Columbia University's Executive MPA program

The Executive Master of Public Policy and Administration (EMPA) program of the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) is designed for the experienced and ambitious executive, who is looking for a top-quality and practical graduate program, but cannot take the time out to pursue full-time study. Students who successfully complete all requirements of the program will be awarded the degree of Master of Public Administration (MPA).

The Executive MPA program trains professionals to be competent and sophisticated public managers by incorporating broad questions of public affairs and the specific analytic, managerial, and communication skills of management and policy analysis into the curriculum.

Our graduates pursue careers in local, state, and federal governmental agencies dealing with critical public policy issues. They also work as managers and staff analysts in nonprofit organizations, private corporations and banks and consulting firms. Employers in the private and nonprofit sectors are attracted by the Executive MPA's rigorous program in quantitative and managerial analysis, coupled with a deep understanding of governmental processes.

The national need for trained policy analysts and public managers is a critical one, as public policy problems become larger and more complex. Common sense and intuition are inadequate guides in designing programs to address these problems. Professionals with broad training in policy analysis are able to break down highly complex problems into more manageable issues and specify the objectives to be achieved. They are also well suited to coordinate and implement coherent policy alternatives. Finally, individuals with professional training in public management are best equipped to implement successful cost-effective programs. The Executive MPA program at Columbia is deeply committed to preparing its graduates to play such leadership roles in public service.