Preparing Leaders in the Public, Private & Nonprofit Sectors

The Master of Public Administration program at CIPA is designed to build the skills and knowledge required for your career in the field of public administration.

The MPA application for the Fall 2022 term is now closed. Applications for Fall 2023 will open in early September. CIPA offers rolling admissions until our cohort is full. If you would like to be considered for funding, please submit your application as soon as possible.

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Application Process Explained

About the MPA Degree Program

The Master of Public Administration degree program is a two-year graduate program offered through the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs (CIPA). We prepare individuals for management and leadership careers in public service. Our MPA offers a solid foundation of core coursework in management, economics and finance, and quantitative analysis.

As a student, you will receive a rich combination of coursework and practical experience, with hands-on opportunities offered both inside and outside of the classroom. MPA graduates go on to work for a wide range of governmental, nonprofit and private organizations, where they serve as managers, executives, and policy analysts, among other things.

Build Your Public Engagement Portfolio with Flexible Learning

The MPA degree program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Real-world consulting opportunities, internships, off-campus study, and Capstone experiences help you develop the skill set you need to be successful in your future careers, and provide relevant material for inclusion in résumés and job interviews.

Our flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum also affords you the opportunity to work with renowned faculty across many different departments, schools and colleges at Cornell as you build this expertise.

Program Information