Every semester, students should visit the CCNY Academic Calendar and add important dates to their own calendar. Important dates include college closures, changes in the class schedule due to holidays, registration deadlines, and more.
The MPA program requires 12 core courses (36 credits) and 3 electives (9 credits). Students may take a minimum of 2 courses and a maximum of 4 courses in any given semester. Taking 2 courses is considered part-time study; taking 3 or 4 courses is considered full-time study. Students who follow the Standard Course Load (3 courses in their first semester and 4 courses every semester after their first semester finish their degree in two years) take:
Semester 1 (Fall)
Public Policy
Communications
Quantitative Methods
Semester 2 (Spring)
The Economics of Public Policy
Strategic Human Resources Management
Advanced Quantitative Methods
Elective
Semester 3 (Fall)
Program and Policy Evaluation
Public Budgeting and Finance
Strategic Management of Public Organizations
Elective
Semester 4 (Spring)
Leadership in Public Service
Capital for Good
Capstone
Elective
MPA Courses take place Monday-Thursday in two time slots: 5:15 PM - 7:15 PM and 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM. The program sets the course schedule each semester, so students do not choose their class times. MPA core courses are offered in the fall and spring semesters only.
To help you better visualize your academic progress and track your progress towards graduation, we have developed a degree map and tracker tool. If you need additional guidance on course planning or electives, you can book a time with Caroline.
Each semester, the MPA Program will email all students when registration begins. We will provide a list of courses that students must take if they are following the standard course load.
Registration dates are posted on the CCNY Registrar's website. Registration for summer and fall classes usually begins in late March (we do not advise students to register at this time and usually share information after spring break). Registration for spring classes usually begins in November.
Electives give students the opportunity to build on the MPA Core Courses by gaining specialized knowledge that aligns with their field of interest and professional goals. We encourage students to reflect on what electives make the most sense given their goals and interests. Refrain from picking an elective simply because its schedule is convenient. Make it count!
Options and process
To understand your elective options and the process, click here.
For electives requiring an e-permit, click here to review the steps.
FAQ
When can I take electives? Students may begin taking electives after completing 3 core courses. Students may take electives in the fall, spring, or summer semesters.
Can I take electives after completing all core classes? Students are allowed to take up to 2 electives (6 credits) in the summer following their final semester in the program. Students can walk on stage for graduation but will not graduate until the fall.
What type of courses count as electives? Electives must be graduate-level, must relate to public policy/administration, and must not duplicate MPA core coursework. Students may take elective courses offered by the MPA Program, courses at other graduate programs at CCNY, or courses taken by e-permit at other CUNY campuses.
Where can I search for electives? The MPA Program will inform students each semester about any electives offered directly by the MPA Program. CCNY Graduate programs like International Relations, Economics, Urban Sustainability, School of Education, Psychology and Media & Communication (BIC), offer numerous electives on a wide-range of topics. Explore their listings in CUNYFirst. If you have not found the right course at CCNY, explore offerings at other campuses. For example, courses on criminal justice at John Jay, health care administration at Hunter or Sociology at the Graduate Center. Be sure to verify your eligibility to enroll by contacting the department and/or instructor to ask if the course is open to CCNY MPA students and if there are any pre-requisites.
Do electives require approval?
Electives offered by the MPA Program do not require approval.
Electives at other graduate programs at CCNY require MPA Program approval and possibly approval by the graduate program offering the course.
Electives at other CUNY campuses require MPA Program approval and an e-permit.
Who to contact if I have questions, need guidance or advice about my elective options? Please book a time with Caroline here.
How do I request approval for an elective? To request the MPA Program approval for an elective, complete the online Elective Approval Request Form. After we receive your form, we will review and be in touch.
How to apply for an e-permit? When enrolling in a course at another CUNY Campus, you need to apply for an e-permit. In accordance with CUNY policies, you must have a GPA of 3.0 or above in CUNYFirst to be eligible for an ePermit. Once you have MPA Program approval, follow these steps (click here for a visual version).
Visit the CCNY Registrar's website for guidance on e-permit deadlines and processes.
Review E-permit guide
Apply for the e-Permit via your CUNYFirst account. When prompted, choose "I don't need an equivalent". If a code is required enter 99902.
Notify the MPA Program (email us at mpa@ccny.cuny.edu) once you have applied for an e-permit for internal approval.
Once the e-permit is approved by the host school, register on CUNYFirst.
After completing the course, you must send a transcript (it can be “unofficial” from CUNYFirst) with your grade to the MPA Program (mpa@ccny.cuny.edu).
The following are examples of past core course syllabi. Courses evolve with each iteration, so future versions of these courses will likely be updated as we reflect and incorporate feedback.