Those who pursue an MPA pursue management roles in the public interest, where the standards of accountability, transparency, and equity demand a unique mix of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those pursuing an MPA do so after careful introspection, and upon determining that their goals, values, and focus lie in improving people’s lives.
While there are several professional degree options that can enhance your knowledge, skills, and abilities and allow you to make a valuable contribution to the world, it is important to distinguish between these degrees and the opportunities they will lead to.
The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is the professional organization that oversees education in the field of public affairs, public policy, and public administration. NASPAA defines a Master of Public Administration as “the core professional degree for a management career in public service. The curriculum is designed to aid students in developing the skills and techniques used by leaders and managers to implement policies, projects, and programs that resolve important societal problems.
NASPAA also notes that graduates of an MPA program “work in all levels of government (federal, state, and local), in nonprofits, in international organizations, consulting firms, and in the private sector.”
So, how does the MPA differ from a Master of Public Policy (MPP) or a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree? Let’s dive a little deeper.
A Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree focuses on analysis. MPP students use the tools of economic analysis to forecast the consequences of public policy. MPP graduates typically assume roles as analysts in the public or private sectors. The MPA, on the other hand, is a general management degree that builds leadership, planning, management, and evaluation skills.
An MPA is often referred to as a “Master of Business Administration/MBA for the Public and Nonprofit Sectors.” While this is the case in many respects, the two degrees are not interchangeable. Both the MPA and MBA degrees are interdisciplinary, merging perspectives from management, economics, and organizational behavior.
The MPA degree provides insight into the intricacies of how these disciplines apply in the context of public service, however, whereas the MBA is focused on profit-driven results.
Those who pursue an MPA pursue management roles in the public interest, where the standards of accountability, transparency, and equity demand a unique mix of knowledge, skills and abilities. Those pursuing an MPA do so after careful introspection, and upon determining that their goals, values, and focus lie in improving people’s lives.
The MPA allows graduates to accelerate the “business of public affairs” and unravel challenges in federal, state, or local government; nonprofit organizations, and in international public organizations.
The Guide to Internships & Externships in the Cornell MPA Program is your go-to resource for understanding the value of learning-by-doing as a way of sharpening your competitive edge and cultivating marketable skills.
Brettany Tucker, MPA 2018 | Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles
How an MPA Can Help You Shape Economic and Financial Policy →
Allison Springer, MPA 2016 | Marketing & Research Associate of Outdoors America, Open Space Institute
Want to Address Climate Change? Study Environmental Policy →
Daniel Arukwe Johansen, MPA 2015 | Team Leader, WFP Operations Center, UN World Food Programme Division of Emergencies
Getting an MPA Can Help You Build a Career in Government Policy →
Tiffany Jordan, MPA 2016 | Recruitment and Retention Coordinator, Roanoke (VA) Public Schools
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Vanisha Sharma, MPA 2018 | PhD Candidate in Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University
What You Need to Know About International Development Studies →
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Clare O'Brien, MPA 2017 | Management Associate, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
How Getting an MPA Will Prepare You for a Career in Nonprofit Management →
Michael W. Foley, MPA 2017 | Consultant – Business & Finance, Landrum & Brown
Zachary German, MPA 2018 | Officer in Charge (OIC) of Administration Department, Health Services Administration, United States Air Force Medical Service Corps
The Cornell Brooks School offers a complementary degree option and a dual degree option for competitive, driven students looking to augment their MPA with an additional degree.
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Health (MPH), and Juris Doctor (JD): Applicants who wish to pursue a Cornell MBA, MPH, or JD along with their MPA degree may work out a complementary program of study if they apply to and are accepted by both programs. Fellows may then apply up to twelve credits of the complementary professional degree program (MBA, MPH, or JD) toward their MPA. Applicants to the MPA program who have already completed a Cornell MBA, MPH, or JD may apply up to twelve credits from their other degree program toward the MPA degree if these are appropriate for an MPA course of study.
Pursuing these options may reduce the time toward degree completion by approximately one semester. Applicants should plan on meeting with the Director of Graduate Studies to discuss which credits from the MBA, MPH, or JD would be transferable to the MPA program. Please contact the the Brooks School MPA Program at 607-255-8018 or mpa@cornell.edu to set up an appointment.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)/Master of Health Administration (MHA): A dual MPA/MHA program is available for students enrolled at the Brooks School and the Sloan Program in Health Administration. This option enables students to complete both degrees in three years while eliminating duplicate coursework. Students must apply and be accepted to both programs (admission to one program does not guarantee admission to the other).
The goal of this dual degree program is to enable students to combine training in public administration with training and management tools and their applications to health administration and of the organization of the health care sector, health policy, and the tools of public health.
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We place significant emphasis on professional development and career management — before, during, and after your time at Cornell University. See what career management and professional development at the Cornell Brooks School is like.
At Cornell University, we have measurable data that shows the real, marketable value of our MPA degree.
Given the diversity of interests and career objectives represented at Cornell, postgraduate activities are regularly distributed across three primary sectors: public, private, and non-profit.
MPA graduates often pursue careers with purpose. See where Cornell MPA graduates are working today.
My name is Amber Ingwell. I am 30 years old and currently living in Ithaca while I’m obtaining my Master of Public Administration degree at Cornell University. I grew up in Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a BA in Political Science and Legal Studies.
Cornell’s MPA was a good fit for me for several reasons. For one, a two-year program seemed like the appropriate choice (over a one-year program) to give me enough time to gain the necessary skills and allow for a true immersion in the breadth of material required to be a professional in the field.
Second, Cornell’s MPA concentration areas give an opportunity to hone your interests and signal some commitment to a specific area.
Third, Cornell’s principle of “any person, any study” also applies to the MPA program. There is great flexibility to shape the degree to your specific needs and interests. The ability to take classes across campus means exposure to many different areas.
Fourth, the program puts emphasis not only on technical skills but also on leadership and management
principles. There is ample opportunity to translate leadership skills exercised in the military to future roles in the civilian sector.
Finally, Cornell’s faculty and staff are committed to your success in your field. There are a lot of opportunities for practical experiences to prepare you for future jobs and build a network of colleagues.
Cornell also offered the best academic experience in a beautiful location — Ithaca, NY!
Do not sell yourself short. Your experiences will serve you well both in the program and as a future leader in public affairs. Also, do not stress if you do not know exactly where you want to go after the program.
The flexibility of Cornell’s program allows you to change your mind, explore interests, and obtain excellent foundational knowledge.
You can be confident that the Master of Public Administration offered at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, an Ivy League MPA program, will be helpful as you pursue a career in the public, nonprofit, or private sectors.
To receive optimum consideration for funding opportunities, however, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
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