Columbia University in the City of New York Reviews of Master's in Public Administration

"Columbia is a very competitive place, but the opportunities are there for those who are willing to work very hard for them."

"An intense and comprehensive program with students from diverse backgrounds. Program quality can be improved by making stronger connections between the economic, financial and managerial tenets and actual public polices. For instance, coursework should include an examination of how economics, data analysis and sociopolitical climate influenced the criteria for food stamp recipients."

"PROS: -Probably the best international and public affairs in the world. -Quality and experience of professors. -Career Service and network. -Caliber of classmates and community. -Center of all types of policy. -Top quality of academic. -Middle of everything CONS: -Costs"

"I feel that this program is academically challenging while teaching me practical skills that I can leverage when searching for a job. The price is steep, but network and the school name after graduation make it worth the cost."

"For public administration New York is the most relevant city, and SIPA is absolutely in the forefront of creating how we shape public and social life. Cons: New York and campus is expensive. There is no way to afford school or living unless one accrues large amounts of loans."

"The experience at Columbia University has been amazing so far. The only criticism to it is the financial cost."

"My graduate student experience has been exactly what I desired. I have taken interesting courses and have met classmates who are peers in the pursuit of a degree in Public Administration. The varying perspectives during class discussion have added to the classroom education."

"This is a great grad program. It has all the advantages of an international school, besides being en NYC offers you a broader networking opportunity. The cost of attending is really high and of course NYC is expensive too."

"This school provides everything you need in New York City, including lower than normal rental accommodations. Get it done and enjoy the fruits of your labor!"

"The EMPA program at SIPA is a tremendous asset to anyone in the public administration field, because of both the academic and networking offerings."

"On the one hand, I expected more from the program because of the obscenely high cost of attendance. There are too many people (taken international affairs and public administration first years together, there are over five hundred first years this year), which means that there is simply no way that the professors can pay enough attention to you. On the other hand, the networking opportunities amaze me every day. The school is very well embedded in the New York job market, with many of the adjunct professors working for the World Bank, consultant firms, etc. The career services are very good, too. Another plus is the student groups; nothing prevents you from joining on-campus initiatives that let you work for a client while in school. I expected more of an Ivy League academically; as a professional school, however, it is rather good. (If you cannot afford it, I suggest you try something else instead of getting indebted for all of your life.)"

"For an international relations education, the student body is very diverse and very active and engaged. The education quality is good, and the location great."

"Great network of students, staff and facility members. everyone here has the same goal in mind which is to produce a successful viable good product ( the student)and maintain the Prestige of the schools name. Being an Ivy League school most students have very little creativity and ingenuity. There is so much pressure from parents society or classes people cannot enjoy themselves and fully enjoy learning"

"Although very expensive and with limited financial assistance, the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University provides excellent training in a wide variety of fields. It is easy to be flexible with your area of focus and if you want to learn new skills that will be relevant to your future career, then you will find courses which match your interests. Some professors are obviously better than others but surprises are around every corner and you may end up realizing that the class which you disliked the most turned out to be the class which taught you the most important skills."

"I think the pros of the Columbia School of International and Public Affair's MPA is the breadth and depth of the core courses, concentrations, specializations, and electives. The international scope offers a unique MPA for those students seeking to focus on international development, economics, management, or other global issues. The capstone project offers the chance for some hands on consulting work in public affairs (usually international) with great networking opportunities. The NYC location also offers great networking opportunities. Though I am beginning the program in September, I think the con is the financial aid available to first year students. Most receive no aid, leaving them to take out an extreme amount of loans to cover the 60,000+ tuition, fees, and living expenses."

"Its great! You really feel like you are learning things that will help you in your career!"

"Great academic breath, diversity and renowned faculty. Very expensive program and living costs."