Proficiency and Placement Exam Policies

Proficiency and Placement Exam Policies

SIPA provides proficiency examinations for specific subject areas (not including Economics), which enable students to waive out of specific courses if they pass the exam.

For Economics, SIPA offers a placement examination, which enables students to place into higher-level Economics coursework, as described below.

Passing a proficiency or placement exam does not grant students credit toward their degree. These exams are generally offered at the beginning of each term. A student may take a proficiency exam only once. This includes cases where the student begins but does not finish the exam.

While all students are encouraged to take proficiency exams at the beginning of their first semester, the Economics placement exam may only be taken at the start of the Fall or Spring semester of a student’s first year.

After completing the exams, students will receive a notification indicating “pass” or “fail.” The decision is made by the instructor who grades the exam and is final. Exams are not returned to students, and no appeals are permitted.

Please note that proficiency exams are provided without the option for feedback, review, or appeal. By electing to take the exam, students acknowledge and accept these terms.

For more information or to register for an exam, visit the Proficiency and Placement Exam Registration Form.

Economics Placement Exams

 

  1. SIPA IA6350 – Economics Fundamentals for International Affairs
  2. SIPA U6400 – Microeconomic Analysis for International and Public Affairs
  3. SIPA U6401 – Macroeconomic Analysis for International and Public Affairs

Note:

  • All students must complete six credits of Economics coursework as part of their SIPA degree, even if they pass the placement exams. Students with sufficient knowledge may take the placement exams to enroll in more advanced courses.
  • The Economics placement exams consist of separate Micro and Macro sections. Students may choose to take one or both. All Economics placement exams must be taken within the student’s first two semesters.
  • These exams are only available during the student’s first two semesters at SIPA.

Quantitative Analysis Proficiency Exams

 

  1. SIPA IA6500 – Quantitative Analysis for International Public Affairs
  2. SIPA IA6501 – Quantitative Analysis II for International Public Affairs

Accounting Proficiency Exam

 

  1. SIPA IA6200 – Accounting for International Public Affairs

Language Proficiency Exams

Note: SIPA does not offer language proficiency exams. Students must fulfill language requirements through exams administered by the appropriate language departments. Please contact those departments directly for more information and testing dates.

Politics Core Requirement Waiver

Students with a prior degree in politics, international relations, or a related field from a North American institution may request a waiver of the Politics I core requirement. For the MIA Politics I waiver request, degrees from European institutions may also be accepted. Requests should be submitted via this form and will be reviewed by the Office of Student Affairs on a rolling basis. Students approved to waive Politics I will be required to take two sections of Politics II.

Leadership and Management I Core Requirement Waiver

Students may request a waiver of only for SIPA 6000 Leadership in Action (Leadership and Management I) if they can demonstrate professional leadership experience equivalent to the learning outcomes of the course. Examples include five (5) or more years in a leadership, management, or operations role with responsibility for leading teams, managing people or organizational performance, or leading strategic initiatives.

Students requesting a waiver must submit documentation describing their leadership experience and responsibilities. Waivers will be granted only when the student's experience clearly meets or exceeds the competencies taught in the course.

Students approved for a waiver will be required to take an additional section of Leadership II. For waiver consideration please email your documentation to Professor Sarah Holloway [email protected] and cc your advising dean.

Financial Management I Core Requirement Waiver

Students may request a waiver only for SIPA 6250 Foundations of Budgeting (Financial Management. 1), and only if they can demonstrate applied professional experience in budgeting including:

  • Serving in a formal role with responsibility for budgeting in an organization or agency;
  • Developing and managing budgets for programs, departments, or entire organizations;
  • Demonstrated ability to read and interpret financial statements;
  • Experience preparing operating budgets, program budgets, or cash flow budgets.

Students requesting a waiver must submit documentation outlining their role, responsibilities, and specific budgeting tasks performed. Waivers will be granted only when the student’s experience clearly meets or exceeds the competencies taught in the course.  Please email your documentation to Professor Sarah Holloway [email protected] and cc your advising dean.

Global Requirement Core Requirement Waiver

All MIA-Track I students must fulfill a Global Requirement, which may be met through coursework or non-credit experiences that reflect meaningful international engagement. If you wish to waive the Global Requirement and any of the following apply to you, please complete this form (form will be posted shortly).

Global Requirement Waiver Requirements

  • SIPA International Exchange Program – Completed a semester abroad at the American University of Cairo (AUC).
  • Regional Minor – Completed a SIPA regional minor.
  • GPPN Dual Degree – Completion of a full academic year at a partner institution.
  • International Undergraduate Degree – Holding a completed undergraduate degree from a non-U.S. institution.
  • International Work Experience – A minimum of one year of consecutive, full-time professional experience in a non-U.S. country.