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

Admission to the program is highly selective. A U.S. bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a non-U.S. educational institution is required.

Only international students enrolled in this program on a full-time basis qualify for 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. Two letters of recommendation, written by supervisors or peers who can attest to your capacity to engage in a rigorous academic program that calls for maturity and stamina, as well as the ability to receive and provide criticism.

5. A statement of academic purpose (500-750 words) addressing the following:

   • your purpose and interest in pursuing a degree program in narrative medicine
   • how the degree program fits into your overall professional growth, focusing in particular on the connection between the program and your academic and/or professional experience
   • your anticipated contribution to the program
   • your anticipated contribution to professional field

6. Evidence of your promise in the field of narrative medicine. You may fill this requirement in a number of ways, including:

   • A work of fiction, non-fiction, or poetry (published or unpublished) that you have authored that pertains in some respect to the field of narrative medicine, narrative and literature, medical humanities, arts and medicine, or related fields. Examples would be a first person narrative essay or memoir, or an interpretive essay of a work of art or literature.
   • A scholarly paper (published or unpublished), article or book .
   • A syllabus for a course you have taught in narrative medicine or a related field, including an essay of no more than 1000 words describing and critiquing the course.
   • A portfolio of interpretive art, a film you have made, images of a performance piece, or the like, with accompanying essay.

7. Professional résumé.

8. The Committee on Admissions reserves the right to require and interview candidates in instances where additional information would be helpful. Applicants residing outside of the tri-state area may be interviewed by phone.
   

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

Writing Test

Applicants may be required to take a Graduate Writing Test at Columbia. Those applicants who are admitted may, as a result of their scores on that test, be required to take a writing course for M.S. students during their first semester or do additional tutorial work in writing.

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, Social Security number, 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 ALP scores if necessary) have been received. Only complete applications are reviewed.

Mailing Address and Contact Information

Narrative Medicine 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.