Apply to this Program

Application Deadlines

Applicants are urged to submit application materials well in advance of the deadline. Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.

The Office of Admissions begins reviewing applications immediately after the application deadline.

Applications are accepted only for the fall term.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability for critical thinking and analysis, be fluent in English, write clearly, concisely, and convincingly, using proper grammar. They must also be expert in basic office software, Internet research, and data gathering.

This program is offered on a full-time basis only. As such, international students enrolled in the program are eligible to receive a student visa.

Note: Applicants for whom English is not a first language will be required to demonstrate English proficiency before being considered for the program, regardless of whether or not they have studied at colleges or universities where the instruction is in English.

Application Materials

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply online and to submit supporting materials online (except transcripts and test scores, which must be submitted in sealed envelopes). Online applications can be processed more efficiently.

1. Completed Online Application form.
   
   Applicants who are unable to apply online may download a copy of the application, complete it, and mail it, together with all supporting documents, to the address below.

2. $50.00 nonrefundable application fee ( U.S. currency). Applicants not applying online may pay in the form of a check or money order made out to Columbia University.  Do not send cash. Checks must be in U.S. currency drawn on a U.S. bank.  If you would like to pay by credit card you must apply online.

3. Official transcripts, from all post-secondary schools attended, in envelopes sealed by the issuing institutions. Copies, opened or unsealed envelopes, unofficial printouts, or facsimiles will not be accepted. Many schools take a number of weeks to fulfill transcript requests; please plan accordingly. Academic transcripts in foreign languages must be accompanied by an official translation (as well as a guide or key where appropriate or necessary). Applications containing transcripts without translations will not be considered.

4. Résumé

5. Statement of academic purpose (500 words) addressing the following:

   • your purpose and interest in pursuing a degree in Communications Practice
   • the specific skills and attributes that you will contribute to the program
   • an aspect of the program that may present the greatest challenge for you

6. Three letters of recommendation written by teachers or professional colleagues who are well positioned to comment on your intellectual strengths and professional promise.

7. Official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test. The admissions committee pays particular attention to the analytical writing score. (See www.gre.org for test dates and details.) School report code: 3602

8. An admissions interview.

9. Non-native speakers of English must fulfill additional application requirements.

Candidates are evaluated on five application elements (in no particular order):

1. statement of purpose
2. résumé/curriculum vitae
3. transcripts of prior college and/or graduate school work
4. letters of recommendation
5. GRE scores

Submitting the Application

1. Applicants who apply online are encouraged to submit all remaining supporting application materials in a single packet. Applicants who apply by mail should submit their application and all supporting materials in a single packet. While the Office of Admissions will accept materials submitted piecemeal, such submissions substantially delay the admissions process.

2. All submitted materials should clearly bear the applicant's name and the name of the program to which he or she is applying.

3. Because of the large volume of applications we receive, the Office of Admissions cannot accept application materials (e.g., transcripts) submitted in advance of applications themselves.

4. Applications are not considered complete until all required materials (including the application fee, and TOEFL scores if necessary) have been received. Only complete applications are reviewed.

Mailing Address and Contact Information

Communications Practice Program
Office of Admissions
School of Continuing Education
203 Lewisohn Hall
2970 Broadway, Mail Code 4119
New York , NY 10027-6902
212-854-9666
Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Notification of Admissions Decision

Strong candidates (who submit their application early) may be admitted before the deadline. Once the deadline has passed, all remaining applications are reviewed. It usually takes three to four weeks to receive a decision after the review process begins.

Important: Because of the volume of applications we receive, please allow up to four weeks to receive your decision. Students will be notified of decisions via e-mail.