Master of Public Administration in Ithaca United States | Cornell University

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) Program This two-year graduate program comprises sixteen courses, with students generally enrolling in four courses each semester across four terms. While the M.P.A. curriculum provides a foundational framework, each student crafts a personalized study plan aligned with their specific interests. Participants can select elective courses and pursue research projects through collaborating university departments. The program features eight specialization areas: Environmental Policy, Economic and Financial Policy, Government and Political Studies, Human Rights and Social Justice, International Development, Public and Nonprofit Management, Technology and Infrastructure Policy, and Social Policy.

At Cornell's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, learners explore policy analysis and program administration through an interdisciplinary lens. The curriculum examines the political mechanisms shaping policy development, the economic rationale for government intervention in markets, and the historical evolution of public programs. Coursework covers public finance, regulatory systems, organizational behavior, and management strategies across sectors. Students acquire both qualitative and quantitative analytical skills while developing awareness of ethical considerations in policymaking.

M.P.A. candidates must complete summer fieldwork in their chosen specialization between academic years. The program culminates with a professional writing component, which students may fulfill through either a research thesis, an internship-based report, or completion of the MPA Capstone project.