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.
Aimed at those seeking to deepen their understanding of the public policy cycle through an interdisciplinary and comprehensive approach, this specialization prepares students to participate actively 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 format
Sessions are held on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.*
*The final schedule is determined by the courses and credits selected by each student.
We understand that personal life is as important as academic life. That is why you can choose as many credits as you consider appropriate, depending on your availability and budget.
Graduates of the Specialization in State, Public Policy, and Development (EPOL) are distinguished by their ability to design, implement, and evaluate innovative public policies that respond to the challenges of sustainable development and modern public administration. Their training enables them to demonstrate leadership in government institutions, social organizations, and the private sector, contributing solutions that strengthen governance and public decision-making.
Students in the Specialization and Master’s programs may transfer some of the credits completed in any of the programs offered by Cider or in another program outside the University, provided that they meet the requirements established in the University’s Regulations on Credit Transfer 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 may enroll in one of the Microcredentials and/or transferable courses* offered by Cider through Universidad de los Andes’ Continuing Education Office. Once you complete and pass the Microcredential or course, you may request the transfer of academic credits from Cider’s Academic Coordination. For more information, consult the current course portfolio here.
*This does not apply to all courses offered by Continuing Education, only to certain courses.
*This does not apply to regular students at 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 operates, how public administration works, 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 in both the public and private sectors.
The specialization takes approximately one academic year and is delivered in person at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá. It is designed for professionals seeking to balance their studies with their working lives.
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. It also offers a professional network and practical learning opportunities that foster professional growth.
Applications open: July 27
Academic credit tuition for 2026**:
$1,890,000 COP
$500 USD*
*The tuition amount in U.S. dollars is approximate and may vary according to the day’s exchange rate.
**The semester tuition amount depends on the number of credits in which the student enrolls.
**The 2027 tuition amount will be determined at the end of 2026, based on the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Specialization: 20
A merit-based employment opportunity at the University for Master’s or Doctoral students enrolled in at least 8 credits. Applications are submitted through the Cider and Uniandes Spanish Center websites, where the various calls for applications 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. Send us your contact information, the program to which you are applying, 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 credit transfer:
If for any reason you are unable to enter this specialization directly, you can enroll in one of the microcredentials and/or courses eligible for credit transfer* offered by Cider through the Universidad de los Andes Directorate of Continuing Education. Once you complete and pass the microcredential or course, you may request the transfer of academic credits through the Cider Academic Programs Office. For more information, consult the current course offerings 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 certain courses.
*Does not apply to regular students of Universidad de los Andes.
Academic Mobility:
Students interested in national or international academic mobility can pursue these opportunities through the Internationalization Office at 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 in Development Studies at the International Institute of Social Studies (ISS), 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 planning to study in Colombia must have a Student Visa or another type of visa that allows them to study. This visa must be presented to the Admissions and Registration Office at Window 4 or sent by email 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 enrollment payment receipt. Additionally, current Colombian law requires foreign nationals, both adults and minors, who hold a visa valid for more than three months to carry a foreigner identity card as their identity document. Therefore, you must also meet this requirement, and you may send the card together with your visa.
Please remember that you must begin the visa application process sufficiently in advance to avoid any issues with the payment and registration of your enrollment. If you would like to learn more about the visa process in Colombia, you can visit the following Ministry of Foreign Affairs webpage: https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/tramites_servicios/visa/abece-visas . If you have any questions about the visa process, please contact us by phone at 3394949, extensions 2211 or 2298, or by email at extranjerosuniandes@uniandes.edu.co, and we will provide you with further information.
