DEPARTMENT OF

Policy Analysis and Management

Accelerated Master's Program FAQ

 
 
 
 
Questions and Answers
Q: Exactly what will I end up with if I become a 5-year Bachelor/MS student?
A: At the end of your four undergraduate years (the senior year taking courses in the PAM MS program) you will have a bachelor's degree in your undergraduate major. At the end of the fifth year you will have an MS in Policy Analysis and Management.
 
Q: I’m a little confused: Is the PAM MS a one-year program or a two-year program?
A: The PAM MS is a two-year program. You will complete the first year of the MS program during your senior undergraduate year. You will have some time in your senior year course schedule to complete any unmet requirements in your undergraduate major. Your second year in the PAM MS program will be the first year as an enrollee in the Cornell Graduate School.
 
Q: I’m a graduating senior. Can I enter the PAM MS program?
A: No. PAM only offers the accelerated Bachelor/ MS which must be begun at the start of your senior year.
 

Q: My undergraduate major isn’t PAM. Can I still enroll in the accelerated MS program in PAM?
A: Yes, as long as you have a strong preparation in public policy, research methods, and social sciences. The application form contains a list of specific courses. Normally, you should have completed most or all of these courses by the end of your junior year to be well-prepared to start the PAM MS. If not, you may be required to complete these courses on a remedial basis, in addition to the other requirements of the accelerated MS program. In addition to PAM majors, we encourage applications from well-prepared students in Applied Economics and Management, Economics, Sociology, and other relevant majors.

 
Q: At what point should I apply to the program?
A: Although you would not formally apply until your junior year, if possible you should meet with a PAM advisor in your freshman or sophomore year to insure that you are taking courses that will insure your acceptance into the program. If you are now a rising senior, you should apply by August 2009. Note that the total number of spaces in the PAM MS is limited to a maximum of 10 students.
 
Q: When would I apply to the Cornell Graduate School?
A: You would apply to the Graduate School in your senior year (application deadline is April 15th, see Geysa Smiljanic, PAM Graduate Field Office, MVR 122).
 
Q: Do I need to provide a new statement of purpose, letters of recommendations and transcripts with the Graduate School application? Or can I use the material submitted with the PAM MS application?
A: No. We will use the material submitted with your PAM MS Application.
 
Q: Do I have to take a test to enter the PAM MS or Cornell Grad School?
A: No, but GRE scores are useful for the PAM MS admissions process.
 
Q: Will I have to complete an MS thesis?
A: Yes, in your second year of the program you will also complete an M.S. thesis – an original, in-depth piece of public policy research.
 
Q: I would like to spend one semester in Cornell in Washington, Capital Semester, Urban Semester, or Cornell Abroad. Can I still enroll in the PAM MS?
A: Yes, with some advance planning, there is enough flexibility in the proposed PAM MS that it would be possible to complete an integrative experience and be on schedule for the PAM MS.
 
Q: I was hoping to be in the PAM Honors Program in my senior year. Can I still enroll in the PAM MS?
A: Yes, students can complete both the PAM Honors Program and the PAM MS. The PAM Honors Program requires an honors thesis seminar and an undergraduate honor’s thesis. These credits will not count towards the MS requirements. The undergraduate honors thesis cannot be used to meet the requirement for an MS thesis. However, a substantial extension of the undergraduate honors thesis could form the basis of an MS thesis, subject to the approval of the chair of your MS thesis committee.
 
Q: Does the PAM MS require a summer internship?
A: No. However, we encourage you to find a research-based internship during the summer between your first and second year in the PAM MS (i.e. after you complete your Bachelor’s degree but before you return to complete the MS). Alternatively, students are also encouraged to find summer work as a research assistant on a PAM faculty research project.
 
Q: Does the PAM MS require an academic year traineeship?
A: No, but we encourage you to take a “traineeship course” (PAM 4010 or PAM 6000) and serve as research assistants on PAM faculty research projects during the academic year.
 
Q: What tuition do I have to pay for the final year? 
A: In your final year you will pay the Graduate School's lower rate of tuition for research degree programs (in 2009-2010 the rate is $20,800). A student health insurance fee may also apply. There are no stipends or fellowships offered through our department (though you should feel free to seek outside sources of funding), although opportunities for part-time research work may exist (but these will not come with tuition waivers). See www.gradschool.cornell.edu for loan information.