There are a number of areas of scholarship that are essential for successful public sector professionals. Each of the areas of study we require provides students with a different way of looking at why public policy problems emerge, and of understanding what makes some solutions more desirable than others. A Balanced Program Columbia's Executive MPA program is a balanced one. Our philosophy is that the field of public affairs encompasses both policy analysis and public management. Policy analysis enables us to identify desirable courses of action systematically.
Public management is needed to carry out the selected policies effectively.
Neither can be neglected. In our curriculum, we do not stress quantitative techniques over qualitative analysis, nor do we stress policy analysis over public management. Instead, we encourage learning in each of these areas. With the curriculum as a foundation, Columbia Executive MPA students are in an excellent position to develop and advance as professionals and organizational leaders. The program achieves its objectives through a three-pronged curriculum of core, context, and concentration courses.