Cornell CIPA

[Demetrios2011]

Is anyone familiar with the reputation of Cornell's public affairs program? I am aware that it doesn't have as strong a reputation as Columbia and Syracuse, for example, and is only ranked 35th overall by usnews (although I have been told by several people in the industry that the usnews mpa rankings are essentially worthless, being based on very limited information.) In any event, Cornell seems to be a relatively new program, but the resources and connections there are amazing and they have a very interdisciplinary approach (so one would be taking courses in the econ and poli sci departments, both of which are highly ranked.) Cornell's list of recent graduates' employers is also very impressive. Additionally, it would seem that the Cornell name would carry more weight in some areas than a Syracuse type program, for example. I would appreciate hearing any feedback people may have on this program.

[Demetrios2011]

37 views but no comments?

[traveler06]

37 views but no comments?

Lol. I looked at it but I don't know much about CIPA. They've sent me brochures... looks like a neat program. But, I'm just looking at programs myself. Didn't apply because it's important to me to be near or in a city.

[East_of_Eden]

CIPA's program is very strong. I think the reason you're not seeing anything about it on this board is b/c most people are looking at schools with greater access to big cities. I think. Cornell's location makes it unappealing b/c it's, quite literally, in the middle of nowhere. But it is beautiful there. That being said, CIPA has a strong faculty, great academics, good networking options in D.C. and a powerful name in Cornell. The program is somewhat young comparatively. I have a friend there now and he loves it. He was admitted to SIPA, GW, GPPI and others, but chose Cornell b/c of the people and the program. You mentioned Syracuse in your post, but I don't know how CIPA compares in terms of name recognition. Syracuse seems to have a great program, but being an upstate New Yorker I know that the city of Syracuse is miserable. I wouldn't worry about the US News ranking; it really isn't based on enough credible info. I received an acceptance from Cornell two weeks ago and am entertaining the prospect of going there. The only downer, in my opinion, is the incredible distance from any major city. Ultimately, go where you feel the most comfortable. Hope this helps!

[saisonsaparis]

CIPA certainly benefits from all of the resources available at Cornell, including opportunities to spend a semester abroad in Rome or Nepal or away in Washington, DC. The program is newer than others but, as mentioned, is interdisciplinary and thus students are able to take courses across the university with really great faculty. Their admissions office is also the most accessible and friendliest that I encountered in my grad school search.

For what it's worth, I've been accepted there for the fall and they gave me a very generous fellowship (especially for a professional degree program) and it is a very real possibility that I will attend because of that (in addition to the program fitting my academic interests).

[Demetrios2011]

I may see you there. Cornell does seem to be very generous with funding, and I have heard that this is due in part to their status as a separate entity in the graduate school, not within any other program. It is hard for me to justify going to some of the other schools I have offers from, considering the additional expense that would be incurred, especially given how much I like CIPA's program. The isolation is actually a plus for me, as I am an avid outdoorsman. Also, Cornell has a very good reputation in environmental policy, which is my intended concentration.

[Dreams]

The Class of 1979 dining hall is a must experience at Cornell. Best omlettes ever.

[saisonsaparis]

I may see you there. Cornell does seem to be very generous with funding, and I have heard that this is due in part to their status as a separate entity in the graduate school, not within any other program. It is hard for me to justify going to some of the other schools I have offers from, considering the additional expense that would be incurred, especially given how much I like CIPA's program.

Exactly this. I've also been accepted elsewhere, but taking on $50,000+ in debt when I'm probably not going to be making bucket loads after receiving my MPA just doesn't seem worth it when I can get a degree for much less from a top all-around university. Besides, CIPA's career services is really good and getting a job in two years is the ultimate goal, right?

[East_of_Eden]

Demetrios and Saison..., well said! With each passing day, Cornell's appeal is growing on me more and more. While I'm still waiting on Hopkins, Penn and a few others, I doubt anyone else's offer (fingers crossed) will be as financially competitive as CIPA's. Anyone looking to earn his/her MPP/MPA would be a fool to turn down such great funding from such a reputable university. With the way things are looking, I'll be seeing you there in the fall.