Capstone Consultancy Project Management
Capstone: Project Prep
The Capstone Consultancy Project Management course is the first of a two-course sequence. The second course is the Capstone Workshop (SIPA IA9000). The fall short course is designed to orient students to the core objectives of their Capstone project and provide key trainings such as client engagement strategies and project management. Students will have an initial introduction to the client contacts and faculty advisor and work with their advisor to design a preliminary work plan outlining the methodology for the Capstone project. Students will consider the travel needs for their project, in consultation and with the approval of their client, and submit all travel requests prior to the end of the fall semester. Students will also create their team guidelines and be assigned their specific role on the project (client liaison, lead editor, project manager, SIPA liaison, travel coordinator, etc).
-
Instructor:
Melanie L Winograd
Info - 0-1.5 points
Capstone Consultancy Project Management
Capstone: Project Prep
The Capstone Consultancy Project Management course is the first of a two-course sequence. The second course is the Capstone Workshop (SIPA IA9000). The fall short course is designed to orient students to the core objectives of their Capstone project and provide key trainings such as client engagement strategies and project management. Students will have an initial introduction to the client contacts and faculty advisor and work with their advisor to design a preliminary work plan outlining the methodology for the Capstone project. Students will consider the travel needs for their project, in consultation and with the approval of their client, and submit all travel requests prior to the end of the fall semester. Students will also create their team guidelines and be assigned their specific role on the project (client liaison, lead editor, project manager, SIPA liaison, travel coordinator, etc).
- 0-1.5 points
Capstone Consultancy Project Management
Capstone: Project Prep
The Capstone Consultancy Project Management course is the first of a two-course sequence. The second course is the Capstone Workshop (SIPA IA9000). The fall short course is designed to orient students to the core objectives of their Capstone project and provide key trainings such as client engagement strategies and project management. Students will have an initial introduction to the client contacts and faculty advisor and work with their advisor to design a preliminary work plan outlining the methodology for the Capstone project. Students will consider the travel needs for their project, in consultation and with the approval of their client, and submit all travel requests prior to the end of the fall semester. Students will also create their team guidelines and be assigned their specific role on the project (client liaison, lead editor, project manager, SIPA liaison, travel coordinator, etc).
-
Instructor:
Drausio Giacomelli
Info -
Instructor:
Kristina R Eberbach
Info - 0-1.5 points
Master s Thesis in International Affai
Intl Affairs Thesis Prep
Available only to Master of International Affairs students.
The Thesis program is a rigorous, two-semester sequence that enables a select group of students to produce a substantive, publishable piece of original research or policy analysis. Designed for those seeking to strengthen their analytical, methodological, and writing skills, the program culminates in a thesis of at least 35 pages that may take the form of an academic journal article, a policy essay for a broader audience, or a research report suitable for a think tank. A small cohort is admitted each year, combining structured seminars with individualized faculty mentorship to guide students from proposal development through the completion and defense of their final thesis.
During the fall preparatory workshop, students refine their research questions, explore methodologies, and draft a formal thesis proposal under the supervision of the Thesis Advisor and a designated Faculty-Resource Person. Emphasis is placed on framing analytical questions, conducting research using primary and secondary sources, and understanding the role of digital tools, including responsible AI use.
- W 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
-
Instructor:
Timothy Naftali
Info - 0-1.5 points
Propaganda, Russia, & The World Informat
Propaganda, Russia & Info
Prerequisite: Instructor-Managed Waitlist.
Propaganda, Russia and the World Information War is a highly current guide to propaganda and disinformation, the geopolitical impact of information, and how false, weaponized narratives threaten the world's news and information environment.
The course teaches how propaganda and disinformation work, the most effective ways to counter them, and the effects of artificial intelligence. The course draws many of its examples from information operations by Russia, but also considers operations by state and private actors worldwide. This includes overt and covert activities by Western governments, including in the Ukraine war.
The course also discusses information at a more philosophical and sociological level. How do we receive and process information? Can there actually be more than one truth? What is the future of the world’s information climate given all the political, social, and technological stresses on it?
The course is aimed at students with interests in geopolitical analysis involving Russia or any region; the techniques of public persuasion, in any context; or in countering propaganda and disinformation.
Interested students are encouraged to contact the instructor at
tjk17@columbia.edu
.
- M 10 a.m.-11:50 a.m.
-
Instructor:
Thomas Kent
Info - 3 points
Internship
Internship, 1.5-credits
Note: SIPA IA9013 – Internship is available only to MIA and MPA students who entered SIPA before Fall 2025. Students who begin their studies in Fall 2025, as well as any continuing students who have opted into the new curriculum, must register for SIPA IA9015.
Internships are an integral part of the student experience at SIPA. Students in most of the MPA and MIA degree programs are required to register for and conduct an internship as part of their academic coursework. Still, all students are encouraged to explore internships as part of their education and career development. Students can register for a maximum of three internship credits toward their degree. Students who wish to earn internship credit for non-research internships will register for
SIPA U9013
in the fall or spring semesters. Note: SIPA does not permit registration for internship credit during the summer term. Students completing their internship during the summer months and wishing to earn academic credit must register in the Fall or Spring semester.
SIPA IA9013 Section 001: 1.5-points, Section 002: 3-points; Section 003: 0-points.
- 1.5 points
Internship
Internship, 3-credits
Note: SIPA IA9013 – Internship is available only to MIA and MPA students who entered SIPA before Fall 2025. Students who begin their studies in Fall 2025, as well as any continuing students who have opted into the new curriculum, must register for SIPA IA9015.
Internships are an integral part of the student experience at SIPA. Students in most of the MPA and MIA degree programs are required to register for and conduct an internship as part of their academic coursework. Still, all students are encouraged to explore internships as part of their education and career development. Students can register for a maximum of three internship credits toward their degree. Students who wish to earn internship credit for non-research internships will register for
SIPA U9013
in the fall or spring semesters. Note: SIPA does not permit registration for internship credit during the summer term. Students completing their internship during the summer months and wishing to earn academic credit must register in the Fall or Spring semester.
SIPA IA9013 Section 001: 1.5-points, Section 002: 3-points; Section 003: 0-points.
- 3 points
Internship
Internship, 0-credits
Note: SIPA IA9013 – Internship is available only to MIA and MPA students who entered SIPA before Fall 2025. Students who begin their studies in Fall 2025, as well as any continuing students who have opted into the new curriculum, must register for SIPA IA9015.
Internships are an integral part of the student experience at SIPA. Students in most of the MPA and MIA degree programs are required to register for and conduct an internship as part of their academic coursework. Still, all students are encouraged to explore internships as part of their education and career development. Students can register for a maximum of three internship credits toward their degree. Students who wish to earn internship credit for non-research internships will register for
SIPA U9013
in the fall or spring semesters. Note: SIPA does not permit registration for internship credit during the summer term. Students completing their internship during the summer months and wishing to earn academic credit must register in the Fall or Spring semester.
SIPA IA9013 Section 001: 1.5-points, Section 002: 3-points; Section 003: 0-points.
- 0 points
Internship
Note: Beginning with the entering class of Fall 2025, all MIA and MPA SIPA students are required to register for SIPA IA9015 to fulfill the School’s internship requirement. This course carries no academic credit and is intended to formally record completion of the internship component of the degree program.
the internship experience is a vital component of a SIPA education, providing students with opportunities to apply their classroom learning to real-world challenges, develop professional skills, and expand their networks. The Career Advancement Center supports students throughout this process with dedicated advising, access to a wide range of internship opportunities, and professional development resources to ensure each internship contributes meaningfully to their career goals.
Visit SIPA Career Advancement Center for more information.
- 0 points