Dear First_Name

Welcome to Columbia SIPA! My colleagues and I are delighted that you plan to join us in fall 2024, and we look forward to welcoming you to campus.

I write now to provide important information about the quantitative skills you will need to successfully complete our required core economics and statistics courses, as well as further elective economics and quantitative courses offered at SIPA.

Based on our extensive experience, we find that almost all students need to refresh or strengthen the math skills required for these courses.

To support your success, we provide a comprehensive quantitative skills preparation program that is critical for you to follow. This program has three components:

1. Online Math Tutorial

The Online Math Tutorial for New SIPA students (OMT) was created by SIPA faculty specifically to prepare you for the math you will encounter when you study here.

We expect that you will review the entire tutorial over the summer. We find that those students who complete the tutorial during the summer before they arrive are better prepared for their courses and have a more enjoyable learning experience as a result.

OMT can be accessed through Columbia’s course management platform, CourseWorks.

In order to log on to CourseWorks, you will first need to activate your Columbia email account and UNI (University Network ID) here if you have not already done so..

Once you have activated your UNI and have logged on to CourseWorks, your CourseWorks Dashboard will show your current courses. Click on SIPAU4000_001 - Online Math Tutorial for New SIPA Students to enter the tutorial.

Once you access the OMT, please read the syllabus that explains how to use the tutorial and contains a description of the material that you need to review (or study). If you have any questions on the content of the tutorial or if you are unable to view the tutorial, please write to Doru Cojoc (dc3035@columbia.edu) and Emanuele Gerratana (eg198@columbia.edu) using “SIPA U4000” in the subject line.

To make the best use of the OMT, you should get started right away. This will give you time to review the material at your own pace as you identify opportunities for strengthening your skills.

 

2. Math Camp

During our Fall 2024 Orientation program, we also provide a fast-paced morning Math Camp.

Participation in Math Camp is also expected of all new MIA/MPA students. We find that students who complete the Math Camp, having also completed the online tutorial, are well-prepared for their quantitative classes.

The topics that will be addressed are:

· August 27: Linear Functions

· August 28: Introduction to Non-Linear Functions (no calculus)

· August 29: Univariate Calculus and Optimization

· August 30: Multivariate Calculus and Optimization

3. Required Math Placement Test

The Math Placement Test is a take-home exam to be completed over the Labor Day weekend (August 30-September 2) and is mandatory for all students regardless of their participation in Math Camp, Online Math Tutorial, or other prior preparation.

The Math Placement Test will help you:

1. Identify which level of Microeconomics is right for you. All students enroll in either Microeconomics for International and Public Affairs (SIPA U6300) or Microeconomic Analysis for International and Public Affairs (SIPA U6400), which is required for our STEM-designated programs. Because the key difference between these courses is the level of math required, the Math Placement Test is critical to ensure that you take the right course for you.
2. Identify any gaps in your math knowledge. Math tutors will be available to help with specific topics, but it is your responsibility to acquire the skills and knowledge required for the economics and statistics courses that are a mandatory part of the SIPA curriculum.

Trying to strengthen your quantitative skills in the fall semester while taking economics and quantitative analysis will be challenging. Be sure to use the summer to undertake this preparatory work now, so that when you arrive on campus you can confidently dive into your classes and make the most of our exciting intellectual community!

We all look forward to meeting you at Orientation, and – once again – all of SIPA is delighted that you have chosen to pursue graduate studies with us this fall.

 

With best wishes,

 

Hazel May
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs