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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the EPD program?
The Program in Economic and Political Development (EPD) is one of the many functional concentrations offered at SIPA. The EPD program prepares students for careers in international development. Through an interdisciplinary package of courses, applied workshops, and practical internships, students in the EPD concentration acquire both a broader understanding of the processes of economic, political, and social change in the developing world as well as a more focused competence in specific fields such as development administration, micro-enterprise development, democratization and institution building, public health, environmental policy, and urban planning, to name just a few.
How do I know if EPD is right for me?
While the field of development is extremely diverse and the EPD program is structured to recognize this diversity, there are some essential ingredients to preparing for a career in international development:
- A commitment to and concern about promoting and protecting the welfare of the poor. The field of development is usually not a lucrative one, there are few established recruiting programs through which students obtain jobs, and so a tremendous amount of individual initiative is needed to identify the right opportunities. Furthermore, on-the-job challenges can be even more overwhelming. Surviving this process requires a strong commitment to the field.
- While more and more EPD graduates are involving themselves in the very real "development" challenges that remain in the United States, EPD is still largely oriented toward development in what has come to be known as the Third World, and in recent years, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. (This is mainly because the MPA program at SIPA focuses on the domestic side.) Therefore, substantive overseas experience is extremely important, perhaps even a prerequisite for a career in development.
Do many EPD students come to SIPA directly from undergraduate college?
Just a few, at most, each year. The same is true of all SIPA students. The average age is about 27, which means that most EPD students have been working—usually in the EPD field—before coming to the school.
How do I apply for the EPD concentration?
There is no direct application to EPD—or any other concentration—until AFTER the applicant is admitted to SIPA as a whole. It is during course registration for the first semester that the accepted applicant indicates a concentration preference by registering for that concentration during registration week.
Are there requirements for admission to EPD?
For MIA students, there are no specific requirements for admission to EPD. MPA students concentrating in EPD must fulfill the same language requirements as MIA students. Most EPD students have had prior professional and academic experience, including substantive international experience.
What if I don't have that much international experience?
Most students who join EPD come with some work or study experience overseas. Those who do not have such experience should realize therefore that while this lack of experience does not preclude you from a career in development, you will have to make an extra effort, both to acquire the necessary experience as well as to convince potential employers that your other skills more than offset this lack of experience. You might consider postponing your graduate study until you have gained this experience.
Does a new student have to choose a concentration right away?
No, if a preference is not certain at registration time, a decision can be delayed—although that's the exception rather than the rule.
Can students change their concentration in mid-stream, so to speak?
Yes, but again it's the exception, not the rule. Students are advised to think carefully before switching because each concentration has its own course requirements for graduation. And requirements for one—including EPD—usually don't apply to the others.
Can students combine EPD with another concentration?
Yes, and many do. For example, a student who wants to work on trade and development issues would combine the EPD concentration with IEP (International Economic Policy) by double counting as many classes as possible. The student would pick classes for the seminar and professional development classes in the EPD concentration that simultaneously fulfill both EPD and IEP requirements or electives. Another student may want to work on development issues in Africa, and combine EPD with African studies. Many combinations are possible, but they require careful, early planning to ensure that as many classes as possible can be double counted.
Do EPD students take the same international affairs courses as other SIPA students?
Yes, they must take the "core" courses required of all SIPA students. They also may take electives if they so choose and their schedule allows. EPD students must accumulate 24 credits in the relevant classes (see EPD course requirements), to complete the concentration.
How do EPD students obtain an internship?
Basically, the responsibility is the student's, with help from the Office of Career Services (OCS), faculty and the EPD Concentration. OCS has files and contact lists for guidance, and the internship office provides counseling and workshops. EPD faculty are able to offer tips based on the wide EPD alumni network that has developed around the world. The EPD Concentration will assist students by hosting internship and career panels, compiling an EPD alumni database and providing opportunities for alumni networking. Most students do their internships during the summer overseas; others prefer a spot in New York during the school year. A few, wanting varied experience, do both.
Can I substitute other classes for any of the EPD core requirements?
The core courses are designed specifically for EPD students and are fundamentally important to an understanding of the economic and noneconomic dimensions of development. It is recommended that students take these courses in your first year. In exceptional situations, students may petition the director to substitute one or two other courses.
What if I've already done some of the course work for the EPD core requirements?
If a student already has taken all or most of the course work at the graduate level for a particular EPD core class, a student may substitute it with a complementary class, or with a course in the student's professional or regional interest, with permission from the EPD Director.
Should I do an independent study?
In exceptional cases, students will be allowed to do an independent project in lieu of second semester of the Workshop. This requires approval from the director and a chosen faculty advisor. Students are expected to write an original policy document of high quality and present this to the university organized through EPD. A paper must be presented to the director prior to organizing the seminar and once approved will be made available to the public prior to the talk. The project may be formally or informally tied to an outside organization if, for example, the student wishes to build upon work begun through an internship or summer job. Those students who intend to continue their course of study in a PhD program also have the option of choosing a more purely research-focused project.