Cornell’s MPA program values diversity of thought and experience, and as previously noted, the MPA features an interdisciplinary curriculum. This means that, within your concentration, you may take courses through the College of Human Ecology, as well as from a variety of world-class faculty representing disciplines from across the university. Why is this important? It’s important because as you refine your goals, you will have the flexibility to choose coursework with experts who are conducting research and publishing in your chosen area of study, regardless of which Cornell school or college they belong to.
Set the Stage for Career Success at Cornell
As a student in our MPA program, you’ll be equipped with the tools you need to begin your career in public affairs or public administration. In this chapter, we highlight the resources we offer to support our students throughout their MPA journey.
How Cornell’s MPA Program Prepares the Leaders of Tomorrow
If you are a driven, mission-oriented leader looking for tools to address the world’s most challenging public policy issues, the MPA program at Cornell University is the perfect place to hone the skills you need to positively impact the world around you.
While there are many quality MPA programs available, the Cornell MPA program is uniquely qualified to prepare tomorrow’s leaders, and here’s why:
-
-
In Cornell’s MPA program, there are several options for fulfilling the Practical Experience requirement for the MPA. Real-world consulting opportunities, internships, externships, off-campus study, and Capstone experiences help you develop the skill set you need to be successful in your future careers.
-
The MPA Program allows you to choose from various concentration options and pursue specialized courses to develop expertise in your selected area.
1. Economic PolicyLearn More: How Getting an MPA Can Help You Shape Economic and Financial Policy
2. Environmental and Sustainability Policy
Learn More: Want to Address Climate Change? Study Environmental Policy
3. Social Policy: Health, Education and Inequality
Learn More: Promote Gender Equality by Getting an MPA
4. International Policy and Management
Learn More: What You Need to Know About International Development Studies
5. Public and Nonprofit Management
Learn More: How Getting an MPA Will Prepare You for a Career in Nonprofit Management
6. Science and Technology Policy
Learn More: What is Science, Technology, and Infrastructure Policy?
7. Data Science
Cornell’s MPA program values diversity of thought and experience, and as previously noted, the MPA features an interdisciplinary curriculum. This means that, within your concentration, you may take courses through the College of Human Ecology, as well as from a variety of world-class faculty representing disciplines from across the university. Why is this important? It’s important because as you refine your goals, you will have the flexibility to choose coursework with experts who are conducting research and publishing in your chosen area of study, regardless of which Cornell school or college they belong to.
In Cornell’s MPA program, there are several options for fulfilling the Practical Experience requirement for the MPA. Real-world consulting opportunities, internships, externships, off-campus study, and Capstone experiences help you develop the skill set you need to be successful in your future careers.
The MPA Program allows you to choose from eight concentration options and pursue specialized courses to develop expertise in your selected area.
1. Economic and Financial Policy
Learn More: How Getting an MPA Can Help You Shape Economic and Financial Policy
Learn More: Want to Address Climate Change? Study Environmental Policy
3. Government, Politics, and Policy Studies
Learn More: How Getting an MPA Can Help You Build a Career in Government Policy
4. Human Rights and Social Justice
Learn More: Promote Gender Equality by Getting an MPA
5. International Development Studies
Learn More: What You Need to Know About International Development Studies
6. Public and Nonprofit Management
Learn More: How Getting an MPA Will Prepare You for a Career in Nonprofit Management
7. Science, Technology, and Infrastructure Policy
Learn More: What is Science, Technology, and Infrastructure Policy?
Learn More: Getting an MPA to Advocate for At-Risk Children in the United States
Networking
Building a wide network is the best way to land your dream job. The MPA program hosts career networking events in Washington, D.C., and New York City for positions in the private, public, nonprofit NGO, and international development sectors. We also maintain an official LinkedIn site for current students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the program. In addition, we encourage you to attend the Cornell Careers Services Fair, the All Ivy Environmental Sustainable Development Career Fair, and the Cornell Nonprofit and Government Career Fair. Check the events calendar for further details.
Professional Development
Cornell MPA students are required to take two semester-long courses (or equivalent) that focus on strengthening professional preparation, which may include statistical, analytical, or mathematical skills, professional writing or speaking, leadership or management, or additional skills or knowledge needed for a particular concentration.
Résumé Building
The professionals at Cornell University help take your résumé from good to great and assist you in tailoring different versions of it to the specific jobs you are seeking. Then, we collect one of your résumés, which conforms to a template based on best practices, and present it on your behalf to employers looking for your skills.
Career Planning
You provide the Career Management team with the information necessary to develop your career plan. We use a variety of instruments to accomplish this, including a self-assessment and career exploration guide, a first-year career interest survey, a second-year individual development plan, and a top-five strengths test. Cornell Career Services explore for additional career assistance opportunities.
