Undergraduate Major in Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP)
Understand the world’s most pressing challenges — and learn how to help address them.
The Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) major prepares Columbia undergraduates to understand and address the most important challenges shaping our world. Drawing on the liberal arts tradition, students learn how governments, international organizations, businesses, and civil society identify problems, weigh evidence, debate competing ideas, and make collective decisions about public affairs.
Why study Global Affairs and Public Policy at SIPA?
- Pursue an interdisciplinary course of study that integrates political science, economics, history, ethics, data science, and regional studies.
- Learn from world-class scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.
- Work on real policy challenges through the Policy Practicum, SIPA’s signature experiential learning opportunity.
- Study within one of the world’s leading schools of international affairs and public policy.
- Access pathways to SIPA’s Five-Year Joint Degree programs, allowing qualified students to earn a BA and an MIA or MPA in five years.
Explore the Major
Who It’s For
The Global Affairs and Public Policy major is designed for students who want to understand how societies confront complex challenges and how policy decisions are made at the local, national, and international levels. It is intended for undergraduates who are intellectually curious about public affairs and eager to connect ideas from multiple disciplines to real-world problems.
The major is well suited for students interested in international affairs, public policy, economics, politics, development, and social impact. Whether they are drawn to diplomacy, international development, climate and environmental policy, human rights, global finance, or public service, students develop the analytical, quantitative, and practical skills needed to understand and address complex policy challenges.
Career Paths
The major prepares students for a wide range of careers across sectors, including roles in:
- Government and public service
- International organizations and NGOs
- Corporate government relations and public affairs
- Consulting and finance
- International trade
- Media and journalism
- Law and advocacy
- Technology and AI policy
- Cybersecurity policy
- Geopolitical risk and intelligence analysis
Major Declaration Process
Admission to the Global Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) major is determined through a lottery process. The major is open to students in Columbia College and the School of General Studies.
Students who wish to declare the major must enter the lottery during one of the periods listed below.
Lottery Schedule
Fall Round
Eligible students: Columbia College juniors; School of General Studies students who have completed at least 45 credits and not more than 90 credits.
- Lottery opens: October 15, 2026
- Lottery closes: October 23, 2026
- Students notified: November 4, 2026
Spring Round
Eligible students: Columbia College sophomores and juniors; School of General Studies students who have completed at least 45 credits and not more than 90 credits.
- Dates forthcoming
Additional Lottery Entry
Students who have completed at least one of the following courses before the lottery application deadline will receive one additional lottery entry (for a total of two entries):
- GAPP IA2100 Contemporary Debates in Global Affairs and Public Policy
- GAPP IA2150 Policymaking: Politics, Ethics, and Communication
- GAPP IA2200 Introduction to Quantitative Analysis for Global Affairs and Public Policy
- GAPP IA2250 Analytical Tools for Global Affairs and Public Policy
- SIPA IA6700 Inside the Situation Room
Enrollment in the inaugural cohort is limited to 100 students. Admission through the lottery does not guarantee enrollment in particular courses beyond the requirements of the major.
BA + Master’s Degree in Five Years
Qualified GAPP majors can continue to SIPA’s Master of International Affairs (MIA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs — earning two Columbia degrees in five years.
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Course flexibility: Receive MIA/MPA graduate core course waivers and substitutions based on qualifying GAPP coursework.
- Streamlined admission: Submit a simple declaration — no traditional graduate admissions application required.
- A select number of GAPP majors who demonstrate financial need and outstanding academic achievement will be considered for dedicated scholarship funding.
More information about eligibility, the application process, and the 4+1 pathway will be shared at our fall events and through GAPP advising.
For full eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit the Five-Year Joint Degrees page.
Interested in GAPP?
Stay informed about info sessions, applications, and updates.
Contact GAPP
For academic advising and general inquiries, please email us at [email protected].