Columbia SIPA Courses Offer Expertise in AI
Columbia SIPA has taken important steps forward to further integrate the study of artificial intelligence (AI) into its course offerings with thirteen classes covering crucial areas relevant to AI — including ethics, digital content provenance in the area of generative AI, and AI applications in urban governance and conflict prevention. These offerings reflect a recognition of AI’s significance to future policy endeavors and help to ensure that SIPA graduates — whether they go on to work in government, nonprofit organizations, or the private sector — will receive the necessary instruction to maximize the intersection of AI technology and public policy.
Ten SIPA faculty members representing a wide range of academic programs will be directing AI-related coursework, ranging from AI and policy development to the applications of AI to global challenges such as climate change and conflict prevention. Professors Dan Björkegren and Tamar Mitts will be leading core courses in machine learning and data analytics. Björkegren's approach emphasizes hands-on experience with AI tools while maintaining a critical perspective. "It's a tough course: I ask students to write all the algorithms from scratch," he told SIPA Magazine in an interview published in October. "That process forces them to grapple with the many decisions that go into developing these tools. That allows them as graduates to ask smart questions when they interact with data scientists or with tech firms."
SIPA’s offerings in AI-related fields are a crucial demonstration of the school’s awareness of the ever-changing landscape of international policy and the need to evolve in a rapidly transforming world. To that end ,SIPA will also be launching a newly restructured curriculum in Fall 2025. This enhanced program includes a STEM-focused Master of Public Administration (MPA) — a reflection of the school’s position at the forefront of preparing future policymakers for an AI-driven world.
The STEM designation for the MPA program highlights its intensive quantitative focus, featuring intensive coursework in data analytics and technology management. This designation allows international students to apply for a two-year optional practical training extension, expanding their opportunities to work in the United States after graduation.
The new curriculum reflects SIPA's adaptability to evolving global challenges. “Grounded in SIPA's tradition of academic excellence, this new coursework and more distinct MIA and MPA degree programs represent a bold evolution of our previous academic offerings,” said SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo in September. “Together, they ensure a Columbia SIPA degree is sharper and more contemporary given the world's evolving challenges and opportunities.”
Below are the AI-focused courses being offered at Columbia SIPA, grouped by areas of focus.
Machine Learning and Data Analytics
Generative AI and Large Language Models
- Building AI Tools with Large Language Models - Mike Zhu
- Generative AI - Sameer Maskey
- Text as Data - Tamar Mitts
AI and Policy Development
- Artificial Intelligence: A Survey for Policymakers - Neal Parikh
- Artificial Intelligence in Public Policy - Sameer Maskey
- Digital Content Provenance: Path to Transparency & Authenticity in the Generative AI World - Mounir Ibrahim
AI Applications in Global Challenges
- Artificial Intelligence and Climate Change - David Sandalow and Alp Kucukelbir
- Artificial Intelligence and Conflict Prevention - Eduardo Albrecht
AI in Societal Transformation and Urban Governance
- Artificial Intelligence Institutions - Dan Björkegren
- Ethics, AI, and Urban Governance - Erika Whillas
Editor’s Note: This story has been partially assisted by generative AI tools to gather and organize publicly available information. All facts, quotes, and analysis have been verified by human editors, and the final story was written and edited by humans to ensure accuracy.