SIPA: School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University

Columbia Dual Degree Programs

To draw on the resources of Columbia University and enable students to pursue studies in related fields, SIPA, along with other professional schools at the University, offers a number of combined degree programs. These dual degree programs give SIPA students knowledge, skills, and perspectives in fields outside International and Public Affairs. 

Each program leads to the award of two professional degrees. Students can earn the two degrees in less time than if the two degrees were pursued separately.

SIPA currently has twelve dual degree programs with the Mailman School of Public Health, School of Law, School of Business, School of Journalism, School of Social Work, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for QMSS, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Students interested in pursuing any of the Columbia dual degree programs should contact Dean Barrett.

Two other dual degree programs exist:

1) A combined Bachelor's/Master's Program with Columbia undergraduate schools known as the Five Year Program.  For further information please contact Dean Barrett.

2) An International Dual Degree program, also known as the Global Public Policy Network (GPPN). For further information please contact Dean Nguyen. 

The twelve dual degree programs offered by SIPA and seven other Columbia schools and the master's degrees they confer are listed below:

M.I.A. and Master of Science in Urban Planning (M.S.) M.I.A. and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) M.I.A. and Master of Science in Journalism (M.S.) M.I.A. and Juris Doctor (J.D.) M.I.A. and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) M.I.A. and Master in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (M.A.) M.I.A. and Master of Science in Social Work (M.S.S.W.) M.P.A. and Juris Doctor (J.D.) M.P.A. and Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) M.P.A. and Master in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (M.A.) M.P.A. and Master of Science in Social Work (M.S.S.W.) M.P.A. and Jewish Theological Seminary Master of Arts (M.A.)

Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits in residence at SIPA and fulfill all core requirements for the M.I.A. or M.P.A.  The M.I.A. requires proficiency in a foreign language.  The second professional degree can be accepted toward the M.I.A. or M.P.A. in lieu of a policy concentration. 

The Columbia Dual Degree Student Handbook is a resource for current and prospective students with information on admission, registration, tuition and financial aid, health services

(IMPORTANT for SIPA/Mailman students to read), facilities, housing and career advice.

Admission

Applications for admission must be filed separately to each school as admissions decisions are made independently. There is no special consideration for students applying to two schools at Columbia University. Students are considered dual degree students only after being admitted into two separate schools with a recognized dual degree program at Columbia University.

Applicants may apply simultaneously to two separate schools at Columbia. If admitted to both schools, a deferment must be requested at one of the two schools. Admitted students who do not begin their combined program at SIPA should send the acceptance form (without the deposit) and a request for a deferral to the SIPA Admissions Office. Applicants may also enroll in one school first, and then apply to another school at a later date. Students must, however, apply to the second school prior to completing half the course work of the first school.

Registration

Students can only be registered in one school per semester. Residency Credits are credits earned and registered in a particular school. Academic Credits are credits earned that fulfill the academic core or degree requirements. A student may be in residence at one school while fulfilling academic requirements of another.

Students in residence at SIPA may register for SIPA courses on-line during registration.  Students must follow cross-registration procedures for courses outside the school in which they are in residence.  SIPA registration information is on the SIPA Registration website. Students in residence at a school other than SIPA must follow the registration procedures of that school. 

At the beginning of each term, all dual degree students must register for SIPA U0040 - SIPA Dual Degree - in order for us to monitor their progress and effectively communicate with them. 

Degree Requirements

Dual degrees require that students complete a minimum number of Residency Credits and Academic Credits in both schools. Dual degree candidates must complete a minimum of 30 credits in residence at SIPA and fulfill all MIA core requirements, including demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language. The second professional degree can be accepted toward the MIA in lieu of a policy concentration.

Graduation Ceremony

Dual degree students may participate in one of two May graduation ceremonies, either the one before their official graduation date or the one after they officially graduate. More information on SIPA graduation is available here.

Tuition

Students pay the tuition and fees of the schools in which they are registered each term.  The schedule of Tuition/Fees/Expenses can be found here.

Financial Aid/Fellowships

Students are granted financial aid by the school in which they are registered each term. Students should adhere to financial aid deadlines and procedures in each school and meet as early as possible with the financial aid offices of both schools. 

Dual degree students may apply for SIPA Continuing Student Fellowships after completing one semester of study at Columbia and as long as they have a GPA of at least 3.4. The Continuing Student Fellowship Application is made during the student's second semester of study at Columbia - the student does not need to be in residence at SIPA to apply - and is available on-line in early February, and is due in late February for the next academic year's awards. Dual degree students who receive SIPA Continuing Student Fellowships must be in residence at SIPA to receive the fellowship award.

Dual degree students are also eligible to apply for the Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship after completing one semester of study at Columbia. The FLAS Fellowship is for advanced training in modern foreign languages and is open to US citizens and permanent residents only. The FLAS application is available on-line in January and is due at the end of February for the next academic year's awards. Dual degree students who receive the FLAS Fellowship must be in residence at SIPA to receive the FLAS award.

For information on SIPA fellowships and other funding opportunities, click here. 

Columbia Dual Degree Audit Forms:

MIA

MPA         

Columbia Dual Degree Student Handbook 2011-2012                                  

The pursuit of combined degrees involves a very significant commitment of time and resources. Applicants are advised to consider carefully whether both degrees are necessary for the attainment of their career goals.