Executive Public Administration (MPA)

Brooks School of Public Policy

Program Website

Program Description

The Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program at the Cornell Brooks School offers a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field of public administration. Spanning 36 credits over 18 months, this program combines online coursework with residential experiences to provide a well-rounded education. Students learn through asynchronous and synchronous online coursework, with two different week-long in person sessions available on Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, NY. The program’s structure is designed to accommodate busy professionals, with an average study commitment of 18-20 hours per week.

The EMPA curriculum focuses on essential public management and policy analysis competencies and theories. Students have the opportunity to delve into topics such as leadership, strategy, decision analytics, managing personnel, and leveraging technology. Additionally, students can choose electives based on their interests and career goals, tailoring their program to specialize in either Public and Nonprofit Management or International Policy.

Admissions Requirements

Each application is reviewed holistically and in the context of the overall applicant pool for that admission cycle. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit a complete application package as outlined below. 

  • Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Online video interview
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable
  • Visit the Graduate School Admissions site for details on the English language proficiency requirement, including standing exemptions. 

Please visit the Brooks School website to view application deadlines.

Program Policies and Procedures

For details about Brooks School academic policies see the Brooks School policies page.
Please review the university catalog policies regarding academic integrity.

Good Academic Standing Requirements

  • A student must maintain a semester and cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
  • Students must receive a grade of C or better in all degree requirements.  
  • A student cannot carry more than two (2) incomplete grades simultaneously. 
  • Executive students must complete at least 6 credits each term unless they have received an approved petition to take fewer than 6 credits (e.g. for SDS accommodation) 
  • A student must be making “satisfactory progress” toward a Brooks School master’s degree.

Good Academic Standing Review Process  

At the end of each semester, the Brooks School committee on academic status (CAS) reviews each Bachelor of Science and Professional Master student’s academic record to ensure that the minimum academic standards are met. The committee takes appropriate action for students whose academic achievement is considered unsatisfactory as defined by the criteria above.  To support every student’s success, the committee may take any of the following actions: 

  • Withdraw the student permanently from the Brooks School and Cornell University.
  • Require the student to take a leave of absence for one or more semesters.
  • Issue a warning to the student at one of the following levels (these imply that if the student does not show considerable improvement during the semester, the committee may withdraw the student):
    • Severe warning with danger of being withdrawn
    • Severe warning
    • Warning
    • Add the student’s name to a review list; students with this status are monitored by the committee throughout the semester.
    • Return the student to good standing.

Any of the above actions may be accompanied by a semester credit limit or a requirement for the student to meet with an academic advisor by a date set by the committee. 

Students placed on a required leave must appeal to CAS to return. This appeal occurs at the end of the required leave period. Students who have been withdrawn may appeal the decision before the committee during the pre-semester appeals meeting. 

All students with an academic warning status automatically will be reviewed for specific criteria at the end of the subsequent semester. Students put on warning, severe warning, or severe warning with danger of being withdrawn status will be informed of conditions that they are expected to fulfill to return to good standing.  

Students who have been previously placed on a required leave and wish to return to the Brooks School must submit a plan of study to the committee before being rejoined. The student should contact the Registrar in the Brooks Office of Admissions, Student Services, and Career Management to discuss the process and due dates (BrooksRegistrar@cornell.edu).  

Students who have been withdrawn from the Brooks School by CAS may request that they be readmitted. Such students have three years from the date they were withdrawn to make this appeal with assistance from an advisor in the Brooks Office of  Admissions,  Student Services, and Career Management. After three years, a former student must apply for readmission through the Brooks School admissions process. A student applying for readmission should discuss their situation with an advisor in the Brooks Office of Admissions, Student Services and Career Management. The student also should talk with others who may be able to help—faculty mentors, instructors, or a member of the university medical staff. Any information given to the committee is held in the strictest confidence.

Career Management and Practical Training

A highlight of the EMPA program is the capstone project, where students collaborate with faculty to apply their coursework to a real-world work project. This project is strategically important and provides students with valuable hands-on experience in solving complex public administration challenges. Throughout the program, students are supported by Cornell faculty and Executives-in-Residence who serve as mentors, guiding students through their academic journey and capstone projects.