Master of Public Administration - Science, Technology and Infrastructure Policy 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 per semester over four terms. While the M.P.A. curriculum provides a foundational framework, each student tailors their academic journey by selecting courses aligned with their specialized interests. Participants can pursue electives and 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 shaping policy formation, the economic rationale for government intervention in markets, and the comparative historical context of public programs. Coursework covers public finance, regulatory systems, organizational behavior, and management strategies. Students also develop analytical skills through qualitative and quantitative methods while cultivating awareness of ethical considerations in policymaking.

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

The Science, Technology and Infrastructure Policy (STIP) concentration prepares MPA students for careers in policy analysis, project development, and implementation across science and technology sectors. This specialization leverages Cornell's expertise in engineering, finance, urban planning, economics, environmental studies, and sustainability research. Graduates with this concentration gain qualifications for careers spanning both public and private sector organizations.