Public Administration (MPA)

Brooks School of Public Policy

Program Website

Program Description

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program is designed for people who aspire to management and leadership roles across the field of public affairs in public, private, and non-profit sectors. It is a two-year, full-time, on-campus professional degree for people ready to tackle the world’s most pressing policy problems in careers that serve the greater good. Students choose from seven concentrations, each designed to equip them with specialized knowledge and skills that support their career growth in their chosen field.

Concentrations

  • Data science
  • Economic policy
  • Environmental and sustainability policy
  • International policy management
  • Public and nonprofit management
  • Science and technology policy
  • Social policy: health, education, and inequality

Academic Standards

Program Policies

MPA students are expected to meet policies set by the Brooks School of Public Policy and the University for professional master’s students. Please review Brooks School Policies and Procedures for detailed information on academic policies and requirements, as well as Cornell University Academic Integrity policies. 

Petitions

Course substitutions may be permitted based on prior mastery of a subject or to request a relevant course not listed within the catalog year’s curriculum requirements. These petitions must be approved by the Brooks MPA Program Director.

MPA students must be in-residence for all semesters of the program. They must also attend classes according to the modality offered by the course and cannot request an alternative form of attendance/participation.

Students who face an extenuating circumstance may petition the MPA Program Director for an exception to an MPA program academic policy.

Academic Standing

Residential master’s students are expected to meet the following academic standards:  

  • Maintain a minimum semester and cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
  • Receive a grade of C or better in all courses applied toward degree requirements.
  • Carry no more than two incomplete grades at any time.
  • Complete at least 12 credits each fall and spring term, unless an approved petition for a reduced course load has been granted.
  • Remain in residence unless participating in an approved off-campus activity with prior written approval from the program director.  
  • Make satisfactory progress toward completion of a Brooks School master’s degree.  

For additional information regarding the academic standing review process, refer to the Brooks School Policies and Procedures.

Complementary Degree Pathways

Master of Public Administration (MPA) – Juris Doctor (JD) Pathway

As of May 2026, admissions to MPA-JD pathway is on pause. Students who received acceptance into both programs prior to May 2026 remain eligible to participate.

This pathway enables students to earn a JD degree alongside their MPA degree by applying up to twelve credits across both programs.

Master of Public Administration (MPA) - Master of Business Administration (MBA) Pathway

As of May 2025, admissions to the MPA-MBA pathway is on pause. Students who received acceptance into both programs  prior to May 2025 remain eligible to participate.

This pathway enables students to earn an MBA degree alongside their MPA degree by applying up to twelve credits across both programs.