At the MPA Program, you will find that we offer a graduate education spanning the globe. In addition to summer internships and a core faculty renowned for research and consulting beyond academia, the MPA Program offers options for off-campus study during the academic year. Each of these opportunities is designed to complement your studies at the MPA Program, and provide opportunities for networking and exposure to challenging professional environments. Students who participate in our off-campus semesters receive academic and professional support from faculty, staff, and alumni. In addition, if you plan your schedule strategically, you may be able to extend a six-month commitment to an internship by combining an off-campus study semester with a summer internship.

You may enroll in one semester of off-campus study as part of your MPA degree. You must be in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress toward your degree.

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, you should begin planning this with your academic advisor as early as possible. Please note that all coursework taken at institutions other than Cornell must be approved by both your academic advisor and the MPA Program Director of Graduate Studies.

Information sessions on off-campus study opportunities are held during the fall semester. As each opportunity has its own application requirements and deadlines, you should carefully research each program before applying.

Opportunities for off-campus study include the following:

MPA Program Off-Campus Externship:

The MPA Program offers a program-specific Externship Semester opportunity, which enables you to live and work in Washington, DC for a semester and take relevant coursework. Externship options allow you to gain professional experience in various government agencies, private sector firms, or non-government agencies.

For more information, please visit: MPA Program Washington Externship Semester.

New York State Capital Semester:

You can experience a paid internship in the New York State Legislature while earning a full semester of credits. Capital Semester students are full-time Assembly or Senate Interns who spend Spring semester working and living in Albany (the capital of NY State), a vibrant and student-centered city. Students learn through direct experience and formal instruction how the NY State Legislature functions.

Wherever your policy interests lie—higher education, healthcare, environmental conservation, economic development, or elsewhere— Cornell offers the unique opportunity to help students begin careers in public service, public policy, politics and government.

For more information, please visit: New York State Capital Semester.