Columbia University Master of Professional Studies

An Accelerated Degree Designed for Experienced Professionals

A Week in the Life of a Columbia M.P.S Student Play

Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) programs are designed for enterprising and forward-thinking professionals, seeking to deepen their knowledge in a specific industry on a flexible schedule. Students will be immersed in an online, industry-focused curriculum that emphasizes problem-based learning. From the start, students gain practical skills that are immediately applicable at work, and form lifelong relationships that will inspire purpose throughout their careers and communities.

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I could not have imagined the level of insight, topical relevance, and cutting-edge perspective brought by Columbia's extraordinary faculty. The program brings the industry's best minds to address current issues while anticipating its evolution and ultimate direction."

Filipe D., ’22SPS, Wealth Management

Professional Community

All students have relevant professional experience, which expands the learning environment and facilitates knowledge-sharing in their field.

In addition to seasoned scholar-practitioner faculty, the programs are supported by industry leaders and professionals who are committed to enriching our students’ academic experience and offer high-level networking opportunities. Learn more about the Insurance Management Corporate Advisory Network and Wealth Management Advisory Council.

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Through the Wealth Management program at Columbia, I’ve been able to share best practices with my fellow cohort members and I’ve been learning so much through these unprecedented times."

Anisa L., ’22SPS, Wealth Management

Learn on Your Time; Engage in Real Time

Online asynchronous instruction provides flexibility for students to manage their learning around their busy professional and personal lives. Students do not have to “attend” class at a specified time, but are required to fulfill course requirements within a flexible—yet structured—16-month timeframe.

Students will also build community and connections through synchronous engagement, including faculty office hours, group projects, industry and career events, and various other student activities and clubs.

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An online platform allows for the ability to network with peers, faculty and industry leaders around the world. We have all become more adept at interacting in virtual settings during this pandemic. I take full [advantage] of the settings to enhance networking and learning opportunities."

Samara F., ‘22SPS, Insurance Management

Scholar-Practitioner Faculty

Our faculty are leading scholar-practitioners, who have excelled in their careers and are eager to share their insights through cutting-edge curricula at Columbia. They are passionate about advancing their industries and educating the next generation of thought leaders. Meet the Insurance Management Faculty and Wealth Management Faculty.

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This program has given me behind the scenes industry knowledge that would take decades of field experience to obtain. The course lecturers are truly giving back to an industry in which they excelled."

Jay C., ‘22SPS, Insurance Management

Rigorous Curriculum

Columbia’s M.P.S. programs are innovative and ground-breaking. The dynamic curricula are created for career-long learners who want to elevate the value they bring to the table and enhance their ability to build trust and credibility with colleagues and clients. Students learn to apply strategies and tools to successfully navigate industry changes through the study of disruptive trends and emerging topics.

The curricula are centered around problem-based learning, which connects advanced theory with practical applications. Students work on real-world problems derived from the faculty’s experiences in the field. They are encouraged to engage faculty and peers to find innovative solutions and test new frameworks. Through this learning process, students acquire the skills and knowledge that lead to meaningful contributions to their employers’ strategic goals, and have an immediate impact on their industry.

With the strategies learned in the Insurance Management courses, I am confident I will make better day-to-day and longer-term decisions that will drive efficiency and effective approaches for handling complex ever-changing challenges."

Michael D., ‘22SPS, Insurance Management