Binghamton University-College of Community and Public Affairs, Department of Public Administration
Why you should consider this program
Binghamton University’s MPA program provides students with the knowledge and skills that are in demand in today’s workplace. We boast a career placement rate that averages over 90%.
Our program will offer Coverdell Fellows up to six credits for previous Peace Corps service, reducing the required number of credits from 42 to 36.
As part of the SUNY system, tuition is affordable for both in- and out-of-state students. Coverdell Fellows with NY state residency will pay approximately $12,000 (not counting the $10,800 Graduate Assistant stipend) for the entire degree program; out-of-state residents will pay approximately $31,800 (not counting the $10,800 Graduate Assistant stipend) for the entire degree program.
Fellows can choose electives and an internship experience in a public or nonprofit organization within a specific area of interest to them including: sustainable communities, student affairs administration, or health policy.
The college is located in the heart of the City of Binghamton (pop. 45,672), and is one block from city hall, county offices, and the New York State Office Building. Students can take advantage of opportunities for community engagement, internships, volunteering, networking, and experiential learning, with CCPA at the nucleus of the university-community relationship.
Benefits for Coverdell Fellows
| Tuition/fees for Complete Program | Value of Coverdell Fellowship | Net cost * | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In state | $ 26,276 | $ 24,320 | $ 1,956 |
| Out of state | $ 48,956 | $ 27,152 | $ 21,804 |
Where the cost savings value of the Coverdell Fellowship comes from
Six credit reduction (out-of-state $6,282, in-state $3,450) and a Graduate Assistantship ($10,870 tuition award and $10,000 stipend).
Fellowships awarded per year (average)
1
Other benefits or opportunities
The MPA program affords many professional development opportunities and students often get involved in community and public affairs as soon as they begin the program. The faculty serve in a range of community organizations in advisory and management roles and lend their connections to students as they develop their own individualized courses of study.
The Department of Public Administration hosts several study abroad experiences. Students are able to study abroad during their MPA program through faculty-led short-term courses. The college has several scholarships and funding opportunities targeted to studying abroad for graduate students.
In addition, the department houses the Philanthropy Incubator, a unique program that gives students the chance to work through community issues and distribute grant money to local non-profit organizations.
Finally, a Coverdell Fellow will also be linked to the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of the Southern Tier, New York, a group in the Greater Binghamton area to connect RPCVs, promote the Peace Corps, continue the commitment to community service, and fulfill Peace Corps' 3rd goal 'to bring the world home.
Annual cost of living (estimated)
$ 15,720
Application fee waived?
NoInternship
MPA students serve as interns at nonprofit and public sector organizations throughout the world. Each student is required to fulfill a 300 hour, 2-credit experience, that includes duties related to coursework in the program: budget or policy development/analysis, information systems creation and development, strategic planning, policy writing, human resource management, resource development, etc. On average, one-third of our placements is paid.
Previous internships include: Planning Intern, Village of Johnson City, NY (analyzed data regarding policies related to vacant “zombie” properties); Anti-Poverty Intern, United Way of Broome County (data collection and analysis, policy analysis, in preparation for a final report on anti-poverty strategies that can be employed in the region); Land Bank Intern, Broome County Legislature (research on exemplary Land Bank programs, subsequent report/presentation with legislative recommendations on re-use of vacant lots and buildings).
Our program will provide several internship options to the Coverdell Fellows in U.S.-based nonprofit and public sector organizations that provide services to underserved communities. Fellows will also be supported in their efforts to identify additional experiential learning opportunities upon request.
Jobs for program alumni
- Leadership Fellows (2), Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
- Planner, Southern Tier Central Regional Planning and Development Board
- Regional Planning and Development Board
- Grant and Contract Officer, Research Foundation, Binghamton University
- Assistant National Bank Examiner, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
- Budget Fellow, New York State Division of the Budget
- Director of Purchasing, Broome County, New York
- EMS Preparedness Planner, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems
- Director of Development, Tri-Cities Opera
Other details
Program length
Three to four semesters of full time study
Application requirements
Undergraduate and graduate degree transcripts from every institution you have attended; two letters of recommendation; personal statement; resume or CV; graduate application, and application fee.
Admissions process
Applicants will need to check the Coverdell Fellows box when they complete their online application. Accepted Fellows will be notified of their acceptance at the time when they receive their regular admissions decision.
Program begins
Fall: Mid-August; Spring: Mid-January
Non-traditional options
Each of the core courses rotates between an afternoon and evening schedule every semester. Students are permitted to take electives outside of the department of public administration, including other campuses, pending approval by their assigned faculty advisor. To qualify for the Coverdell Fellowship, students must been enrolled full time.
Year Coverdell Fellows partnership started
2017