Mpa in economic policy management (MPA-EPM) is a one-year, STEM-designated degree program that provides students with the skills they need to become highly accomplished policymakers and professionals in market economies. The program applies the theoretical rigor of the social sciences to the practical lessons of economics and management science through the intensive study of actual economic policy successes and failures.

The MPA-EPM program has three different curricular focuses: Economic Policy Management (EPM), Energy & Environment (E&E), and Central Banking and Financial Markets (CBFM). All MPA-EPM students take six courses in each of the program’s three semesters, and courses in the three focus areas are identical in the first semester but then diverge in the second and third semesters.

The MPA-EPM program is designed for leading policymakers and professionals who want to effectively design and implement economic policy in market economies, with a strong emphasis on the economic problems of developing countries. The curriculum aims to build students’ in-depth understanding of corporate finance, capital markets, and central banking, covering both emerging and advanced economies.

The Master of Public Administration degree within MPA-EPM is conferred upon completion of a minimum of 54 credits of graduate-level coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. MPA-EPM students who have previously completed a graduate degree in economics or a related discipline may apply to transfer up to twelve credits from their previous graduate degree toward the MPA in Economic Policy Management degree.

MPA-EPM Admission Requirements

The MPA in Economic Policy Management program has specific admission requirements in addition to SIPA’s general admission requirements. The admission requirements for the MPA-EPM program are as follows:

  • Meaningful professional exposure to economic policymaking, preferably in a public agency or nongovernmental organization
  • At least three years of work experience
  • An undergraduate degree with a record of superior academic accomplishment, and preferably with strong economics content

Students who wish to transfer credits from a previous graduate degree should contact the MPA-EPM Office prior to April 1st. Additional MPA-EPM admissions information can be found on the main site or by emailing mpa-epm@sipa.columbia.edu.

MPA-EPM Application Process

The application process for the MPA-EPM program at Columbia SIPA is:

  • Submit an online application through the SIPA website with the code L2UN.
  • Submit all required supporting documents via the online system.
  • Meet the additional MPA-EPM requirements of policymaking experience, work experience, and strong undergraduate academics.
  • Choose a curricular focus: EPM, E&E, or CBFM.
  • Adhere to one of three deadlines: November 1, December 20, or February 5.
  • Monitor application status online and await decision notification by email.

Additional information can be found on the main site or by emailing mpa-epm@sipa.columbia.edu.

Required Application Documents

To apply for MPA-EPM, applicants must submit:

  • Online application with code L2UN
  • All required supporting documents
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of purpose
  • Resume/CV
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • GRE or GMAT scores
  • English proficiency scores (if applicable)

Applicants must also meet the additional MPA-EPM requirements listed above. Important MPA-EPM deadlines are November 1, December 20, and February 5. Additional information can be found on the main site or by emailing mpa-epm@sipa.columbia.edu.

Minimum GPA Requirement

According to the Columbia SIPA website, the minimum GPA requirement for the MPA-EPM program is 3.0 or higher for the 54 graduate credits required for the MPA degree conferral within the program. In addition to GPA, applicants must meet the MPA-EPM requirements of policymaking experience, work experience, and a strong undergraduate record.

Prospective students can find additional MPA-EPM admissions information on the main site or by emailing mpa-epm@sipa.columbia.edu.

In summary, the MPA in Economic Policy Management at Columbia SIPA provides advanced training in economic policymaking, with a 3.0 minimum GPA required for the MPA degree. Admission also requires professional policy exposure, work experience, and academic excellence. The program equips students with the expertise needed for careers as economic policy leaders.

conclusión

The MPA in Economic Policy Management at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs is an intensive one-year degree program designed to train the next generation of economic policy leaders. With a focus on applying academic rigor to real-world policy challenges, the curriculum provides students with advanced expertise in economic analysis, corporate finance, central banking, and financial markets.

Admission to the highly selective program requires professional policymaking experience, at least three years of work experience, academic excellence, and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Graduates emerge equipped with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to craft evidence-based economic policy solutions in roles across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The program’s robust job placement outcomes underscore its effectiveness in preparing graduates to improve economic conditions and expand opportunities through policy leadership.