Jamilya Chisholm

Master of Public Administration

Master of Public Administration

Deadlines: Spring Term 2024

Final Application: October 31

Deadlines: Fall Term 2024

Early Action: November 1
Fellowship Consideration: December 20
Final Application: February 5

Program Length

21 Months

Degree Awarded

MPA

STEM-DESIGNATED

Selected pathways

The application for the 2024-2025 academic year is now open.

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Develop the qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, substantive knowledge of a policy concentration, and professional skills to address real world challenges.

The MPA includes selected STEM-designated pathways

The MPA degree emphasizes a comparative approach to domestic policy and prepares students to address major national policy issues and manage organizations in the US and other countries around the world.

MPA Student in SIPA Classroom

Who It's For

The MPA degree program is best suited for young professionals holding a bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of relevant work or substantive internship experience.

Career Paths

MPA graduates work in the most prestigious agencies and firms in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, as well as their own start-ups and social enterprises.

Curriculum

The MPA core curriculum combines a globally-oriented and comparative approach to national policy-making with rigorous courses in economics, quantitative analysis and management. Students choose from a broad range of concentrations (majors): International Security Policy, International Finance and Economic Policy, Economic and Political Development, Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy, and Urban and Social Policy. Graduates possess advanced analytical abilities and career-oriented professional knowledge and skills, acquired through a curriculum that integrates Columbia University’s unsurpassed academic rigor with extensive experiential learning, including the most diverse capstone workshop program in the field. 

Explore the MPA course structure »
Explore our Tuition & Fees »

Low Library at Columbia University

MIA/MPA Concentrations & Specializations

Beyond the designated core curriculum, two-year MIA and MPA students must complete the requirements for one of six policy concentrations and a specialization focused on a particular skill or area of knowledge. 

MPA in Development Practice students can choose up to two specializations (not required).

Dual Degree Options

    • MPA and Juris Doctor (JD)
    • MPA and Master of Public Health (MPH)
    • MPA and Master in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (MA)
    • MPA and Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)

    Learn More About MPA Dual Degree Programs »

    • Berlin: the Hertie School - Master of Public Policy or Master of International Affairs
    • London: London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) - Master of Public Administration
    • Paris: School of International Affairs at Sciences Po - Master of International Affairs  and  School of Public Affairs at Sciences Po - Master of Public Administration
    • São Paulo: Fundação Getulio Vargas Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo (FGV-EAESP)
    • Singapore: the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore - Master of Public Policy
    • Tokyo: University of Tokyo Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) - Master of Public Policy

    Learn More About International Dual Degree Programs »

A Capstone Workshop is a live consulting project with an external client outside of SIPA. Each workshop partners a team of about 6 graduate students with a faculty advisor.

Employment Statistics

91.4%

Employed/Further Study

7.5%

Seeking Employment

1%

Not Seeking Employment

Employment information as reported by the graduates six months after graduation. In 2022, 352 students graduated from the MPA program, 280 reported.

 

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
514 West 113th Street
New York, NY 10025

+1 212-854-6216
+1 212-854-3010
[email protected]
[email protected]