SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

Skip Navigation

Global Links:

Home > Academics > Registration > Course Approval Instructions

Course Approval Instructions

SIPA courses have course codes that contain the prefix INAF (International Affairs) or PUAF (Public Affairs). SIPA students have permission to register for SIPA courses (INAF and PUAF), with the exception of SIPA Instructor Permission Courses. If the registration system asks for Departmental Approval (DEP) for SIPA courses, SIPA students may indicate that they do have permission to take the SIPA course.

There are three categories of SIPA courses.

  1. Open courses are those open to SIPA students and to all Columbia graduate students. SIPA students may register the open courses listed using the telephone or Web registration system. See open course listing.

  2. Departmental approval courses are available to all SIPA students first, and then to cross-registrants if space is available. SIPA students may register for the departmental approval courses listed using the telephone or Web registration system. See departmental approval course listing.

  3. Instructor permission courses require a written request for permission to register for the course. For information on how to apply for a seat in one of the following courses, please view the online instructions. Students must come in person to the SIPA registration help site (Stetton Lounge, 6th floor, IAB) if permission has been granted to register for one of the following courses. See instructor permission course listing.