Master of Public Administration - Government, Politics, Policy Studies in Ithaca United States | Cornell University

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) is a two-year program comprising sixteen courses, with students generally enrolling in four courses each semester over four terms. While the M.P.A. provides a foundational framework, each student tailors their curriculum to align with their specialized interests. Participants can select electives and pursue research projects across various university departments. The program features eight focus areas: 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, and Social Policy.

At Cornell's Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, students explore public policy and program management through an interdisciplinary lens. The curriculum examines the political mechanisms behind policy formation, the economic rationale for government intervention in markets, and the comparative historical framework of public programs. Coursework covers public finance, budgeting, regulatory systems, and organizational behavior in both public and private sectors. Students also acquire analytical skills in qualitative and quantitative methods while cultivating awareness of ethical considerations in policymaking.

M.P.A. candidates must complete summer fieldwork in their chosen specialization between their first and second years. The program culminates with a professional writing requirement, which can be satisfied through a research thesis, an internship-based report, or the MPA Capstone project.

Those selecting the Government, Politics, and Policy Studies concentration gain expertise in the intersection of political processes with public sector administration. This specialization emphasizes both domestic and international policy formulation, equipping students with practical skills for collaborating with government officials, administrators, and community stakeholders to implement effective policies.