Compare Programs
Having trouble deciding which program is for you?
We’ve listed some of the key features and qualities of our residential and executive degree programs below. As always, please reach out to our MPA Admissions staff (mpa@cornell.edu) with any questions you may have.
Details | MPA | Executive MPA (EMPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Residential | Asynchronous and synchronous online with two, 1-week summer residential sessions in Ithaca, New York, and a May graduation ceremony. |
| Who Should Apply | Students and practicing professionals looking for a flexible curriculum and expansive concentrations. Applicants who are looking for a full-time degree and residential experience. Individuals considering a career change and requiring foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities in public administration. | Mid-career, practicing professionals with 8 or more years of experience who need to balance a rigorous graduate education with the demands of a full-time job. Applicants with fewer than 8 years of experience may be considered if their experience is especially relevant and other qualifications are strong. |
| Program Length | 2 Years | 18 Months |
| Next Application Deadline | The residential MPA application for the 2025-2026 academic year opens on August 15, 2024. Residential MPA applications are due on January 15, 2025 at 11:59pm EST. Admission is granted for the fall semester only. | The application for the EMPA Cohort starting in May 2025 is now open. Our next application deadline for the Executive MPA is October 15, 2024. |
| Primary Instruction Method | Faculty-led, in-person courses at Cornell’s Ithaca, New York campus. Some courses include hybrid modalities. | Faculty-led online courses and 2 on-campus residency weeks on Cornell’s campus in beautiful Ithaca, New York. |
| Curriculum | Note: All MPA concentrations are currently going through a curricular transition. New and updated concentrations will be available for students applying for residential MPA cohort starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. This webpage will be updated in the near future.Interdisciplinary, flexible curriculum with eight concentrations. With the help of your advisor, you can select courses tailored to your academic and professional interests. Within each of these concentrations, you may choose five courses that will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue your interests and achieve your professional goals. MPA students may concentrate in:
| An interdisciplinary, cohort-oriented curriculum.
EMPA students develop competencies in five broad areas: communication skills; research and analytical problem-solving skills; institutional knowledge and organizational financial management; values; and specialized policy expertise. Tailor your program by choosing from two concentrations:
|
| Culminating Experience | Capstone project, professional report, or thesis | A substantial capstone project which unfolds over the duration of the program and culminates in a final presentation. The capstone project is expected to represent a strategic priority by your current employer. |
| Alumni Network | A Cornellian for life. Graduates will join the 250,000+ members of the Cornell University Alumni Community. Cornell Brooks School MPA Alumni enjoy a wide variety of networking and social events. | A Cornellian for life. Graduates will join the 250,000+ members of the Cornell University Alumni Community. Cornell Brooks School MPA Alumni enjoy a wide variety of networking and social events. |
| Eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Benefits | Yes. We also offer an application fee waiver for veterans and military personnel. Email mpa@cornell.edu for details. | Yes. We also offer an application fee waiver for veterans and military personnel. Email mpa@cornell.edu for details. |
| Career Services | The Office of Career Management will provide career services as a current student or an alum. | The Office of Career Management can provide networking support and other services upon request. |
| Funding | Merit-based aid and fellowships supported by the MPA Program; students are eligible to apply for federal Stafford loans. | There are no scholarships, fellowships, or grants awarded for the EMPA at this time; students are eligible to apply for federal Stafford loans. |
| Apply | Learn how to apply for the MPA | Learn how to apply for the EMPA |
| Program Questions | Connect with our MPA Admissions Staff | Connect with our EMPA Admissions Counselors |
| Request More Information | Request more information about the MPA | Request more information about the EMPA |
Online Certificate Programs
The MPA Program also offers online programs for the following certificate programs:
- Financial Success for Nonprofits
- Systems Thinking
- Public Sector Leadership
- International Public and NGO Management
Learn more about all of our online certificate programs