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FAQ
Q. A course that I wish to take as a part of the applied science specialization is not listed on the bulletin or in the 'Courses' section of the website. Does this mean it won't satisfy the requirement?
Not at all. The bulletin list is not exhaustive and only focuses on 4000 level courses that generally have fewer prerequisites than higher level 6000, 8000, and 9000 level courses. If you don't see a course that you wish to take, you should contact Ben Orlove (bso5@columbia.edu), the applied science specialization director, or Jeff Volinski (jmv2154@columbia.edu), the applied science specialization DRA. Please be aware that higher level science courses often have prerequisites that SIPA students still need to satisfy in order to enroll in the course.
Q. Can I take any three 3-credit science courses offered at SIPA or other Columbia schools to satisfy the requirement?
While all courses must have significant scientific content, there also must be a clear rationale for the courses selected; the courses must be complementary, both with each other and with the student's area of focus at SIPA. Students who are considering the applied science specialization are encouraged to meet with the specialization director early on in their SIPA careers to plan in advance.
Q. What criteria does a course need to meet in order for it to count towards the specialization?
The main criterion is the level and amount of the scientific content. For example, a course on energy technology would probably be approved, but a course on the economics of transportation policy would probably not be approved. A course on community ecology would probably be approved, and a course on the history of wildlife protection would probably not be approved. In addition, the linkages between the courses is important. For example, a course on seismology would be more likely to be approved if the other two courses were on natural hazard assessment and civil engineering than if the other two courses were on nutrition and agriculture. These two criteria are both important. The final decision of whether or not a course will count towards the requirement is at the discretion of the specialization director.