SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

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Capstone Workshops

Serving as the culminating educational experience for students, Capstone workshops apply the practical skills and analytical knowledge learned at SIPA to a real-world issue.

Students are organized into small consulting teams and assigned a substantive, policy-oriented project with an external client. Clients include public agencies (from the local to national level), international NGOs and multi-national organizations, and major firms in the private sector—recent examples include Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Booz Allen Hamilton, Clinton Global Initiative, Congressional Research Service, Human Rights Watch, Citigroup, New York City Mayor’s Office, and the World Bank Group. Student teams, working under the supervision of a faculty expert, answer a carefully defined problem posed by the client. Each team produces an actionable report and an oral briefing of their findings at the close of the workshop that is designed to translate into real change on the ground.

Capstone workshops give students a chance to refine their skills and knowledge and make a positive contribution to the world. The projects also provide valuable experience and contacts for post-graduate employment.

Workshops are required for the Master of International Affairs (MIA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), and Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy (PESP).