The Specialization in State, Public Policy and Development at CIDER | Universidad de los Andes is designed to train professionals from all sectors to analyze, formulate, and implement public policies that strengthen public management and promote sustainable economic and social development.
Designed for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the public policy cycle from an interdisciplinary and comprehensive perspective, this specialization prepares students to actively participate in processes of institutional strengthening, public sector reform, and democratic governance, both in the public sector and in the private sector.
With more than 23 years of academic experience, the program has trained public policy leaders and agents of change committed to innovation, equity, and improving the quality of life in their communities.
On-campus Modality
Sessions on Fridays between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays between 7:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.*
*The final schedule is determined according to the courses and credits selected by the student.
We know that personal life is just as important as academic life; therefore, you can choose as many credits as you consider appropriate, according to your availability and budget.
The graduate of the Specialization in State, Public Policies and Development (EPOL) stands out for their ability to design, implement, and evaluate innovative public policies that address the challenges of sustainable development and modern public management. Their training enables them to demonstrate leadership in government institutions, social organizations, and the private sector, providing solutions that strengthen governance and public decision-making.
Students in the Specialization and Master’s programs can transfer some of the credits taken in any of the programs at Cider or another program outside the University, provided that they meet the requirements of the University’s Regulation on credit transfers and validation.
The credit transfer request must be formally submitted here. for review and approval by Cider’s Academic Coordination.
Microcredentials and transferable Continuing Education courses:
If for any reason you are unable to enroll directly in this program, you can register for one of the Microcredentials and/or transferable courses* offered by Cider through the Continuing Education Office of Universidad de los Andes. Once you complete and pass the Microcredential or course, you may submit a request to transfer the academic credits to the Academic Coordination of Cider. For more information, consult the current course portfolio here.
*Does not apply to all courses offered by Continuing Education, only to certain specific courses.
*Does not apply to regular students of Universidad de los Andes.
The Specialization in State, Public Policy and Development at CIDER | Universidad de los Andes is intended for professionals from all disciplines who are interested in understanding how the state functions, public management, and the impact of public policies on economic and social development.
Graduates develop analytical and strategic skills to formulate, implement, and evaluate public policies, as well as to lead processes of institutional strengthening, democratic governance, and public sector reform, both in the public and private sectors.
The specialization lasts approximately one academic year and is offered in person at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá. It is designed for professionals seeking to balance their education with their working lives.
Because CIDER Uniandes has more than 23 years of experience training leaders in public policy and sustainable development, with an interdisciplinary approach and academic rigor recognized throughout Latin America. In addition, it offers a professional network and practical learning opportunities that enhance professional growth.
Registration opens: July 27
Academic credit cost for 2026**:
$1,890,000 COP
$500 USD*
*Approximate investment in US dollars; it may vary according to the day’s exchange rate.
**The semester investment amount depends on the number of credits in which the student enrolls.
**The 2027 investment amount will be determined at the end of 2026, based on the variation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Specialization: 20
Merit-based employment opportunity at the University for Master’s or Doctoral students with a minimum of 8 enrolled credits. Applications are submitted through the Cider and Uniandes Spanish Center websites, where different calls are published each semester.
Special discounts for employees of partner organizations, ranging from 12% to 20% depending on the number of people.
Profesor de planta
Profesor de planta
Remember that we are here to help you at every step of the process. Write to us with your information, the program you are applying to, and your question at:
Alejandra Laiton
Applicant Experience Advisor
📩 d.laitonm@uniandes.edu.co
📞Extension 601 665 13 19 Ext: 2669
🏦Office G-401
You can also write to us via WhatsApp
Microcredentials and Continuing Education courses eligible for transfer credit:
If, for any reason, you are unable to gain direct admission to this specialization, you can enroll in one of the Microcredentials and/or eligible courses* offered by Cider through the Continuing Education Office of Universidad de los Andes. Once you complete and pass the Microcredential or course, you may request the transfer of academic credits from the Head of Cider’s Academic Programs. For more information, consult the current course portfolio at: https://educacioncontinua.uniandes.edu.co/es/programas/centro-interdisciplinario-de-estudios-sobre-desarrollo-cider
*Does not apply to all courses offered by Continuing Education, only to specific ones
*Does not apply to regular students of Universidad de los Andes.
Academic mobility:
Students interested in national or international academic mobility opportunities can pursue them through the Internationalization Office of Universidad de los Andes, using the following links: https://internacionalizacion.uniandes.edu.co/estudiante-maestria-uniandes-intercambio-internacional and https://uniandes.adv-pub.moveonca.com/home-page-2702/
Study in the Netherlands:
Complement and strengthen your education by taking up to two elective courses in the Master’s Degree in Development Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), which is part of Erasmus University Rotterdam in The Hague (the Netherlands).
More information here: https://cider.uniandes.edu.co/es/International-Institute-Social-Studies-abre-puertas-estudiantes-Maestrias-Cider
In accordance with Decree 1067 of May 26, 2015, and Resolution 714 of June 12, 2015, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, foreign students who intend to study in Colombia are required to have a Student Visa or another type of visa that allows them to study. This visa must be submitted to the Admissions and Registration Office, window 4, or sent to extranjerosuniandes@uniandes.edu.co with a copy to cidergestor2@uniandes.edu.co, in order to comply with this legal requirement. It is important to complete this procedure before printing your tuition payment receipt. Additionally, current Colombian law requires foreigners, both adults and minors, who hold a visa valid for more than 3 months to carry a foreigner identification card as an identity document. Therefore, it is also necessary to have this requirement (which may be submitted together with your visa).
Please remember that it is necessary to begin the process of applying for your visa well in advance in order to avoid any difficulties with the payment and registration of your tuition. If you would like to learn more about the visa process in Colombia, you can visit the following page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa/abece-visas . If you have any questions about the visa process, please call 3394949 Ext. 2211 – 2298 or contact extranjerosuniandes@uniandes.edu.co, where we will provide you with information.
