Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the focus of the CIPA program?
The interdisciplinary nature of this M.P.A. program is one of its distinguishing features. While the program provides a basic structure for study, CIPA students (-aka- fellows) are the primary designers of their educational and career trajectories. With more than 4,000 courses, a world-renowned faculty, and a set of dedicated Core Faculty members, it is possible for students to focus their study on virtually any area of public policy. (For specific program requirements, please refer to the M.P.A. Program Handbook and Course Guide.)
2. What areas of specialization, or concentration, does CIPA offer?
Students choose their course of study--domestic or international--from a broad range of options:
- environmental policy
- finance and fiscal policy
- government, politics, and policy studies
- human rights and social justice
- international development studies
- public and nonprofit management
- science and technology policy
- social policy
Within each concentration, the option exists for further specialization based on a student's interests.
3. How effective are CIPA fellows at obtaining full-time employment after graduation?
CIPA employs a career counselor to aid current students and alumni in finding internship and employment opportunities. In 2007, 95% of CIPA fellows were employed full-time (or had chosen to go on for further graduate study) within 9 months of graduation. (For more information, see Career Services under our Career Development & Alumni page.)
4. What type of employment opportunities can I expect with my M.P.A. degree from Cornell?
CIPA graduates enjoy an increasing range of opportunities for both domestic and international employment with outstanding organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Organizations employing recent alumni include Bloomberg, Booz Allen Hamilton, the Brookings Institution, Congressional Research Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, Islamic Development Bank, the United Nations, and the World Bank. (Please see our Alumni Profiles on the Career Development & Alumni page.)
5. Do I have to write a thesis?
Students have the option of completing either a thesis or professional report as the concluding requirement for their M.P.A. degree. To learn more about these options, please go to the M.P.A. Program Requirements page.
6. Do I have to complete an internship?
Hands-on experience is a key component of the M.PA. program, serving as a practical complement to formal academic study. Fellows are expected to gain practical work experience in an area related to their concentration. There are several options for completing this requirement. Most students choose to complete an internship during the summer between their first and second years of graduate study. Others choose to gain practical experience during an academic semester while enrolled in one of the off-campus programs: Cornell in Washington, Cornell in Rome, or the Cornell-Nepal Study Program. The final option is for students to work with the CIPA Public Service Exchange. This program represents a unique service-learning partnership with nonprofit and government agencies located primarily in Tompkins County. Students in the Exchange conduct directed field experience for a local client during at academic semester at Cornell.
7. Will I be assigned to an advisor to help me choose courses?
Yes, each student works with a CIPA Core Faculty member to plan his/her particular program of study.
8. How long will it take to complete the program?
The CIPA M.P.A. is a two-year program. Students take sixteen courses--an average of four per semester.
9. Can I complete another degree while I’m completing the M.P.A. degree?
Yes, CIPA students have pursued complementary degrees in law, business, and city and regional planning, among others. Students must apply to and be accepted by both programs. It is usually possible to complete the two degrees together in less time than would be required to complete them separately.
10. How do I apply to the program?
The Cornell Graduate School is encouraging people to apply online. To download an application, please go to the CIPA Admissions page.
11. What do I need to provide with the application?
In addition to the Graduate School application requirements, CIPA requests that applicants send a current résumé, along with a comprehensive statement of purpose. To find out more, please go to the CIPA Admissions page.
12. What is the application deadline?
CIPA offers rolling admission. Students who are interested in receiving financial aid, however, should have their applications complete by the end of January.
13. What is the tuition for the CIPA program?
For the 2008-09 academic year, tuition for CIPA students will be $36,300.00.
14. Can I get financial aid from CIPA?
Please go to the Financial Aid section of the Admissions page.
15. When do you make admissions decisions?
Please go to the Admissions page.
16. When do you make financial aid decisions?
Please go to the Financial Aid section of the Admissions page.
17. How can I check the status of my application?
Call the CIPA Main Office at 607.255.8018 or send an email to cipa@cornell.edu.
18. How large is the CIPA program?
The average enrollment during the 2007-08 academic year was 150 full time CIPA students.
19. What are the demographics of the current CIPA student population?
50% male/female; 30% international/70% domestic; 23% minority
20. What professional activities are available to CIPA students?
Please go to the Professional Activities link on the Academics page.
21. What are the main conferences at Cornell and elsewhere that CIPA students attend?
Please go to our Calendar of Coming Events page.
22. I am an international student. How do I apply for a visa?
Please visit the International Students and Scholars Office at www.isso.cornell.edu.
23. I will be bringing my family with me. Where can I get information on housing and schools?
Yahoo! has information on Ithaca housing. Click here to visit this site.
24. Where can I get information on housing?
Please check out other housing listings in the Life at Cornell section of the About CIPA page.
25. I have a physical disability. Where can I get information on university services?
Please contact Student Disability Services at www.clt.cornell.edu/campus/sds.
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