Program Introduction
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) residential program at Cornell University is a professional degree program designed to develop the knowledge and skills students need to provide effective leadership in public, nonprofit, and private sectors and to address public policy challenges. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum centered around core competencies in policy analysis, financial management, organizational leadership, economics, and program evaluation, with students able to choose from various concentrations to build expertise in specific policy areas or management fields. This two-year (four-semester) program provides a balance of field-based learning experiences and theoretical knowledge. Students gain practical experience through consulting projects with real clients, professional workshops, and internship opportunities. Cornell's MPA program is ideal for students preparing for diverse careers as public sector and nonprofit leaders, policy analysts, consultants, and program evaluators, offering employment support after graduation through a strong alumni network and career services.
- Language of InstructionEnglish
- Program Length24 months
- Teaching MethodsOffline
- Required Core Courses: Management and Leadership, Public and Nonprofit Finance, Economic Principles, Quantitative Analysis, Policy Analysis and Evaluation, Administrative Ethics - Concentration Areas: Economic and Financial Policy, Environmental Policy, International Development Studies, Infrastructure Policy, Social Policy, Science and Technology Policy, - Government Technology and Information Management - Professional Skills Development: Communication Skills, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Teamwork and Collaboration, Leadership Abilities, Data Analysis and Visualization - Applied Learning Experiences: Public Engagement Projects, Simulation Workshops, Case Studies, Field Investigations, Expert Panel Discussions - Seminars and Workshops: Current Policy Issues, Government Innovation, Public-Private Partnerships, Nonprofit Management, Sustainable Development - Field Experience: Summer Internship Program, Consulting for Public and Nonprofit Agencies (CPAS) Projects, Community-Based Research - Global Opportunities: Off-Campus Study Programs, International Policy Seminars, Global Public Policy Networks, International Institution Collaborations - Capstone Experience: Client-Based Projects, In-Depth Policy Analysis, Thesis or Professional Report Writing, Final Presentations
Policy Analyst
$60,000 ~ $80,000
Public Sector Consultant
$65,000 ~ $90,000
City Planner/Manager
$55,000 ~ $75,000
| Intakes | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
| 2025 Fall | 2025-01-15 |
Admission Requirement
- GPANo Min Score
77
7.0
- Online ApplicationRequired
- TranscriptsRequired
- Letter(s) of Recommendation Required
Two letters of recommendation are required
- InterviewRequired
Online video interview
- Resume/CVRequired
- Statement of PurposeRequired
- Certified English Test Score ReportRequired
TOEFL or IELTS Scores
Fees and Funding
$44,768/Year
$12,296/Year
$104