SIPA MIA v. MPA

[wonkish]

I am applying to various policy programs with the intention of specializing in a few specific international labor policies.

Despite my international experience, I cannot meet the foreign language requirement of several schools (Fletcher & SIPA MIA, though IPS and SAIS seem to provide more resources to meet such requirements). Yet after reviewing the curricula for SIPA's MIA and MPA, there seems to be minimal difference in the courses and opportunities they offer. In fact, the only difference listed on their website is that MIA students take an International Affairs course while MPA students take two Politics of Policymaking courses. MIA and MPA students even share the same policy concentrations and specializations.

Can any current students or others with some insight on SIPA speak to any differences in the degree programs that I'm not finding?

Thanks in advance.

[carpecc]

Your presumption is correct. Just some tiny differences. You can also take both the IR an policy making course if you want. With the diversity of courses and concentrations here you can basically make you're own degree. The language classes are usually 4-5 credits, so a real time sinker, so consider carefully if you want to pursue that course. Although I recommend taking it upon yourself to learn at least a bit of a foreign language if you plan to work in IR.

[wonkish]

carpecc - thanks so much for the reply.

My concern is that I will not be able to meet the proficiency requirement by the end of the two year degree. Seeing as you deferred, do you know if SIPA offers deferrals for foreign language programs?

[carpecc]

Do you mean defer to study a foreign language before entering SIPA? If you defer to spend time studying a foreign language I'd imagine yes, they're pretty reasonable and would see that as a good decision. I can't imagine them deferring the language requirement to study after you finish SIPA though.

You can also switch between MPA and MIA (as long as you can meet the min requirements by graduation). Some students enroll in the MIA, realize they don't want to deal with language, so switch to MPA. It's not as simple as flipping a switch, but give the admin a reasonable case and you're fine.

Go ahead an apply MIA. If they don't let you defer, in the worse case scenario just switch to MPA.

[Grad_Nov]

I dont understand. I had assumed and checked with SIPA, Fletcher, MSFS GTown, etc about their language proficiency. There is NO requirement for matriculation but is expected for graduation. Thus it leaves you 2 years to learn a language.

Unless you feel you won't be able to learn the language in 2 years, I dont understand the apprehension about applying. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[wonkish]

carpecc - Do you believe there's any risk in applying for the MIA with little background in a foreign language (with the hope of receiving a one year deferral for a foreign language program)? If so, is it just as possible to switch from the MPA to the MIA?

Grad_Nov - programs handle the language proficiency requirement in different ways. SAIS incorporates language classes directly into the curriculum. SIPA MIA expects that you have at least a beginners background in a foreign language for their classes - their website states that they do not offer beginners courses. MSFS only appears to offer one year of language courses. Fletcher does not offer any language courses. A Fletcher admissions officer explicitly told me that they will not accept applicants with little/no background in a foreign language and do not offer deferrals for foreign language programs. If you have heard otherwise, please let me know!

[carpecc]

I mean, speaking a foreign language will make you a more competitive app. No risk in applying though. Worst is they reject you and you go someplace else or you study a foreign language for a year. THere's plenty of people here that are learning their language as they go and hope to pass the proficiency test before they graduate. Be warned, the language classes take a lot of time.

[carpecc]

Also I should add that SIPA does offer beginner courses. The far majority of people here though at least have a beginner level of something. For example the beginner Spanish classes were filled almost immediately. The language program here is part of the greater Columbia program.

[HDPFDan]

carpecc, I'm wondering if you can answer a related question. I do speak a good amount of Spanish and some Italian, and I've used the Spanish professionally, working for both a law firm practicing international IP law and for a public policy research institution in NYC, in which I've worked with Spanish-speaking partners and research participants. So I feel pretty good about having enough language experience to apply for the MIA, which I would prefer to do over the MPA.

But I'm wondering if I have a better shot of admission going for an MPA at SIPA, because I haven't actually worked abroad. Though, again, I do have a year of international law practice, and one of my major research projects at my current institution was conducted in the UK. My statement of purpose is centered around my desire to research policy (the specific areas I've worked in for the past 3 years) in an international context, with both of the experiences I mentioned serving as a basis for understanding how to conduct research and business in an international context, and that I'd like to build on my research implementation and analysis skills with the global resources of the SIPA MIA.

I guess I'm just wondering if the lack of actually working abroad is enough to keep me from getting into the MIA program, even with some language and international context. Is the MPA a better shot? Sorry for the long post, and thank you in advance for any insight.

Edited December 6, 2011 by HDPFDan

[carpecc]

Hmm, in that case HDPFDan, I think the MPA does make a little more sense, but I'm not an admissions adviser. Keep in mind that "international experience" doesn't just mean building homes in rural Bolivia, it can be through your projects and colleagues at your law firm, or some of the research you've done. Also, since you're big on policy, the MPA make more sense since it has a pub policy core to it, the MIA core is more theoretical.

The biggest difference between MIA and MPA (in addition to the language requirement) is their core class the first semester. MIA take Conceptual Foundations of International Affairs. This is an introduction to the discourse, theories and key theoretical research in IR and each week features a talk by various IR, polici sci and econ all stars from the Columbia faculty. Last week we had Joseph Stiglitz, two weeks before that we had Jeffrey Sachs. Heavy hitters. But the focus is on key theories, issues and frameworks, not on policy. Not everyone digs the class, but I think it's been outstanding.

MPA students take Politics of Policy Making. This focuses on learning to write memos, policies, and how to develop indicators. There's some overlap with the Conc. Found. class, but the angle is quite different. For example they share some of our guest speakers, but the lecture will talk about policy frameworks, not theoretical IR frameworks. This might be more up your ally.

The former teaches you how to think analytically about the big IR picture, the latter teaches you how to work in teams to detail policies.

[HDPFDan]

Thanks for the info. Of those two core classes, I am more interested in the MIA course. I am looking to move in a more international direction, as well as possibly moving into another industry from public policy research. So in terms of both academics and post-grad employment, the MIA is what I want (I don't want to have my options in the private sector limited by an MPA, among other concerns)

I just feel like, with my background, applying for the MPA might give me better odds of admission, which is what I'm most obviously concerned with here and now.

I may try to talk to someone in admissions this week to see what their thoughts are. I'm framing my personal statement partially in terms of wanting more international exposure, because my organization is moving in that direction and its the best way for me to learn and contribute (this is true and backed up by one of my LORS from a senior researcher here.)

I suppose switching to an MIA from being admitted as an MPA is also doable.

[MPA455]

Hi everybody!

Which of the MPA or MIA do you think is the easiest to get in for an international student?

Thank you!