Admissions & Application Information
This is where your transformative journey toward public administration leadership begins. Our application is designed to provide our admission committee the best introduction to you: your goals, your expertise, and your why.
Each component of the application is purposeful. The university graduate application, statement of purpose, essay, and virtual interview allow us to understand how you would fit into the community at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. Take your time with your application and connect with us if you have questions.
NOTE:
To receive consideration for funding, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
The Application
- Complete Cornell’s Online Graduate School Application.
- Submit unofficial copies of your college and university transcripts. An official paper transcript is required for all admitted students before matriculating.
- There is NO GRE requirement.
- Submit your résumé and two letters of recommendation.
- Applicants for whom English is a second language will need to meet minimum scores on either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Required minimum scores on the TOEFL exam are: writing 20, listening 15, reading 20, and speaking 22. Our field requirements for the IELTS exam are an overall score of at least 7.0.
- Submit a Statement of Purpose. See detailed information below for completing this submission.
- You will be sent email instructions to participate in an online interview to complete your application.
The Statement of Purpose
- Detail why you are applying to the program.
- Describe how your personal and/or professional experiences have led to your interest in Cornell University’s Brooks School MPA program and how these experiences have contributed to your interest in public administration.
- Describe your future goals in the area of public administration and how you would use an MPA graduate education to make a positive impact in this area.
The Essay
- Briefly describe an area of public affairs to which you would like to make a contribution.
- Discuss what you would like to see accomplished in this area.
- Explain how you would go about initiating, supporting and sustaining changes in this area so as to enhance public well-being and public services.
Application Checklist
Download this list to keep it available for your reference.
About the Online Interview
Once Cornell receives your application, you will receive an email with information about completing an online interview. It will include login information and detailed instructions.
For questions related to any technical issues or errors, contact the Graduate School office at 607-255-4884.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
The Brooks MPA Program is looking for students of exceptional quality who have the analytical, leadership, and communication skills necessary to succeed in a career serving the public in government, nonprofit, or for-profit sectors. If you’re ready to take on some of the world’s most complex policy challenges, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started.
