Cornell University Reviews of Master's in Public Administration

"The Cornell Institute of Public Affairs know as CIPA is two years masters degree program at Cornell University. CIPA is a part of the College of Human Ecology of Cornell University. It is diverse, multidisciplinary program requires fellow to complete minimum 16 courses, where 12 courses are core, and left 4 are concentration. As a first-year student, you can gain introductory consulting experience through the Public Service Exchange. During your second year of study, the Capstone offers you the option of completing a rigorous, semester-long consulting project for either a domestic or international client."

"CIPA offers a flexible curriculum, which has pros and cons. Some students seem a little lost in choosing courses, but others create a comprehensive course. Financially, CIPA compares VERY favorably to all of its competitor programs at other schools. For me, the price was worth it. Ithaca is not the best, but the pros outweigh the cons of the surrounding area."

"Cornell's MPA is what you make of it. If you want to have an amazing time and build a portfolio of applied projects and challenging coursework, it is up to you to connect with professors and seek out those opportunities. There are many of them and everyone has been willing to help. Cornell is also a great university, and you get perks of being connected to a global network. That said, if you are not as focused or directed, you can easily take all the required classes, coasting through the program without truly challenging yourself. Don't come here if you're looking for guidance or not sure why you want to go to graduate school. You will feel lost and disorganized. But come here if you know how Cornell can help you learn and work on projects that you value. Look at all the Cornell research institutes and organizations, faculty projects, and programs and start networking!"

"Ithaca's a tough place to live, but the CIPA program provides strong financial aid, so it's worthwhile. Classes and academics aren't very rigorous, but the degree seems to still provide career-worthy skills."

"The program is extremely flexible and whatever you'd like to specialize in the school makes available to you. The downside is that it is in Ithaca which is pretty much a college town. Getting past that is easily the biggest down side of the program. You can make the program what you so therefore if you select this you have to be ready to apply yourself."

"Pros, getting your foot in the door at CIPA before it becomes it's own school will allow you smaller competitiveness, all the academic resources of Cornell, and some seriously quick degree appreciation. We partner with the Maxwell School for a spring conference. There are tons of ways to get involved in leadership positions in the program. The diversity is incredible. Cons, Ithaca is nice, but it is the middle of nowhere. Getting to places where there are internships and not having that natural network is the biggest drawback when compared to programs like Columbia, American, and Georgetown. The decentralization of class selection is frustrating, even though it provides great variety."