Nearly half of the world’s population lives on less than two dollars a day. Such extreme poverty perpetuates hunger, poor health, environmental degradation and low completion rates for primary education. The MPA in Development Practice is founded on the idea that these complex challenges can only be solved by connecting knowledge and insights from a range of disciplines.
LET US FACE THE FACTS: THE OLD MODEL IS BROKEN. WE NEED TO CREATE A NEW ONE — A NEW MODEL FOR DYNAMIC GROWTH. GROWTH THAT IS EQUITABLE ... GROWTH THAT CAN BE SUSTAINED WITHIN PLANETARY BOUNDARIES ... GROWTH THAT WILL BENEFIT CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS. —
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations
THE MPA–DP PROGRAM The Master of Public Administration in Development Practice (MPA-DP) trains current and aspiring practitioners to develop, implement, and manage comprehensive approaches to sustainable development. The goal is to create a new generation of development practitioners who can speak the “languages” of many specialties, understand the complex interactions MPA-DP student Joel Sanchez assesses the nutritional status of a child in Nepal.
among them, and coordinate stakeholders from all levels and disciplines to better address development challenges. Graduates of the MPA–DP program are prepared to work in a range of organizations that address sustainable development issues, including: local and international NGOs, UN agencies, private sector companies, consulting firms, social enterprises, government institutions, international finance institutions, bilateral aid agencies, philanthropic organizations, and academic institutions.
PROGRAM COMPETENCIES AND GOALS The MPA-DP curriculum framework is based on a series of competencies, which are achieved through learning of core knowledge, and practice of key skills. In addition to completing core coursework, students develop competencies through participation in DP-Lab, DP-Seminar, special events, and the 3-month Field Placement Program. The core curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in principles and methods of development, food systems, public health, economics, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
The MPA-DP coursework includes a skills training component which equips students with the management, communication, quantitative and analytical skills needed to work fluidly across disciplines and regions. The MPA-DP curriculum draws upon the outstanding resources of SIPA and the Earth Institute to provide students with the technical knowledge, skills, and tools needed to address complex development issues. Students are required to complete 12-18 credits per semester, and 54 credits to graduate. Core courses are determined annually by the Program Director.
CROSS CUTTING CURRICULUM
GLOBAL ASSOCIATION OF MASTERS IN DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE PROGRAMS
To complement the core curriculum, the MPA-DP offers two unique courses that meet throughout the two-year program to integrate the knowledge and skills learned across semesters.
DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE LAB (DP-LAB)
To integrate the competencies across sectors, students attend a series of clinics each semester to get training in skills such as problem analysis, project design, spatial analysis, cost-benefit analysis, institutional analysis, and participatory approaches to development.
North America Columbia University Emory University University of Arizona University of California, Berkeley University of Florida University of Minnesota University of Waterloo University of Winnipeg
Africa South America University of Botswana Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza Université Cheikh Anta Diop Universidad de los Andes University of Ibadan Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro
DEVELOPMENT PRACTITIONERS SEMINAR (DP-SEMINAR)
Most Fridays, students attend a seminar with accomplished development practitioners, providing them the opportunity to ask candid questions, and gain practical insight on how to function effectively in their future careers. It also promotes longterm professional exchanges that may open the door for future employment opportunities.
Europe Lund University Trinity College Dublin University College Dublin Sciences Po
Asia Birla Institute of Management Technology BRAC Development Institute James Cook University TERI University Tsinghua University Universiti Sains Malaysia University of Peradeniya
A GLOBAL ASSOCIATION Columbia University launched the first MPA-DP program in 2009. Since then, the Global Masters in Development Practice Secretariat and the MacArthur Foundation have helped more than 25 higher learning institutions launch Development Practice programs, providing students with exceptional international resources and opportunities. The Columbia MPA-DP program is administered by the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and the Earth Institute, with support from the Masters in Development Practice Secretariat.
NEW YORK The School of International and Public Affairs draws strength from the resources of New York City. The presence of so many non-profits, institutes, international organizations, UN headquarters and a high-profile city government offers students many opportunities to gain additional experience outside of the classroom. Renowned for its parks, theaters, museums, restaurants, and cultural events, NYC is also an exciting and dynamic place to live.
17%
50%
21%
STUDENT DIVERSITY NATIONALITIES OF COLUMBIA MPA-DP STUDENTS
U.S. AND CANADA ASIA LATIN AMERICA & CARRIBEAN AFRICA EUROPE MIDDLE EAST AUSTRALIA & PACIFIC
Year 1 Focus: Core coursework, DP-Lab, and preparation for field placement. PRE-PROGRAM “GET T ING START ED"
FALL
An intensive one-week program introducing students to the field of development practice. Students also attend a series of workshops focused on communication, research, and teamwork skills. Followed by one week of general SIPA orientation.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS FOR INT ERNAT IONAL AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS I
SPRING
The cornerstone course of the global network of development practice programs, this course is offered at universities around the world to facilitate international dialogue and collaboration among participants. Course topics focus on the inter-relationship of public health, agriculture and nutrition, environment and climate science, technology and engineering, economics, policy, anthropology, and management.
First part of one-year economics sequence; focus on microeconomics.
GLOBAL FOOD SYST EMS
Overview of the core bio-physical elements of food production: land, soil, water, and biodiversity. The course surveys a selection of important smallholder farming systems that provide livelihoods for more than 2 billion people on the planet, and uses a country case study approach.
FIELD EXPERIENCE
SUMMER
FOUNDAT IONS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The rigorous academic coursework is complemented by practical handson experience. Through the Field Placement Program, students work on the ground with an integrated, multi-sectoral development project in close collaboration with practitioners, community members and faculty mentors. It encompasses 12 weeks at select locations and several additional months of preparation and follow-up activities in New York.
CAREER PATHS
QUANT ITAT IVE ANALYSIS
Introduction to the fundamentals of statistical analysis with a focus on applications to problems in public policy, management, and the social sciences. Students will be trained in the STATA software package.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Offered by SIPA’s Office of Career Services, this course teaches skills needed to compete effectively in the international and public affairs job markets.
The aim of this course is to provide non-health experts with a basic understanding of global public health issues and enable them to develop a minimum set of practical relevant skills in global public health. The course will focus on the Millennium Development Goals 4 (child health), 5 (maternal health) and 6 (HIV, T B, malaria, and other important diseases) alongside the interdependence of the MDGs and health outcomes. In addition, challenges to health systems and barriers to access are addressed.
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS FOR INT ERNAT IONAL AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS II Second part of one-year sequence. Focus on macroeconomics.
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Apply cross-disciplinary knowledge to address complex sustainable development challenges.
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Critically analyze development policies, strategies, plans, and budgets.
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Design, implement, monitor, and evaluate development projects across sectors.
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Facilitate collaboration with stakeholders across sectors, including local communities, NGOs, scientists, policy makers, government officials, and private firms.
A series of hands-on, practitioner-led workshops focusing on skills in program design, implementation and evaluation. Using these tools, students work in teams to produce deliverables for real-world clients.
10 core credits
Students have worked with partner organizations in 18 countries, on a variety of projects, including:
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Survey and spatial mapping of health facilities in East Kisumu District, Kenya.
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Comparative analysis of water supply management in the Millennium Villages Project.
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Development of mapping tool for multi-sectoral nutrition interventions.
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5-year action plan to leverage infrastructure for economic development in Mozambique’s Nacala Corridor. Development of business plans and marketing strategies for producers of honey, mushrooms and silk in Samlout, Cambodia.
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DP-LAB
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Integrate social and earth sciences to inform development policy and programs. Navigate the development landscape and understand the roles of major players such as national and international development agencies, finance institutions, governments, donors, and UN agencies.
FACULTY
National baseline assessment of multidimensional wellbeing for the youth of Bhutan.
3 core credits Year 2 Focus: Electives, internships, and preparation for job market. MANAGEMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS
HUMAN ECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The course focuses on practical skills that match the complex, interdisciplinary reality of development management. Students will explore how different development strategies are translated into decisions on program design and resource allocation, will practice designing proposals (RFPs) that reflect preferences of donor agencies, and learn best practices for project implementation.
3 core credits
This course uses quantitative methods to examine the interactions between ecological constraints, anthropogenic activities, and economic development.
PHYSICAL INFRAST RUCTURE COURSE
SPRING
FALL
Graduates of the MPA-DP will be able to:
9.5 core credits*
GLOBAL HEALT H PRACT ICE
Alumni of the MPA-DP program pursue their passion for development by working in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in countries around the world.
Students choose from list of approved courses; may be taken in any semester.
*Students must take between 12-18 credits each semester and complete 54 credits total.
3 core credits
JEFFREY D. SACHS
GLENN DENNING
Jeffrey D. Sachs is the Director of the Earth Institute, Quetelet Professor of Sustainable Development, and Professor of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University. He is also Special Advisor to United Nations SecretaryGeneral Ban Ki-moon. From 2002-2006, he was Director of the UN Millennium Project and Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the Millennium Development Goals. Professor Sachs was recently appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to lead the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
Glenn Denning is the Director of the MPA-DP program at Columbia University, a professor of Professional Practice in International and Public Affairs, and Director of the Center for Globalization and Sustainable Development at the Earth Institute, Columbia University. He helped establish The MDG Center, East and Southern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya and served as its first Director (2004 to 2009). He previously held senior management positions at the International Rice Research Institute and the World Agroforestry Centre, and has lived and worked in Asia and Africa for more than 30 years.
NON-PROFIT PRIVATE SECTOR GOVERNMENT & INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ACADEMIA
ALUMNI EMPLOYERS Including: •
AFRICAN LEADERSHIP FOUNDAT ION
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B - CORPORAT ION
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COMPARTAMENTOS CON COLOMBIA
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DAI
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ET HIOPIAN AGRICULTURE T RANSFORMAT ION AGENCY
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FINT RAC
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GAIN
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IFC, WORLD BANK GROUP
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MDG CENT RES: WEST AND CENT RAL AFRICA & EAST AND SOUT HERN AFRICA
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MERCY CORPS
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OFFICE OF T HE PRESIDENT, REPUBLIC OF KOREA
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ROYAL UNIVERSIT Y OF BHUTAN
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SAVE T HE CHILDREN
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T HE SYNERGOS INST ITUT E
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US DEPART MENT OF STAT E
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USAID
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WIT NESS
Please visit our website for more information about admission, tuition, financial aid, and details on how to apply: www.sipa.columbia.edu/mpa-dp If you would like to speak to a program representative, please email the Program Manager, Dr. André Corrêa d’Almeida: sipa_mpadp@columbia.edu COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS MPA IN DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS BUILDING, MAIL CODE: 3328 420 WEST 118TH STREET, ROOM 1435 NEW YORK, NY 10027. USA +1 (212) 854-2636
sipa_mpadp@columbia.edu @ColumbiaMPADP
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