The Cornell Institute for Public Affairs (CIPA) trains future leaders in the field of public affairs to address the world’s most complex public policy challenges with a two-year, residential Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree and an 18-month, online Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) degree program. With an interdisciplinary curriculum, our students have access to faculty members across Cornell University, which is among the largest and most diverse of the Ivy League universities.

Our graduates pursue successful careers across a wide range of spaces, including education, healthcare, criminal justice, sustainability, and economic policy.

Apply Today

CIPA offers rolling admissions for our residential MPA program. To receive consideration for funding, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

The Executive MPA (EMPA) program has regular admissions. We recommend that you sign up for an information session and view our upcoming application deadline.

Having Trouble Deciding Which Program Is For You?

Compare some of the key features and qualities of our residential and executive degree programs. CIPA also offers online certificate programs in a variety of fields.