To build a robust foundation in public affairs, students engage in cross-disciplinary coursework across three key subject areas. These courses provide essential knowledge and skills for effective practice within the broad domain of public affairs:

• Administrative, Political, and Policy Processes: Understand how public affairs are conducted.
• Economic Analysis and Public Finance: Learn how public affairs are financed.
• Quantitative Analysis: Evaluate decisions and results in public affairs.

These foundational courses are designed to equip students with the interdisciplinary knowledge necessary for effective problem-solving and decision-making in the field of public affairs.

Our program offers eight areas of concentration, allowing you to tailor your studies to align with your professional goals and interests. With guidance from your advisor, you can select courses within your chosen concentration to build expertise in your specific field. Below are the available concentrations:

• Economic and Financial Policy
• Environmental Policy
• Government, Politics and Policy Studies
• Human Rights and Social Justice
• International Development Studies
• Public and Nonprofit Management
• Science, Technology, and Infrastructure Policy
• Social Policy

Each concentration is designed to provide you with specialized knowledge and skills to advance your career in your chosen field. For detailed information on course requirements and how they align with your professional goals, consult with your advisor and refer to the Program Handbook and Course Guide.

Career Management for Public Affairs

The MPA Program Colloquium comprises a series of courses aimed at equipping students with the skills needed for the public affairs sector and familiarizing them with current perspectives in the field. These courses are crucial for gaining a thorough understanding of public affairs and for a smooth transition into professional roles.

During the fall of their first year, students take this course to explore the public affairs career landscape and to acquire essential career management tools, including effective resume and cover letter writing, interviewing techniques, online reputation management, and self-assessment strategies.

Professional Development for Public Affairs

Both first- and second-year MPA students participate in this course each spring. The seminar series is case-based and interactive, encouraging students to explore how public affairs challenges are addressed across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Students collaborate with peers to identify alternative decision options and develop potential resolutions.

Gaining hands-on, professional experience in public affairs is a vital component of the MPA Program. Students are required to obtain practical work experience relevant to their concentration. There are three options to fulfill this requirement:

• Internship
• Off-Campus Study/Externship Program
• Graduate Certificate Program:
  • Environmental Finance and Impact Investment (EFII) 
  • Infrastructure Project Management and Finance (IPMF)
  • Systems Thinking, Modelling, and Leadership (STML)

Proficiency in analysis and written communication is crucial in the public affairs profession. We offer several avenues to enhance these skills and demonstrate your professional competency:

• Capstone Project: Undertake a rigorous, semester-long, pro bono consulting project for real clients in public agencies or nonprofits. This project culminates in a comprehensive written report.
• Professional Report: Expand on your summer internship experience by enrolling in a semester-long independent study or directed reading course. This will result in a detailed professional report that aids your client in decision-making and program management or evaluation. For more details, refer to the Program Handbook and the MPA Professional Writing Guide.
• Thesis: Writing a master’s thesis is an option for those considering a PhD or who have a specific research interest within public affairs. This involves broad yet focused research. Consult the Program Handbook and the MPA Professional Writing Guide for further details. For additional information on writing a research thesis and format, see the Thesis and Dissertation Guide on the Cornell Graduate School website.