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At Columbia SIPA, we are driving change through policy
Research, teaching, and partnerships in the global public interest
A SIPA Education
Undergraduate Major in Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP)
Understand the world’s most pressing challenges — and learn how to help address them.
The Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) major prepares Columbia undergraduates to understand and address the most important challenges shaping our world. Drawing on the liberal arts tradition, students learn how governments, international organizations, businesses, and civil society identify problems, weigh evidence, debate competing ideas, and make collective decisions about public affairs.
Featured News
Faculty Spotlight
On September 11, 2001, Joseph Pfeifer was the first FDNY battalion chief to report to the World Trade Center with his unit.
Alumni Spotlight
Twenty-five years after September 11, 2001, Clifford Chanin ’77JRN, ’80SIPA, executive vice president and museum director of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, keeps the events of that day in the public consciousness.
Announcement
The new interdisciplinary major will be available to Columbia College and Columbia General Studies students.
Global Policy Challenges
Tackling today’s most vital issues
We’re taking on complex, pressing global issues like geopolitical stability — energy and climate policy —technological innovation and its impact on people — how to share prosperity — and preserving democratic governance.
Events
September 9, 2026
6:00pm to 8:00pm
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September 11, 202611:00am to 12:00pm
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Columbia SIPA at a Glance
25K+
Alumni
50+
Native languages spoken
160
Countries represented
Find Your Columbia SIPA Education
- Master's Programs
- Doctoral Program
- Dual Degree Programs
- Five-Year Joint Degrees
- Executive Education
- International Fellows Program
Master's Programs
Our programs in international affairs and public administration offer rigorous but flexible curriculums that help prepare you for professional success at public, private, and nonprofit organizations in varied fields.
Doctoral Program
Our unique PhD in Sustainable Development bridges science and policy to equip scholars and professionals who will address some of the some of the most important policy challenges concerning the future of our planet.
Dual Degree Programs
Supplement your SIPA education with a degree from Columbia Law School, Columbia Business School, or another graduate school — or broaden your horizon at one of our distinguished partner institutions around the world.
Five-Year Joint Degrees
SIPA offers a program for Columbia undergraduate students, a five-year joint degree program, which leads to a BA and an MIA or MPA degree in five years.
Executive Education
We offer degrees, certificates, and customized courses for mid-career professionals and public servants from around the world. Our Executive MPA allows professionals to earn a full SIPA degree on a part-time basis.
International Fellows Program
This two-semester seminar — which is open to graduate students throughout Columbia University — combines heightened understanding of international affairs with practical preparation to deal with a changing world.
