MPA in Economic Policy Management

MPA in Economic Policy Management Curriculum

The curriculum for the MPA in Economic Policy Management (MPA-EPM), formerly known as Program in Economic Policy Management (PEPM), aims to build students' technical competence in the tools of economic management and policymaking, train students in the application of these skills, and educate students about current thinking on the world economic environment, as well as its history and institutions. 

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 choose one of three focus areas: Economic Policy Management (EPM), Energy & Environment (E&E) or Central Banking and Financial Markets (CBFM).

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. Students who wish to apply for such transfer should contact the MPA-EPM Office prior to April 1st. Criteria for determining whether credits may be transferred will include: whether the course(s) in question was part of a completed graduate degree, the degree to which the course(s) in question relates to the MPA-EPM course(s) for which a transfer is requested, and the student's performance in the course(s) elected to be transferred.

For additional information on the MPA in Economic Policy Management, including information for prospective students and admissions, please refer back to the main site or email mpa-epm@sipa.columbia.edu.

Learn more about the MPA-EPM Core and Focus Areas

The core of the MPA-EPM program consists of two three-semester course sequences in Macroeconomic Policy Management and Econometrics. This core is supplemented by courses in management skills and political economy. Students may choose additional elective courses offered at SIPA and other graduate schools at Columbia. Each course is built around real-world examples and case studies.

Economic Policy Management Focus Area (EPM):

Builds students’ technical competence with the tools of economic management and policymaking and their application; and also educates students about current thinking on the global economic environment, as well as its history and institutions.

Student background: Students who select this focus area come from national and international development agencies and international financial institutions and banks. The focus area is also popular among professionals with consulting and legal backgrounds.

Energy & Environment Focus Area (E&E):

Teaches the fundamentals of the energy industry within the context of environmental sustainability, including international energy systems and business organizations involved in the production, transportation, and marketing of energy products.

Student background: Accomplished professionals from energy ministries, national oil companies, and energy-producing firms, and other professionals from around the world who are involved in various aspects of the global energy markets and environmental sustainability

Central Banking and Financial Markets Focus Area (CBFM):

Builds an in-depth understanding of corporate finance, capital markets, and central banking, covering both emerging and advanced economies while also examining the process of building sound capital markets in emerging economies.

Student background: Mid-career professionals working at central banks, finance ministries, and various financial institutions.