by Ananya Sethi

Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) is launching a reimagined curriculum for the fall 2025 incoming class, introducing a STEM-designated Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a globally immersive Master of International Affairs (MIA). The new curriculum, initiated by Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo and led by Dean Emerita Lisa Anderson will have a more relaxed core curriculum structure and concentration pathways. 

Some of the key highlights of the reformed curriculum are:

The MPA program will now have a STEM designation unlike earlier, which will focus on economics, data analytics, leadership, and management sciences. As an added benefit, all students will be eligible to apply for a two-year optional practical training (OPT) extension where relevant.

The MIA program will offer two core tracks, International Affairs and Politics, and Economics and Quantitative Analysis. It will consist of advanced language studies, international study trips, and a Capstone workshop. 

The core curriculum will feature a more flexible structure with a skill-based approach in a six-week modular format. This will allow students to tailor their learning paths according to their academic background and professional goals. 

The reframed concentrations are: Climate, Energy, and Environment; Data Science for Policy; Development and Governance; Human Rights, Gender, and Equity; International Security and Diplomacy; International Finance and Policy; Technology Policy and Innovation, and Urban and Social Policy. 

The removal of the specialization requirement provides students more freedom to choose electives and pursue minors, enabling a customized academic plan.

“Grounded in SIPA’s tradition of academic excellence, this new coursework and more distinct MIA and MPA degree programs represent a bold evolution of our previous academic offerings,” said SIPA Dean Keren Yarhi-Milo in her email to SIPA students introducing the new curriculum.

Ananya Sethi (MIA ‘25) is the Cultural Editor for The Morningside Post.