In the Brooks School of Public Policy .
Program Information
Executive Director of Public Affairs Programming, Tom O’Toole, tjo22@cornell.edu
- Instruction Mode: Hybrid (combination of online and in-person)
- Length of Program: Part-time, 18 months
- Total Credits: 36
The Executive Master of Public Administration program is delivered as a cohort model designed for working professionals with at least eight years of relevant experience. Students learn through asynchronous and synchronous online coursework, with two week-long sessions on Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, NY.
Program Overview
The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program at the Cornell Brooks School offers a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of public administration. Spanning 36 credits over 18 months, this program combines online coursework with residential experiences to provide a well-rounded education.
The EMPA curriculum focuses on essential public management and policy analysis competencies and theories. Students have the opportunity to delve into topics such as leadership, strategy, decision analytics, managing personnel, and leveraging technology. Additionally, students can choose electives based on their interests and career goals, tailoring their program to specialize in either Public and Nonprofit Management (with elective courses in managing technology, managing personnel, decision analytics, and leadership and strategy) or International Policy (with elective courses in frontiers of international policy, human rights, international management, and leadership and strategy).
A highlight of the EMPA program is the capstone project, where students collaborate with faculty to apply their coursework to a real-world work project. This project is strategically important and provides students with valuable hands-on experience in solving complex public administration challenges. Throughout the program, students are supported by Cornell faculty and Executives-in-Residence who serve as mentors, guiding students through their academic journey and capstone projects.
Components of the EMPA program:
- 22 five-week online core courses
- 4 online elective courses
- 2 one-week residential sessions on-campus in Ithaca, New York
- A substantial capstone project, which unfolds throughout the program and culminates in a final presentation.
The entire program (online courses + on-campus sessions + capstone project) comprises 36 credits. To complete the program and graduate, students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and achieve a grade of C- or higher in all required courses. The program’s structure, including online courses, on-campus sessions, and the capstone project, is designed to accommodate busy professionals, with an average study commitment of 18-20 hours per week.
For more information about the Executive Master of Public Administration program at the Cornell Brooks School, please visit the Executive MPA website.
Admissions Requirements
To apply for the Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program at the Cornell Brooks School, applicants must meet several requirements and submit a comprehensive application package.
Key components for admission:
-
Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or an equivalent international degree.
-
Professional Experience: A resume demonstrating at least 8 years of professional experience is typically required for admission. However, applicants with fewer than 8 years may be considered if their experience is particularly relevant and other qualifications are strong.
-
Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous institutions attended should be submitted as part of the application process. These transcripts provide a comprehensive record of academic achievements and coursework completed.
-
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required. These letters should come from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s professional accomplishments, leadership potential, and suitability for the EMPA program.
-
Statement of Purpose: Applicants are required to submit a statement of purpose outlining their academic and professional background, career goals, reasons for pursuing the EMPA program at the Cornell Brooks School, and how the program aligns with their aspirations.
-
Video Interview: A video interview is part of the application process. This interview allows the admissions committee to assess the applicant’s communication skills, motivation, and fit for the program.
-
English Language Proficiency: Applicants from outside the United States are typically required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English language proficiency unless they have completed a degree program in an English-speaking country or meet other exemption criteria.
It’s important for applicants to review the specific admission requirements and deadlines outlined by the Cornell Brooks School for the EMPA program. Admissions criteria and processes may vary slightly from year to year, so it’s recommended to consult the program’s official website or contact the admissions office for the most up-to-date information.
Core Courses
The following courses are taken online:
The following courses are taken on campus in Ithaca, NY:
Elective Areas of Study (4 credits)
Students have the option to choose from a range of approved elective courses. Some potential areas of study include:
- Advanced Spreadsheet Modeling
- Artificial Intelligence for Public Policy
- Comparative Public Administration
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Cybersecurity for Leaders
- Digital Transformation
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Employment Law
- Executive Presence
- Human Rights Obligations
- International Human Rights Law and Policy
- International Program Evaluation
- Mediation for Managers
- VUCA Leadership