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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I apply for the IMC concentration?
There is no direct application to IMC—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.
Are there requirements for admission to IMC?
Once a student is admitted to SIPA there are no specific requirements for admission to IMC. The decision to enroll in IMC is entirely the student's. However, most IMC students have had some experience in writing and are familiar with the media and communications fields, either as college students or as professionals.
Does a new student have to choose a concentration right away?
No, if a student 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 midstream, 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 IMC, usually don't apply to others.
Can students combine IMC with another concentration?
Yes, and many do. For example, a student may want to write about human rights after graduation, or be a public information officer for a human rights organization. So the student focuses on courses in those two concentrations and blends them as much as possible. For example, in an IMC writing course, the student writes about issues learned in courses about human rights. Another student may want to be a news correspondent in Africa, and combines IMC with African studies. Many combinations are possible.
Do IMC 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 international affairs electives if they so choose and their schedule allows. For the MIA diploma students must accumulate 54 course credits; of that total, IMC students must have 21 credits in media or communications courses.
Do many IMC 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 IMC students have been working, though not necessarily in the media or communications, before coming to the school. Once in IMC, however, all students are on a level plane, and those directly out of college often rise to the top.
What's the difference between the IMC program and the joint degree with journalism?
If the student is in IMC only, then he/she spends the full two years in SIPA, dividing course work between Communications and Media and international affairs. The student usually takes a couple of courses at the School of Journalism. In the joint degree program, a student spends one total year in each school, with no cross over in classes during the journalism year. During the year at SIPA, the student focuses on the core requirements in international affairs, having already satisfied the media requirements. The basic academic difference is that a student in IMC is exposed to more international studies, while a student in the joint program gets broader training in hands-on journalism.
Do IMC students have access to all courses at the journalism school?
No, there are limitations. Most of the journalism courses involve reporting and writing, and these courses, by definition, are limited to small enrollments. The more popular ones are filled by journalism students; IMC students are admitted only if there are openings. Nevertheless, each semester about half of the IMC students take at least one course at the journalism school; a few manage to take two.
Are the writing courses in IMC similar to those at the journalism school?
Yes, except that the IMC courses are more internationally oriented. They are taught by members of the faculty who have had professional media experience.
In the joint degree program does it matter which school is attended first?
No, but the majority in the program tends toward SIPA first.
How many actually do the joint program?
It varies, but on average half a dozen a year.
For the joint-degree program, does an applicant have to be admitted by both schools?
Yes, the admissions processes of the schools are separate.
Can any IMC student participate in SIPA's publications?
Yes, the Journal of International Affairs and Communique newspaper are open to all IMC students, in fact, all SIPA students. These publications are run and produced entirely by students. IMC students can earn 3 credits if they participate in a publication for the full two years and are elected to the editorial board. In addition, the editors of SIPA News, the school's magazine, and the editors of IMC News, the concentration's newsletter, are students.
What are the differences in these publications?
The Journal is a scholarly journal that's been in existence for more than half-a-century. It is produced twice a year, and each issue has a theme chosen by the student staff. The articles are written by scholars from around the world, but the rest of the work is done by SIPA students, including the editing of the articles. Communique is SIPA's internal newspaper, published every two weeks by students. It covers news of the school and the surrounding area, and commentaries by students.
How do IMC students obtain an internship?
Basically, the responsibility is the student's, with help from the Office of Career Services (OCS) and the faculty. OCS has files and contact lists for guidance, and the internship office provides counseling and workshops. IMC faculty are able to offer tips based on the wide IMC alumni network that has developed around the world. 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.