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Cornell University Cornell Brooks Public Policy

Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA)

“We are in the midst of significant disruption and transformation in the field of public affairs.

Cornell’s Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) is an Ivy League degree designed for working professionals who want to lead change and ensure their organizations are resilient and adaptive. It is also a degree for those who see a future where the public, private, and nonprofits sectors work collaboratively to improve lives.”

– Thomas O’Toole, MPA Program Executive Director

Differentiate yourself as a leader across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors

The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program at Cornell is an interdisciplinary, inter-sectoral degree designed for working professionals who want to enhance existing skills and advance their careers in the broad field of public affairs. Through an 18-month blended course of study taught by Cornell faculty, you will receive advanced training in strategic planning and management, economic and financial analysis, program evaluation, and project management. Ongoing virtual events and three on-campus residential sessions facilitate strong professional relationships among and between cohorts, while access to a global Ivy League alumni base will boost your network in the field.

The complex challenges facing the world are not solved solely by governments, nor by corporations or nonprofit organizations working alone, but with leadership and innovation from all three sectors.

An Executive Master of Public Administration degree from Cornell University shows the world that you belong right in the middle of that solution set.  Earn your Executive MPA from Cornell University part time, while continuing to serve the public full time. Your Cornell degree will prepare you to:

  • communicate powerfully and manage effectively at the intersections of the public, private, and nonprofit sectors
  • improve policy and lead change in the face of complex problems that affect the lives and wellbeing of people in your community or around the world
  • bring the credibility, strategic mindset, and analytical skills to your work in your organization and with its partners, to have a consequential impact on seemingly intractable challenges
  • apply research and data to real-world problems and policy, translate research into practice, and conduct data-driven evaluation of the results and effectiveness of programs and policies

How it Works

  • Earn your degree over 18 months from May 2023 – November 2024
  • Learn through faculty-led online courses and 3 on-campus residency weeks on Cornell’s campus in beautiful Ithaca, New York
  • Study with top-notch faculty and seasoned public affairs professionals
  • Become part of a lifelong professional network

Admissions Requirements

  • Completed Cornell Graduate School application
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent international degree
  • Résumé demonstrating 8 years of professional experience. Applicants with fewer than 8 years may be considered if their experience is especially relevant and other qualifications are strong. 
  • Transcript(s)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Statement of purpose 
  • Video interview
  • Provide TOEFL or IELTS scores, if from outside the US.
  • GRE, GMAT, scores are not required

How to Apply

Information Flyer

EMPA Admissions Counselors