Policies and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Admissions and Application
Who Should Apply?
What does SIPA look for in an applicant?
The Admissions Committee seeks to admit applicants with a combination of the proven academic ability to master SIPA’s rigorous curriculum and at least two years of relevant professional-level work experience. Rare exceptions are made. Due to the diversity of our applicant pool, the Admissions Committee does not require minimum GPAs or GRE scores. Each applicant’s personal, professional, and academic history is thoroughly reviewed to determine if SIPA is the correct fit for the applicant.
We evaluate all candidates based on the following criteria: the personal statements, résumé/curriculum vitae, transcripts of prior college and/or graduate schoolwork, letters of recommendation, and the GRE.
What are the special characteristics of successful MPA-DP candidates?
For each cohort, we seek diverse international representation and a range of disciplinary backgrounds to enrich the learning environment. The first two MPA-DP classes include students from 24 countries, coming from a range of academic backgrounds, including economics, business, engineering, computer science, agriculture, public health, biology, religion, history, communications, political science, law and international relations. This cultural and professional diversity within each cohort is a powerful asset for learning and contributing to a vibrant program.
We look for candidates with some professional international experience. We believe that prior field experience improves the quality of the education experience. Most of our successful candidates have between 2 and 10 years of field experience. We especially seek out candidates with a demonstrated passion for sustainable development practice.
Do I need to have a certain major?
You are not required to have a specific undergraduate major. However, students with majors that are far removed from the International Relations or Public Administration fields are advised to address with extra care in their essay why they now wish to “change gears” and study at SIPA.
Are applicants required to have worked professionally for a minimum period of time?
While there is no minimum requirement for work experience, most successful applicants have had at least two years of work or internship experience relevant to their intended course of study. It is impossible to make specific recommendations about what kind of work experience is considered appropriate; our applicants come from every corner of the globe with vastly different backgrounds and professional experiences. Previous experience in a related field will certainly make your application more competitive.
Do you accept applicants directly from undergraduate schools?
A very small number of the accepted students each year come directly from undergraduate institutions. These are individuals with extraordinary academic records who have also had significant internship and/or study abroad experience. Recent undergraduates with very strong academic credentials might be encouraged to reapply after they have pursued one or more years of relevant work experience
Preparing to Apply
When is the application deadline?
The Fall 2012 application deadline for the MPA-DP degree program has passed. The deadline for the next admission cycle is 11:59 p.m. January 20, 2013. All materials must be submitted by this date. The application deadline for other SIPA degree programs can be found on their respective websites.
Can I apply online?
We strongly encourage all applicants to submit their application forms via the online system at: www.sipa.columbia.edu/admissions.
Is the review process for applicants to the MPA-DP program the same as for other SIPA programs?
The MPA-DP program has a separate admissions committee that reviews applications and selects students for admission based on criteria described above.
Please refer to the general SIPA Admissions guidelines for all other questions about GRE policy, TOEFL and application materials. The SIPA Office of Admissions manages the application process for the MPA-DP program. Detailed information is available on their website:
http://sipa.columbia.edu/resources_services/admissions/index.html
Can I visit the campus and meet with an MPA-DP program representative?
There are no official tours of the SIPA building. However, tours of Columbia's main campus are given by the Visitors Center and can be arranged by calling 212-854-4902. For more information on visiting the campus see the Visiting SIPA page.
The MPA-DP program administration is available to meet with you by appointment. Please email Program Manager André Corrêa d’Almeida at ac3133@columbia.edu. With advance notice, we can also arrange for you to sit in on a current MPA-DP core course.
Is a personal interview required or recommended?
No. An interview is not part of the application process. However, to help you make the best choice about where to pursue your graduate study, we do encourage you to visit the school and attend an information session or meet with our program administration. We are also happy to arrange skype or phone meetings for students who are unable to visit New York.
Admission
Can I defer my offer of admission?
No, the MPA-DP program does not allow deferments. An applicant can reapply by following the reapplication procedure provided here. We will retain materials for 2 years after the original application deadline.
What is covered in the MPA-DP “Getting Started” program?
The “Getting Started” program introduces students to the study of integrated development practice at Columbia University and to the work of the Earth Institute. Students will also attend a short series of refresher courses covering research, writing and communication and may take local field trips. This week of activities helps to build strong relationships between students in the MPA-DP cohort and allows students to learn about the unique backgrounds and experiences of their peers. All MPA-DP students are also required to attend the week-long “Math Camp” offered during the general SIPA orientation the week directly after “Getting Started”.
Why does the MPA-DP program have an additional $1000 fee?
In addition to the programming covered in “Getting Started”, the $1000 fee also helps to fund some of the activities offered exclusively to MPA-DP students throughout the 2-year program, including special seminars, social events, field trips, student-led events, and skills clinics. |
