School of International and Public Affairs

About the school

Columbia University – School of International and Public Affairs has been transforming students like you into capable leaders across private, public, and non-profit sectors since 1946. Representing 160 countries and boasting more than 24,000 alumni members worldwide, the school offers flexible yet rigorous programmes that help you tackle pressing global issues innovatively. Apart from Master of International Affairs (MIA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA), it enables you to pursue an MPA degree in Development Practice, Economic Policy Management, Environmental Science and Policy, or Global Leadership. You can also opt for an Executive MPA or pick from doctoral, dual degree, joint degree, and international fellows programmes.

Where is the school located?

Located in the exciting city of New York, School of International and Public Affairs is close to famous buildings as well as major commercial and cultural hubs.

Life at School of International and Public Affairs

An extremely diverse and inclusive environment awaits you at the School of International and Public Affairs. The global student body here boasts 1,490 students who use over 50 native languages. You will not only meet kindred spirits, but also learn about different countries and cultures during your stint. There are over 40 student organisations available for you to pursue your interests and hone leadership abilities.

When it comes to accommodation, you can apply for on-campus housing, but remember that it will depend on how early you apply, your credit history, and whether you have already paid your admission deposit. Fortunately, plenty of off-campus options are available in neighbourhoods such as Bronx, Morningside Heights, and Manhattanville. These accommodations are close to the campus, stores, and transport hubs.

Additional benefits of studying at School of International and Public Affairs

The School of International and Public Affairs offers you real-world exposure through International Fellows Programme and capstone projects. You put your classroom learning to practical use and solve complex challenges, which helps you prepare for a promising career later. Academic advisors will also guide you throughout your stint, so that you attain your goals easily.

The school also has interdisciplinary research centres if you wish to build a career in academia. You can also apply for teaching assistantships and scholarships to fund your programme’s expenses easily. Moreover, living in New York will give you the opportunity to hear from celebrated speakers such as Hillary Clinton, Ban Ki-Moon, or Eric Schmidt. There are plenty of restaurants, parks, and museums to explore in the dynamic city as well.

Admissions criteria

Remember to adhere to all deadlines carefully and check the specific application requirements for the programme you have in mind.

In general, your application should include the following types of information:

• Completed online application form
• Resume (covering relevant internships, professional experience, volunteering activities, and skills)
• Quantitative and language resume (covering additional information)
  
• Recommendation letters: 2 necessary and 1 optional
• Unofficial transcripts from institutions attended in the past (both in English translation and native language)
• GRE/GMAT: Requirement and minimum score vary across programmes
• Written essays (personal statement, topical essay, diversity essay, optional essay)
• Video essay (90 seconds and based on random policy/personal question)
  
• Optional fellowship essay
• Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL (110)/IELTS (7.5)/Cambridge English (191)
• Costs which are not consistent throughout school admissions information online include:
• Medical insurance
• Health service fee
• Technology fee
• University services and support fee
• Student activity fee
• Rent and food
• Books
• Personal expenses
• Transportation
• International student fee
• Document fee

Please consult the school’s website for more details on the admission process.

Job placements

Based on the employment information for the class of 2022, 45.2% of graduate students found employment in the private sector, 26.7% in the public sector, and 27.2% in the non-profit sector. The rest went on to pursue further studies. The median salary was $105,000 in the private sector, $75,000 in the non-profit sector, and $65,000 in the public sector.

• Some of the top employers in the private sector included Bain & Company, Accenture, Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, Facebook, Morgan Stanley, Uber, McKinsey, and EY.

• Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Ministry of Finance and Public Credit of Colombia, UNICEF, OECD, United States Energy Information Administration, World Bank, and New York City Civic Engagement Commission were among the major public sector employers.

• Key employers in the non-profit sector included Bezos Earth Fund, Citizens Budget Commission, International Rescue Committee, New York Hall of Science, Rocky Mountain Institute, and National Public Radio.