The admissions committee needs to be able to evaluate your ability to analyze problems and organize your thoughts about your research interests and/or problems in anthropology.
• Proofread your statement carefully. It’s a good idea to have a faculty member at your undergraduate or M.A. institution look over your statement before you submit the final copy. 
• Share your statement with your recommendation letter writers. Once you have written your statement and proofread it, share it with your recommendation letter writers so that they are aware of your research objectives and plans and can comment on these in their letters.

Note: All applicants must meet the  Graduate School admission requirements . Students who do not meet these requirements may face delays in being officially admitted to the university or, in rare cases, rescindment of our program’s admissions offer.

The GRE is not required for admission to anthropology graduate programs, however please note that the College of Arts & Science’s Hanh Fellowship requires minimum GRE scores among its eligibility criteria.

UK program expands to offer rural Kentucky students more opportunities in medicine

June 17, 2024.

For years, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP)-Scholars has provided summer academic enrichment activities to rising college freshmen from racially/ethnically underrepresented or rural backgrounds. The goal of this early exposure to the field of medicine carries with it the hope of solidifying their commitment to the career path. PEPP-Scholars creates opportunities for participants to learn, grow and network.   

This year, thanks to the generosity of the non-profit Fort Logan Derby-Wright Foundation, PEPP-Scholars was expanded to include seven students from rural Kentucky counties. 

Rural Kentucky faces a shortage of health care workers. A lack of local providers means significantly increased wait times to see a physician, in addition to greater cost and travel time for those seeking comprehensive medical care at a referral center. Many patients just postpone necessary preventative treatment. 

The partnership is helping bridge that care gap with a simple idea: Local medical students from rural counties are more likely to return home to fill health care gaps in their own communities.  

“In my personal experience, that’s true,” said Michael Rankin, M.D., a decorated UK medicine alum who grew up on a Lincoln County farm. “Our alumni data certainly supports this. If you’re from a rural area, went to high school in rural Kentucky, did your undergraduate work at UK then medical school and residency at UK, chances are greater than 70% you’re still in Kentucky.”  

The one-week, residential education program gives students who are interested in medicine a taste of college and an opportunity to learn from UK HealthCare experts.  

“The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is intentional in its efforts of fulfilling the mission of creating a diverse and inclusive environment that promotes excellence in education, equitable health care and transformative research to improve the health and wellness of Kentucky and beyond,” said Wendy Jackson, M.D., associate dean for admissions. “Our pathway programs are just one approach to the overarching plan to improve access to health care across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. These talented program participants are part of the solution for a healthier Kentucky.” 

The Fort Logan Derby-Wright Foundation helped PEPP-Scholars expand to include seven students from high schools in Boyle, Lincoln and Garrard counties. The foundation aims to support health care in Lincoln and surrounding counties. 

“I feel fortunate to be able to give back to make it easier for some of our students coming in my footsteps years later,” said Rankin, who is a member of the foundation’s board of directors. “Back in my day, we didn’t have the scholarships, we didn’t have the ability to shadow or the mentors to show what medicine was all about. Hopefully, we can provide that opportunity through the PEPP program.” 

From June 2-7, students stayed on campus in dorms and took in lectures and hands-on learning opportunities centered on diabetes and the disease’s effects on Kentuckians. They also heard from alumni from rural backgrounds like Rankin and Samuel Matheny, M.D., another UK College of Medicine alum from Lincoln County and Fort Logan Derby-Wright Foundation board member.  

For Henry Hurley, a Gatton Academy graduate from Danville who will be attending UK in the fall, the week was not only an opportunity to check out his future Lewis Hall dorm but also to gain greater perspective on the medical field he’s determined to pursue. 

“This week is a great combination of smaller scale science stuff combined with an overview of the path we’re taking,” Hurley said. “Hearing from doctors about their experiences and being in the medical school for the first time, it’s just been a great experience.” 

Students toured the cadaver lab and gave final presentations on what they’d learned for the week. They networked with not just doctors but also with nursing, public health and pharmaceutical professionals to show that providing excellent health care is a team effort. 

“Physicians need to know who their team is,” said Jim Ballard, Ed.D., the director of the Center for Interprofessional and Community Health Education. “These folks, once they become physicians, they’re going to know what a nurse does, what public health does in their communities, what a physician assistant can do. It’s a much more holistic experience.” 

Coming from a small high school to a large university can be intimidating, so the program also helps students adjust to college life during a summer session when campus is less populated.  

Garrard County High School graduate Alondra Sorcia said she and her sister are among the first in their family to pursue degrees in higher education. She aims to attend Bluegrass Community and Technical College with plans to become a dental hygienist. Getting to experience a college campus with other students the same age and with similar backgrounds is exciting, she said. 

“I just met them Sunday and I feel like I’ve known them for 10 years,” Sorcia said of her peers in the program. “This is a great opportunity to meet new people and see what everyone else’s dreams are as well.” 

The program met both the expectations of the medical community and the students’ interests — which included fun activities like a fitness class and using their collective critical thinking skills to solve a breakout room, Sorcia said.  

The College of Medicine offers other professional pipeline programs like PEPP MD — which offers rising college sophomores from underrepresented and rural communities specialized exposure to various health care professions. The UKMED program gives rising college juniors an in-depth look at what medical school is like through interactions with faculty and students.  

The new Michael D. Rankin MD Health Education Building , slated to open in 2026, will give the university the opportunity to train more of the state’s much needed health care professionals.  

“We have seven counties with no physicians and six more counties with only one physician,” Rankin said. “We desperately need more physicians.” 

The future home of the Center for Interprofessional and Community Health Education and the colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Public Health and Health Sciences, the building will enable the university to train hundreds more nurses, doctors, clinicians and other health professionals.

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