About the course

M.P.A. Program The two-year Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program consists of sixteen courses, students typically take four courses per term for four semesters. The M.P.A. program offers a basic structure for study, however, each M.P.A. student designs an individualized program based on the student's specific area of interest. Elective courses and research opportunities may be taken through the program in relevant departments or colleges at the university. Students have eight areas they may concentrate their studies in: Environmental Policy, Economic and Financial Policy, Government, Politics, and Policy Studies, Human Rights and Social Justice, International Development Studies, Public and Non-Profit Management, Science, Technology and Infrastructure Policy, Social Policy

　　The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy offers students the opportunity to study public policy and program management from a cross-disciplinary perspective. Students gain an understanding of the political processes through which issues, problems, and policies are formulated, the economic basis for government action in a market economy, and the comparative and historical contexts of governmental programs. Students study public budgets, finance, and regulatory processes, as well as the behavior of both public and private organizations and their management. Students also gain competence in the qualitative and quantitative methods needed to analyze programs and policies, and develop sensitivity to the moral and ethical dimensions of policy issues.

　　M.P.A. students are expected to engage in public affairs work related to their respective areas of concentration during the summer between their first and second years of study. As a culmination of studies in the M.P.A. program, all students are required to develop and complete a professional writing project. This professional writing requirement may be fulfilled by writing a research thesis, a professional report based on work done during the summer internship, or by completing the MPA Capstone.

　　MPA Fellows concentrating in Environmental Policy master an understanding of economic, social, political, technical and legal issues shaping the future of our natural environment. They also learn engineering, economic and legal perspectives for analyzing and formulating policy at the national, sub-national and international levels. Study topics can include the impact of climate change on our environment and economies, and the interdependencies of food, water, and energy as society attempts to meet demands while reducing risks from floods, droughts and the pollution of water, air and soil. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 4 Semester(s)Fees: US$85,376

Intake	Location
Fall (August), 2024	Ithaca
Winter (January), 2025	Ithaca
Fall (August), 2025	Ithaca

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for Cornell University

Submit unofficial copies of your college and university transcripts. An official paper transcript is required for all admitted students before matriculating.

　　Submit your résumé and three letters of recommendation.

　　Applicants for whom English is a second language will need to meet minimum scores on either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Required minimum scores on the TOEFL exam are: writing 20, listening 15, reading 20, speaking 22, as well as an overall combined score of at least 100. Our field requirements for the IELTS exam are: 7.0 in each section as well as an overall score of at least 7.5.

　　

English language requirements

　　7.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 77.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at Cornell University. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　20th / 1250

　　THE World ranking

　　

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