Changing Academic Programs

Changing Academic Programs

Students admitted to SIPA who wish to change their academic program after being admitted to the School must follow the requirements below:

Changing Degree Program

Students wishing to change their degree program must reapply through SIPA Admissions.

  • Master of International Affairs
  • Master of Public Administration (MPA)
  • MPA in Development Practice
  • MPA in Economic Policy Management
  • MPA in Environmental Science Policy
  • MPA in Global Leadership
  • Executive MPA
  • Ph.D. in Sustainable Development*

*Ph.D. applicants must apply through the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Concentrations and Minors (MIA and MPA Only)

SIPA permits MIA and MPA students to change their concentration or minor after the point of admission. 

  • Students may pursue only one concentration and, if they wish, one optional minor. Double-concentrating or declaring more than one minor is not permitted.

  • All change of concentration or minor requests must be submitted to SIPA Student Affairs during the official declaration period and through the concentration/minor declaration form. 

  • All requests are subject to review and approval by the student’s Advising Dean in the Office of Student Affairs.

  • To ensure academic readiness for quantitative concentrations, including International Finance and Economic Policy (IFEP) and their associated minors, minimum grade requirements apply as outlined below.

International Finance and Economic Policy (IFEP): Minimum Grade Requirements

Students seeking to enter or remain in the International Finance and Economic Policy (IFEP) concentration must demonstrate strong preparation in core quantitative coursework. The minimum grade requirements below ensure that students pursuing IFEP have established proficiency in the foundational economics and analytical skills necessary for advanced study in finance and economic policy.

Students Matriculated Before Fall 2026

  • No requirement to declare a concentration.
  • Must complete Microeconomic Analysis (SIPA IA6400) and Macroeconomic Analysis (SIPA U6401) with a minimum grade of B– to remain in the concentration.

Students Matriculated Fall 2026 and After

  • No requirement to declare a concentration.
  • Must complete Microeconomic Analysis (SIPA IA6400), Macroeconomic Analysis (SIPA IA6401), and Quantitative Analysis I (SIPA IA6500) with a minimum grade of B– to remain in the concentration.