Program Overview

SIPA Dual Degree Program

Overview

The Dual Degree program with the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) offers highly qualified undergraduate students from Barnard College, Columbia College, and the School of General Studies the opportunity to obtain their undergraduate degree and a Masters of International Affairs (MIA) or Masters of Public Administration (MPA) within five years.

Advantages of the Program

• Students complete their undergraduate and graduate degree within 5 years, as opposed to the traditional six-year trajectory.
• During the fourth year of the program, students save tuition by taking graduate classes while paying the undergraduate tuition rate.
• The GRE, application fee, and SIPA deposit are waived.

Curriculum

Accepted students will enroll in graduate-level SIPA classes during their final year of undergraduate studies, in addition to any additional undergraduate classes that may be required to complete their undergraduate degrees (typically, 24 points). Most SIPA graduate-level courses may be applied towards the MIA or MPA degrees. Additionally, these courses will count toward the 124 points required for the undergraduate degree. Upon matriculation at SIPA during their fifth/final year, students will complete their remaining coursework toward the 54 points needed to complete their graduate degree. Students are required to complete at least 30 credits, or two full-time semesters, in residence at SIPA, while fulfilling the requirements toward their MIA/MPA degree.

Eligibility

Competitive candidates will have all of their core requirements and major requirement completed by their third year, have a GPA that exceeds 3.5, and will not have accrued more than 100 credits. Applicants are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor as soon as they express an interest in the five-year program with SIPA to review and discuss their candidacy. Completion of considerable coursework in economics, languages, mathematics, political science, and statistics is strongly preferred.

Application for Admission

Interested applicants must have their advising dean confirm their eligibility before they apply for the program. The application deadline is in early January, preceding the fall semester of enrollment, and early October for students interested in enrolling in the following spring semester. Students must complete the following application.

Program Details

• The Dual Degree program is designed for highly qualified undergraduate students from Barnard College, Columbia College, and the School of General Studies.
• The program allows students to obtain their undergraduate degree and a Masters of International Affairs (MIA) or Masters of Public Administration (MPA) within five years.
• Students will enroll in graduate-level SIPA classes during their final year of undergraduate studies.
• The program requires students to complete at least 30 credits, or two full-time semesters, in residence at SIPA.
• The application deadline is in early January, preceding the fall semester of enrollment, and early October for students interested in enrolling in the following spring semester.