SIPA Students - International Women's Day

Gender and Public Policy

We are the specialization for anyone interested in promoting gender equality, whether in the fields of development finance, human rights , international peace and security,  urban and social policy, or environmental  and energy policy.

The Gender and Public Policy specialization (GPPS) enables students to develop skills to assess, formulate, and implement policies that promote gender equality. Precisely because gender is such an important dimension of all public policy, and because the promotion of gender equality depends on the commitment of professionals in all fields, the specialization is of interest to students in all concentrations.

GPPS draws on a multidisciplinary faculty of scholars and practitioners, promotes systematic interaction with SIPA’s extensive resources, and partners with faculty and research centers across the University. It also promotes workshops that center on professional skills and encounters with professionals in both private and public sectors.

Yasmine Ergas

Who It’s For

GPPS students aim to help stop gender-based violence, address the tensions between family organization and labor market participation, and end all forms of discrimination against LGBTI people, among many other objectives. They hope to assist in managing complex humanitarian crises, resolving domestic and international conflicts, promoting economic development and trade, or ensuring government accountability. In all these cases and more, expertise in gender policy is critical. to achieving  general objectives – such as economic growth or conflict resolution – while promoting gender equality.

Career Path

The specialization opens careers in international organizations, NGOs, national governments, think tanks and corporations. These organizations know that gender issues are key to their goals -- improving GDP, providing effective humanitarian aid, implementing transportation systems that meet people’s needs -- and they recognize the importance of promoting gender equality as a crucial objective in itself.

Curriculum & Courses

Students are required to take at least one three-point core Gender and Public Policy specialization course, which may focus on human rights, development practice, or mainstreaming. In addition, they may select from the other GPPS courses, which meld substantive analysis, professional skills development, and critical thinking, or a wide array of approved electives from SIPA and other schools across the University.

View full curriculum »

Specialization Requirements

Students must complete the following as part of this specialization:

  • At least one 3-point course or two 1.5-point courses from the list of Core Courses.
  • Any Core Courses or Pre-Approved Electives for an additional total of 6 points.
  • Other courses may be taken subject to the director’s approval. Please note that approval will depend on the inclusion of policy perspectives and a substantial focus on gender issues.

Related Degree Programs

21 Months

The Master of International Affairs (MIA), which includes selected STEM-designated pathways, is underpinned by SIPA’s unrivaled expertise on issues that transcend national boundaries and prepares students to address major international issues as experts and leaders in governments and organizations around the world.

21 Months

The Master of Public Administration (MPA), which includes selected STEM-designated pathways, 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

Yasmine Ergas
Specialization Director
[email protected]