Double Counting of Courses

  • Students cannot double-count courses between their degree core* and their concentration or specialization. 

  • The double-counting of courses is not permitted in any MIA or MPA STEM-designated program:​

    • ​Economic and Political Development/Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis; 

    • Energy & Environment/Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis; 

    • International Finance & Economic Policy/Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis

  • Double-counting is allowed between concentrations and specializations (except for STEM programs noted above) at the discretion of the concentration or specialization faculty director. In principle, the following rules apply:

    • No more than two courses (or 6 credits) may be double counted. This includes any double counting between the Interstate Relations core requirement (MIA students only), a concentration (when allowed), and a specialization. 

    • No more than one course (or 3 credits) may be double-counted between two specializations

  • Students pursuing a domestic or international dual degree should discuss their course planning with their academic advisor. 

Please note program-specific rules below:

Program MIA/MPA Core* Between concentration and specialization Between specializations
Economic and Political Development No With the exception of DAQA, up to 2 courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted. However, no more than one focus area course (or 3 credits) can have a regional or country focus.    
Energy and Environment  No With the exception of DAQA, up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted.   
Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy No  Up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted  
International Finance and Economic Policy Yes, may double count INAF U6022 if a student has also taken SIPA U6200 With the exception of DAQA, up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted.  
International Security Policy No Up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted  
Urban and Social Policy No Up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted  
Data Analytics and Quantitative Analysis No With the exception of EPD, EE, and IFEP, up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted. Up to one course (or 3 credits) may be double-counted **
Gender and Public Policy No Up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted. Up to one course (or 3 credits) may be double-counted **
International Conflict Resolution No Up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted. Up to one course (or 3 credits) may be double-counted **
International Organization & UN Studies No Up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted. Up to one course (or 3 credits) may be double-counted **
Leadership, Innovation, and Design No Up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted. Up to one course (or 3 credits) may be double-counted **
Technology, Media, and Communications No Up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted. Up to one course (or 3 credits) may be double-counted **
Regional Specialization No Up to two courses (or 6 credits) may be double-counted. Up to one course (or 3 credits) may be double-counted **

*The exception to this policy is courses that fulfill the Interstate Relations requirement in the Masters of International Affairs (MIA) degree may also be counted for concentration or specialization credit.

** A total of 6 credits may be double counted. This includes any double counting between the Interstate Relations core requirement (MIA students only), a concentration (when allowed), and a specialization.