The residential MPA application is now closed and will reopen on September 1, 2025.

Admission is granted for the fall semester only.

If you are looking for the Executive MPA (EMPA) admissions process, please view the EMPA website

Having trouble deciding which program is for you? Compare key features and qualities of our residential and executive degree programs on our website. Compare programs here

application requirements

Transcripts
Applicants must upload unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or an equivalent international degree (see Cornell’s list of International Degree Equivalencies), is required. There is no minimum GPA cut-off, however, undergraduate coursework and grades are considered in the admissions review.
Please note: Admitted applicants who accept their offer must submit official electronic transcripts to the Graduate School Admissions Office. See the Graduate School’s transcript guidelines for more details.

Recommendations
Two letters of recommendation are required. Academic or professional recommendations are accepted. Letters of recommendation need to be submitted via the applicant’s online application.

Interview
After submitting an application for the MPA program, you will be invited to record an online video interview. For your convenience, our interview questions have been pre-recorded so that you can complete your responses at any time. The video interview is part of a holistic assessment that will be considered alongside your completed application. Detailed information about the video interview will be provided via email after you submit your application.

Resume
All applicants are required to submit a resume with their application.

Statement of Purpose (500 words maximum)
The statement of purpose is one of your primary opportunities to help the admissions committee understand your academic objectives and determine if you are a good match for the program.

• • Detail why you are applying to the program and include personal and/or professional experiences that have led to your interest in the MPA program.
  • Describe your future goals and how you would use an MPA graduate education to make a positive impact in this area.
  • Include examples of volunteer work, positions of responsibility, and any other life experiences that have contributed to your interest in public administration.

TOEFL or IELTS Scores
Visit the Graduate School Admissions site for more information regarding the English language proficiency requirement, including standing exemptions.

Application Fee Waivers:

• Are not granted on a financial-need basis.
• Are automatically granted to former and current U.S. military personnel.
• The following groups may request an application fee waiver by emailing mpa@cornell.edu.
  • AmeriCorps volunteers and alumni
  • Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellows and finalists
  • Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs)
  • Teach for America corps member or alumni
  • Thomas R. Pickering International Affairs Fellows and finalists

Questions?