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# Cornell University Brooks School of Public Policy Systems Thinking Course

## Details

**Authors** Cornell University

**Year** 2021-2026

**Publisher** Cornell University

**Kind of work** course

**Discipline** Systems Science

**Secondary disciplines** Public Policy

**Reading level** beginner

**Kind of engagement** applications

[Read it](cornell.edu)

## In authors' words

### What they set out to do (purpose)

This Cornell Institute for Public Affairs profile describes how Derek and Laura Cabrera incorporated systems thinking, systems mapping, and systems leadership into Cornell’s Master of Public Administration curriculum. It presents these approaches as tools for helping future public-policy professionals understand complex systems, analyze “wicked problems,” and apply systems thinking to organizations, leadership, management, and policy.

### What they found (results)

The article presents systems thinking as a practical analytical capacity for confronting complex public-policy and organizational problems. The Cabreras emphasize developing both mastery of systems thinking and metacognition, giving students conceptual and technological tools they can continue using professionally. They also argue that reflection and modeling of one’s experience are important for professional development and that solving major societal problems requires the ability to understand and lead complex organizations.

## Commentary

### In short

Brooks School chose Cabrera's work for their Systems Thinking graduate level offering

### In more detail

The article describes two systems-oriented courses taught by the Cabreras in Cornell’s MPA program. Systems Thinking in Public Affairs gives students systems-thinking concepts and systems-mapping tools for analyzing complex public problems, while Organizational Design, Change, and Leadership applies systems principles to organizations, leadership, management, and cultural change. The Cabreras also describe a two-year Systems Thinking and Mapping certificate for students pursuing a more intensive systemic approach. Beyond teaching, they report an NSF Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project investigating how artificial intelligence and machine learning might enhance cognition and metacognition and help quantify thinking processes.

### Response

The Brooks School selected DSRP for its graduate systems thinking offering in the Master of Public Administration program, alongside systems mapping and systems leadership.

**Patterns it shows** D, S, R, P

**How to cite this** Cornell University (2021-2026). Cornell University Brooks School of Public Policy Systems Thinking Course. Cornell University.