<p>I don't know if this was discussed before but basically I'm trying to decide which of the two, offered at Columbia, to apply to.</p>
<p>My own interests are in multilateral organizations and both degrees have some relevance to this field. I've heard that the MIA offers a broader program and has a much better reputation than the MPA. But having browsed through both the curricula and the respective employment stats, I didn't notice much difference between the two. What's making the decision difficult for me also is the fact that the MPA offers more, ironically, international exchanges and dual-degree options.</p>
<p>I have heard many say that the MIA gives more employment options in the end, but I'm really just interested in joining int'l orgs. </p>
<p>So my question is: if I want to join int'l orgs, which one, MPA or MIA, offers more relevance?</p>
<p>Do you know a foreign language? If you don't, you won't be accepted for the MIA. Although the formal requirement is that you have had to "study one foreign language in undergrad," if all you took was the minimum or you don't know enough of another language to be sufficient in a business/organizational environment of another country, you most likely won't be competitive for SIPA's MIA. They require their students to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English.</p>
<p>I would not say that the MIA offers more employment opportunities. Speaking strictly about the degrees, the perception of the MPA is that the coursework is similar to an MBA -- it focuses on administration and management work, but covers more governmental and non-profit orgs than corporations. I'd say that the MPA would probably garner you more work opportunities stateside and would be a better all-purpose degree, whereas an MIA would be more useful if you plan a career in international affairs or in international organizations.</p>
<p>The thing is, it's Columbia's SIPA; the differences between the 'prestige' of the MIA and the MPA are miniscule. Any degree from SIPA is likely to land you a good job somewhere. The biggest difference is that the MPA focuses mainly on local and national-level issues (but in a global context) whereas the MIA focuses on multinational/international issues. So an MIA may be better suited for you based on your interests, but I hope you can speak a language other than English (and write in it, and understand it, and read it).</p>
<p>Many thanks for your reply. Quite helpful indeed!</p>
<p>Re: languages, I am fluent in Mandarin (having worked in China/HK for the past 2.5 yrs and having used spoken and written Chinese routinely in professional settings) and can function in Japanese. </p>
<p>Since I'm interested in multilateral orgs, I really want to learn French and learn it well. This is why I'm a bit conflicted because the MPA seems to offer a lot more in-situ study options with French institutions.</p>