Master of International Affairs
Master of International Affairs
Deadlines: Spring Term 2024
Final Application: October 15
Deadlines: Fall Term 2024
Early Action: November 1
Fellowship Consideration: December 20
Final Application: February 5
Program Length
21 Months
Degree Awarded
MIA
STEM-DESIGNATED
Selected pathways
Address the big issues of international affairs with your MIA.
MIA students acquire the substantive knowledge, practical skills and real-world experience to address the big issues of international affairs. The curriculum integrates Columbia University’s unsurpassed academic choices with extensive experiential learning, including capstone workshop projects with organizations around the world. Students pursue a customizable core curriculum, including a wide range of courses on international politics and political economy. Students also choose from a broad range of majors: International Security Policy, International Finance and Economic Policy, Economic and Political Development, Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy, Energy and Environment, and Urban and Social Policy. Graduates join a dynamic network of MIA alumni in leading organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors around the world.
The MIA includes selected STEM-designated pathways
The degree is underpinned by SIPA’s unrivaled expertise on issues that transcend national boundaries and prepares students to address major international issues as experts and leaders in governments and organizations around the world.
Who It's For
The MIA degree program is best suited for young professionals holding a bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of relevant work or substantive internship experience who have a passion for international affairs and a commitment to make the world a better place.
Career Paths
MIA graduates work around the world in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Recent employers include the United Nations, U.S. Departments of State and Defense, foreign ministries abroad, Deutsche Bank, McKinsey & Company, the International Rescue Committee, and many others.
Curriculum
The MIA offers a customizable core curriculum, including a wide range of courses in international politics and political economy. Students choose from a broad range of concentrations (majors): International Security Policy, International Finance and Economic Policy, Economic and Political Development, Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy, Energy and Environment, and Urban and Social Policy. Students prepare to work in a global environment by demonstrating proficiency in a modern language other than English. The MIA also offers special international immersion courses and fieldwork opportunities.
Explore the MIA course structure »
Explore our Tuition & Fees »
MIA/MPA Concentrations & Specializations
Beyond the designated core curriculum, two-year MIA and MPA students must complete the requirements for one of six policy concentrations and a specialization focused on a particular skill or area of knowledge.
MPA in Development Practice students can choose up to two specializations (not required).
Dual Degree Options
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- MIA and Master of Science in Journalism (MS)
- MIA and Master of Science in Urban Planning (MS)
- MIA and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- MIA and Juris Doctor (JD)
- MIA and Master of Public Health (MPH)
- MIA and Master in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (MA)
- MIA and Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
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- Berlin: the Hertie School - Master of Public Policy or Master of International Affairs
- London: London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) - Master of Public Administration
- Paris: School of International Affairs at Sciences Po - Master of International Affairs and School of Public Affairs at Sciences Po - Master of Public Administration
- São Paulo: Fundação Getulio Vargas Escola de Administração de Empresas de São Paulo (FGV-EAESP)
- Singapore: the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore - Master of Public Policy
- Tokyo: University of Tokyo Graduate School of Public Policy (GraSPP) - Master of Public Policy
Ready to Apply?
A Capstone Workshop is a live consulting project with an external client outside of SIPA. Each workshop partners a team of about 6 graduate students with a faculty advisor.
Employment Statistics
Employed/Further Study
Seeking Employment
Not Seeking Employment
Employment information as reported by the graduates six months after graduation. In 2022, 163 students graduated from the MIA program, 118 reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
514 West 113th Street
New York, NY 10025
+1 212-854-6216
+1 212-854-3010
[email protected]
[email protected]