School of International and Public Affairs

For more than 70 years, Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) has been educating professionals who work in public, private and nonprofit organizations to make a difference in the world. 

As it has for more than seven decades, SIPA provides committed students with the necessary skills and perspectives to become responsible leaders in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. The School's mission, which has evolved over the years, stays true to this history: to support the global public interest by educating students to serve and to lead, and to produce and share new knowledge on the critical public policy challenges facing the global community.

We pride ourselves on our amazing community of scholars and practitioners from all over the world. Good policy is grounded in facts, and policymaking requires knowledge and savvy to get things done. Our full-time and adjunct faculty comprises nearly 300 distinguished scholars and practitioners who share expertise and lessons from their wide-ranging careers.

The opportunities to expand your intellectual, cultural, and social horizons at Columbia University SIPA are nearly limitless.

Master Of International Affairs: The MIA degree prepares students to be leaders in the major fields of international affairs, with substantive knowledge of a policy concentration and demonstrated foreign language ability.

Master Of Public Administration: The MPA degree program is designed to provide students with qualitative and quantitative analytical skills and with the hands-on management skills required by leaders in the major fields of public affairs.

MPA In Development Practice: The 21-month MPA-DP program is a practice-oriented, professional advancement degree where you will acquire the knowledge, and build the skills, experience, and networks, to make the world a better place.

MPA In Economic Policy Management: The MPA-EPM provides leading policymakers and professionals with the skills to effectively design and implement economic policy in market economies, with a strong emphasis on the economic problems of developing countries.

MPA In Environmental Science And Policy: The MPA-ESP program prepares students to become sustainability professionals in government, business, and the nonprofit sector.

Executive MPA: The Executive MPA (EMPA) positions mid-career professionals to advance their careers in public, nonprofit, and private sectors without sacrificing work and life commitments.

PhD In Sustainable Development: The PhD in Sustainable Development creates scholars and professionals equipped to deal with some of the world’s most crucial problems.