
Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Administration
Deadlines: Spring Term 2023
Final Application: October 15, 2022
Deadlines: Fall Term 2023
Early Action: November 1, 2022
Fellowship Consideration: December 20, 2022
Final Application: February 5, 2023
Program Length
21 Months
Degree Awarded
MPA
STEM-DESIGNATED
Selected pathways
Develop the qualitative and quantitative analytical skills, substantive knowledge of a policy concentration, and professional skills to address real world challenges.
The MPA includes selected STEM-designated pathways
The MPA degree emphasizes a comparative approach to domestic policy and prepares students to address major national policy issues and manage organizations in the US and other countries around the world.

Who It's For
The MPA degree program is best suited for young professionals holding a bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of relevant work or substantive internship experience.
Career Paths
MPA graduates work in the most prestigious agencies and firms in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, as well as their own start-ups and social enterprises.
Curriculum
The MPA core curriculum combines a globally-oriented and comparative approach to national policy-making with rigorous courses in economics, quantitative analysis and management. 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, and Urban and Social Policy. Graduates possess advanced analytical abilities and career-oriented professional knowledge and skills, acquired through a curriculum that integrates Columbia University’s unsurpassed academic rigor with extensive experiential learning, including the most diverse capstone workshop program in the field.
Explore the MPA course structure »
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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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- MPA and Juris Doctor (JD)
- MPA and Master of Public Health (MPH)
- MPA and Master in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (MA)
- MPA 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, 352 students graduated from the MPA program, 280 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]