MPA-EPM Frequently Asked Questions

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designates certain degree programs as STEM programs based on established criteria.

Completing a STEM-designated program provides an internationally recognized education in these fields, helping graduates prepare for and secure jobs.

For international students, the STEM designation allows eligibility for the F-1 STEM OPT Extension, granting an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond the standard 12-month OPT period.

No. The MPA-EPM program reviews applications and selects students for admission to this specific program.

The MPA-EPM is designed for mid-career professionals focused on emerging markets and specialized economic policy issues.

The two-year MPA is better suited for early-career candidates who want to explore a broader range of policy areas.

Students who have previously completed graduate-level coursework in economics or a related discipline may be eligible to transfer up to 12 credits toward the MPA-EPM degree.

Here’s how the policy works for specific MPA-EPM courses:

• PEPM IA0400 Quantitative Methods Bootcamp (formerly Quantitative Methods for Economic Policy Managers) is not a credit-bearing course. No transfer credits are allowed for this course.
• PEPM IA6110 Math for Economists and PEPM IA6620 Introductory Statistics: Students must pass the proficiency exam for the course first. Only then will the program consider transferring equivalent master’s-level credits. If a student does not pass the proficiency exam, they must take the MPA-EPM course and cannot receive credit for similar coursework taken elsewhere.
• All other MPA-EPM courses: To transfer graduate-level credits, students must first pass the relevant MPA-EPM proficiency exam. Once this requirement is met, the program will review the submitted graduate coursework to determine if it is eligible for transfer.

Students interested in transferring credits should contact the MPA-EPM Office prior to March 15 at [email protected].

Students confirm their focus at the end of Summer Session II.

The MPA-EPM offers three curricular focuses:

• Economic Policy Management (EPM)
• Global Energy Management and Policy (GEMP)
• Central Banking and Financial Markets (CBFM)

EPM: Builds technical competence in economic management and policymaking, with a foundation in global economic institutions, history, and current policy thinking.

GEMP: Covers the fundamentals of the energy industry, including international energy systems and business organizations involved in energy production, transportation, and marketing.

CBFM: Provides an in-depth understanding of corporate finance, capital markets, banking, and regulation, focusing on both emerging and advanced economies and the development of sound capital markets in emerging markets.

No. The MPA-EPM is a full-time, one-year program. Students take six courses in the summer, six in the fall, and six in the spring.

Yes. Prospective students are welcome to sit in on a core MPA-EPM class.

If you’re visiting New York City, email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Recommended periods for visits:

• Summer term: July 5 – August 5
• Fall term: September 30 – November 30
• Spring term: February 1 – April 1

Yes. The MPA-EPM Ambassador Program connects prospective students with alumni. Email [email protected] for more information.