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Admissions
The first step to joining the SIPA community is to apply to one of our programs
Prepare for the rigors of studying at the world’s foremost global public policy school by learning more about what the Admissions Committee values in candidates, the application process, what our current students are like, and more.
Choose Your Path at SIPA
However you arrive at SIPA, there’s a path built for you. From full-time master's programs to accelerated undergraduate pathways and dual degrees that pair your SIPA education with another world-class Columbia school, our degree options are designed around your goals — not the other way around. Explore what’s possible below.
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Degree
Length
Fall Entry
Spring Entry
Summer Entry
STEM-Designated
(Master of International Affairs)
21 mo (16 mo accelerated spring)
✓
✓
—
—
(Master of Public Administration)
21 mo (16 mo accelerated spring)
✓
✓
—
✓
(Development Practice)
21 months
✓
—
—
✓
(Economic Policy Management)
12 months
—
—
✓
✓
(Environmental Science & Policy)
12 months
—
—
—
✓
(Global Leadership)
10 months
—
—
✓
—
2–3 years, part-time
✓
✓
✓
—
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Category
Partner
Combined With
Columbia Dual Degrees (MIA track)
Notes: 7 partner schools
Journalism, Urban Planning, Business (MBA), Law (JD), Public Health (MPH), QMSS, Social Work (MSSW)
MIA
Columbia Dual Degrees (MPA track)
Notes: MPA candidates cannot dual with Business, Journalism, or Architecture/Urban Planning
Law (JD), Public Health (MPH), QMSS, Social Work (MSSW)
MPA
International Dual Degrees (GPPN)
Notes: Two degrees, two schools, two continents, ~2 years via the Global Public Policy Network
Partner universities (LSE, Munk, SciencesPo, Hertie, LKY, GraSPP, FGV) in other countries
MIA or MPA
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For current Columbia undergraduates: earn a bachelor's degree and an MIA or MPA in five years total.
Track
Combined With
Columbia College / General Studies 4+1
Notes: Standard five-year program; students take SIPA courses senior year, then complete two full semesters in residence at SIPA
MIA or MPA
Notes: Streamlined track for Global Affairs and Public Policy majors — guaranteed admission for eligible rising seniors (93–100 credits, Core complete, ~3.5 GPA)
MIA or MPA
Notes: Same five-year structure; students take SIPA courses senior year, then complete two full semesters in residence at SIPA
MIA or MPA
Admissions Event
SIPA Fall Open House
We warmly invite you to join us on Saturday, November 7 for our Fall Open House.
On this day, you’ll have the chance to explore SIPA’s programs and learn what makes studying policy and interational affairs at Columbia University so special.
Admissions Blog
Meet the SIPA Community
We are thrilled to introduce our new 2026-27 Program Assistants! Meet Hannah Taschbach LSE-Columbia MPA ‘27
Sep 14 2026
Financing Your Degree
Learn more about assistantship options here at SIPA!
Aug 19 2026
Meet the SIPA Community
Olivia talks about SIPA's Shopping Week is a flexible trial period during the first week of the semester that lets students attend multiple classes and review syllabi before finalizing their schedules. By encouraging hands-on exploration and real-time adjustments, it gives students the academic freedom to design a curriculum tailored to their specific goals.
Aug 06 2026
Learn More Through Our Program Brochure
Funding
Fund your Education
SIPA’s Financial Aid Office is dedicated to helping its students explore all available means to finance their education
For over 70 years, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs has been educating professionals who work in public, private, and nonprofit organizations to make a difference in the world.
Contact Us
For questions concerning applying to SIPA, please contact our:
Admissions Office
Columbia University
School of International and Public Affairs
514 West 113th Street
New York, NY 10025
+1 212-854-6216
[email protected]
For questions concerning Financial Aid, please contact our:
Financial Aid Office
Columbia University
School of International and Public Affairs
514 West 113th Street
New York, NY 10025
+1 212-854-6216
[email protected]
