MGA/MPA and MGA/MIA dual degree in Toronto and New York
These dual degrees allow students to gain two distinct and complementary degrees – a Master of Global Affairs (MGA) from the Munk School and a Master of International Affairs (MIA) or Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Political Affairs — in two academic years, rather than the four years otherwise required to complete these degrees consecutively.
A UofT MGA paired with Columbia’s MIA will train students in international affairs and global leadership in New York City, the United States’ commercial capital and home to the United Nations and international organizations and NGOs from around the world. Students will graduate in an excellent position to enter a career in public policy at the state or federal level in Canada or the United States; in the non-governmental or international sector in Ottawa, Washington, or abroad; or with private sectors prizing an understanding of government institutions and the public policy process.
Structure of the dual degrees
In year one, students complete MGA coursework at the Munk School in Toronto. In the summer session of year one, students complete one intensive course and an internship, anywhere in the world, that is part of the MGA program. In year two, students complete MIA or MPA coursework at Columbia University in New York including courses to fulfill one of eight concentrations:
Track I Concentrations: Climate, Energy, and Environment • Development and Governance • Human Rights, Gender, and Equity • International Security and Diplomacy • Urban and Social Policy • Technology Policy and Innovation
Track II Concentrations: Data Science for Policy • International Finance and Economic Policy
Visit Columbia SIPA MIA/MPA Concentrations for more details
Year one (Fall / Winter)
Students complete a combination of first- and second- year core and elective courses at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. Where noted, students must fulfill requirements specific to their intended Columbia SIPA concentration. Students take five or six courses each term.
Required core courses (MGA/MIA students in track I concentrations must take nine core courses; MGA/MPA students and MGA/MIA students in track II concentrations must take ten core courses):
- GLA1010H Microeconomics for Global Affairs or PPG1002H Microeconomics for Policy Analysis. (PPG1002H Microeconomics for Policy Analysis required for MGA/MPA students and MGA/MIA students in track II concentrations)
- GLA1001H Macroeconomics for Global Affairs or PPG1003H Macroeconomics for Policy Analysis (PPG1003H required for MGA/MPA students and MGA/MIA students in track II concentrations)
- GLA1003H Global Security
- GLA1011H Global Innovation Policy
- GLA1014H Global Development
- GLA1016H Global Justice & Human Rights
- GLA2027H Ethics for Global Affairs
- GLA2034H Decision Making and Strategic Thinking
- PPG1004H Quantitative Methods of Policy Analysis
- PPG1008H Program Evaluation for Public Policy (required only for MGA/MPA students and MGA/MIA students in track II concentrations)
Electives (MGA/MIA students in track I concentrations must take two electives; MGA/MPA students and MGA/MIA students in track II concentrations must take one elective):
- Selected from MGA second-year course offerings *courses may differ by year.
Year two (Summer)
- GLA2555H Intensive: Canada, the US and the World
- GLA1007Y Global Internship (10 to 16 weeks)
Year two (Fall / Spring)
Year two (Fall / Spring)
Students complete core courses and elective courses at Columbia School of International Affairs and Public Policy in New York City.
- Capstone/Thesis preparatory workshop
- Capstone/Thesis
- Financial Management I & II (MPA only)
- Leadership & Management I, II & III (MPA and MIA track II concentrations require only Leadership & Management I)
- Concentration I, II, III, IV & V
- Electives
Applications are now open
How to Apply
Applicants interested in the dual degree MGA/MIA and MGA/MPA programs (with Columbia SIPA) apply directly through the UofT, School of Graduate Studies Online Portal (GradApp) only. There is no need to submit an application for these programs through Columbia SIPA as well.
You must submit, complete and pay the application fee of $130 CDN for each application via the School of Graduate Studies online application portal.
Master of Global Affairs Program
Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto
Email: discover.munk@utoronto.ca
Master of International Affairs Program
Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
Email: sipa_admission@sipa.columbia.edu
Tuition Fees
Master of Global Affairs (University of Toronto) / Master of International Affairs or Master of Public Administration (Columbia University):
Students must pay the tuition fees applicable in their host institution (please note that tuition fees are subject to change as per U of T policy):
Fall-Winter Year 1 2025/2026: $25,710.00 (plus incidental fees) for domestic students. $51,420.00 (plus incidental fees) for international students.
Summer Year 1 2026: U of T: EXEMPT (except for mandatory international student health insurance UHIP approx. $260 CAD)
Fall-Spring Year 2: Columbia SIPA tuition and fees
*Please note that dual degree MGA/MIA and MGA/MPA students are not eligible for most MGA scholarship funding since the dual degree program tuition is already reduced (two degrees for the tuition price of one degree).