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Distinctive Features of the EMPA Curriculum
A Hands-On Craft Approach to Public Policy and Management
Columbia's program is world-renowned for its strong emphasis on applying analytic tools to solving real-world policy and management problems. The applied focus of our Executive MPA curriculum is derived from our faculty's belief that, at heart, the analysis of policy issues and management are a craft and not a science. The key purpose of our program is to develop problem-solving professionals.
The craft of policy analysis and management uses a variety of skills and concepts that can be combined with judgment, experience, and intuition. The training of professionals at Columbia emphasizes:
- learning to simplify assumptions and reduce complexity to addressable issues;
- translating policy designs to real-world behaviors in a management environment characterized by cumbersome and arcane rules;
- working productively with diverse groups of experts, staff, and citizens;
- analyzing and managing programs in the media spotlight;
- experimenting with untried solutions to unprecedented problems.
A Balanced Program
Columbia's Executive MPA program is a balanced one. Our philosophy is that the field of public affairs encompasses both policy analysis and management. Policy analysis enables us to systematically identify desirable courses of action. Management is needed to carry out the selected policies effectively. Neither can be neglected. In our curriculum, we do not stress quantitative techniques over qualitative analysis, nor do we stress policy analysis over management. Instead, we encourage learning in each of these areas. The Columbia approach recognizes that there are many types of public affairs professionals. With the curriculum as a foundation, Columbia Executive MPA students are in an excellent position to develop and advance as professionals.
An Integrated and Coherent Curriculum
The program achieves its objectives through a three-pronged curriculum of core, context, and concentration courses. Core courses provide the essential tools of management and policy analysis. Context courses enable students to gain a deeper perspective on the governmental, political, historical, social, and economic context of public policy. Finally, concentration courses allow students to advance their knowledge of sophisticated management and analytic techniques or international economic policy and management.
Practical Experience
An important element of the Columbia approach is our emphasis on the real world. Most of our faculty members have served in government or the nonprofit or private sectors. Many have worked in all three sectors. Most are deeply involved in efforts to address today's critical policy issues. The program's curriculum provides continuous, in-depth exposure to contemporary public policy issues. Given our New York City location, such an emphasis is an unavoidable and, indeed, essential part of our mission and approach.
A Highly Selective Student Body
Admission to the Executive MPA program is selective. But our admissions committee does not care only about academic credentials. We want to know what our applicants have accomplished in their careers and how Columbia's program can help them achieve their professional goals. Each entering class is drawn from a diverse, experienced, and bright group of practitioners.
An Emphasis on the Value of Public Service
Although the faculty differs on many specific policy issues, we all believe in the essential role of the public sector and agree on the need to develop excellent public affairs professionals. We believe that public service is an important value, articulate that belief, and integrate it into our teaching.
An Excellent Employment Record
A final distinctive feature of Columbia's Executive MPA program is our excellent record of job placement. SIPA's Office of Career Services works closely with our students and helps identify professional opportunities. A senior career officer in the Office of Career Services has been assigned to work with the students in the Executive MPA program to meet their particular professional development needs. Our career office can help an Executive MPA student change career paths, develop a job search strategy, or make contacts with SIPA alums all over the world.