SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

Master of Public Administration and Social Work

Back to Columbia Dual Degree Programs

MPA and MSW:
45 SIPA credits, 45 Social Work credits*
3 semesters in residence at SIPA

*The number of credits required at social work will be between 45 and 51, depending on the student’s chosen method concentration area.

MPA/MSW Dual Degree Curriculum Overview

Dual degree students are required to fulfill the SIPA and MSW core requirements outlined below. Dual degree candidates must complete a minimum of 3 semesters in residence at SIPA and fulfill all MPA core requirements. Dual degrees do not need to complete a policy concentration or specialization.  The second professional degree will be accepted toward the MPA in lieu of a policy concentration. 

Core Requirements – SIPA MPA Degree

At Columbia University's School of Social Work (CUSSW), the course of study leading to the Master of Science (MS) degree is based upon a progressive sequence of courses designed in accordance with the standards of the Council on Social Work Education, the School’s accrediting body. The Council on Social Work Education requires all students to take courses in the following areas: practice, practicum, research, human behavior and the social environment, and social welfare policy. For a more complete description, see the School Bulletin.

Core Requirements – Social Work MSW Degree

Practice Method Concentrations

Prior to the second year of study, students select one of four advanced practice method concentrations and one of seven fields of practice.  This student-directed individualization of study allows students to structure a program of study that enables them to acquire advanced knowledge and skills for practice in their particular areas of interest.  Students choose from among four method concentrations:

1. Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice
2. Advanced Generalist Practice and Programming
3. Policy Practice
4. Social Enterprise Administration

The choice of the advanced practice method concentration determines the type of second field placement and the series of second-year practice courses for which students will register.  Dual degree students are not required to complete a Field of Practice.  For more information go to practice methods.

Funding

Social Work Funding

The School of Social Work allocates scholarships based on need, as determined by a student’s FAFSA. Scholarships generally range from $2,000 to $9,000. It is the school’s policy that if there is no significant change in a student’s FAFSA from Year 1 to Year 2, the scholarship award received in Year 1 will be renewed for Year 2. In order to be eligible for a scholarship, a student must be a U.S citizen or Permanent Resident, registered full-time and in field education. General scholarship funding is not available to international students.

In the Spring term each year, students are able to apply for a select number of competitive awards ranging from $3,000-$10,000. These awards are open to all continuing students, and applications are e-mailed to students in March or April.

The school also offers Federal Work Study, a need-based award, to some eligible students. As this funding is limited, the School is not able to offer this award to all eligible students. Only full-time students in field education who have a qualifying EFC are eligible for this award.

Dual degree students who are in their “split” year at the School of Social Work will only receive one-half of their total funding, for the semester in which they are in residence and being billed through the School of Social Work. For example, if a dual degree student receives a $9,000 scholarship in Year 1 at the School, then for their split year they will be awarded $4,500 for the term in which they are billed through SW. If a dual degree student is awarded work-study via the School of Social Work, it can only be earned through the student’s field placement. If the “split” year is during a time when a student is only completing SIPA courses, the work study award from SW will not be renewed.

SIPA Funding

SIPA gives the bulk of its funding to second year students although 10-15% of incoming students receive money based on the strength of their application. About 70% of eligible SIPA students (those with a GPA of 3.4 or above) who apply for funding for their second year receive SIPA funding in the form of Teaching Assistantships, Departmental Research Assistantships, Program Assistantships, readerships, merit awards and a few named scholarships. The average annual award is $23,500. Most of this funding has a work component ranging from 10 – 20 hours per week. Eligible students must apply for second year funding during February of their first year of study at Columbia.

SIPA/Social Work dual degree students may choose to begin their study at the School of Social Work and then apply during their second semester for SIPA funding. However, students should speak to their advisors at both schools before making a decision.

SIPA awards are announced in four separate rounds beginning in April and ending in August.

Eligible students are selected by the faculty for TA, DRA and research positions and by senior administrators for PA positions within the student service offices. Social Work dual degree students are encouraged to meet and get to know SIPA faculty and administrative staff even when not in residence at SIPA. SIPA students may of course combine SIPA funding with funding from outside sources and with loans.

Advising

Although students are enrolled full-time at one school or the other in any given semester, they should contact advisors at both schools at least once per semester to ensure that their study and enrollment plans are in accordance with program guidelines. A planning sheet is available for students to help them map out their course of study. 

The primary administrative contacts for each school are listed below.

Contact Information