Apply to this Program

Individuals who hold at least a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited American or foreign university may apply for admission as Postbaccalaureate Studies students.

Admission Requirements

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.

Note: Columbia University faculty applying to the Postbaccalaureate Studies program should contact ce-info@columbia.edu for information regarding application requirements.

Application Materials

1. Completed Online Application form.
   Choose "Postbaccalaureate Studies" under Student Category.

2. $80.00 nonrefundable application fee (U.S. currency).

3. Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.  We strongly suggest submitting unofficial documents at the time of application as it expedites the admissions process.  Candidates offered admission will later be required to supply official documents prior to enrollment.  Official transcripts must arrive in envelopes sealed by the issuing institutions, certifying conferral of a bachelor's degree. 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.

   International applicants are required to submit official transcripts and diploma/degree certificates in the original language along with a certified English credential evaluation and translation for the application to be considered complete.

4. A statement of purpose (no more than 500 words) that addresses your interests and purpose in entering the program. Some applicants use their statements as an opportunity to amplify information contained on the application or academic transcripts. The statement provides an excellent forum for explaining any weaknesses that may appear on the transcript or to highlight any strengths that may not be evident elsewhere. Students applying to psychology or business should clearly indicate whether or not they plan to pursue the certificate program.

5. Applicants to the business certificate or business certificate for international students program must submit a resume.

6. Applicants to the business edge program for the fall and spring semesters must submit a letter of recommendation from their home institution's dean of students on university letterhead. This letter should attest to the applicant's good academic and disciplinary standing and approve study at Columbia as an undergraduate visiting student.

7. Applicants to the classics certificate program must submit two letters of recommendation that attest to their readiness for an intensive post-baccalaureate program.

8. International students must fulfill additional application requirements.

Note: Applicants whose native language is not English or have not completed their undergraduate studies at an accredited US college or university are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting official scores either from the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System).  Official scores must be sent directly from either TOEFL or IELTS and are only valid for two years.  (Use school code 2594 to report TOEFL scores.)

Applicants taking the TOEFL must have a score of at least 100 on the Internet-based version (600 paper based).  Applicants taking the IELTS must receive a score of 7.5 or higher.  Applicants receiving scores below the posted minimums may be advised to apply directly to the American Language Program.

Applicants who are admitted on the basis of TOEFL or IELTS scores may be required to further demonstrate their command of the English language during orientation and/or registration.

Applicants who are applying for the Business for International Students Certificate, please click here for specific program requirements.

Submitting the Application

1. Applicants are encouraged to submit all supporting application materials through the online application system.  Unofficial documents will be used for admission consideration.

2. Applications are not considered complete until all required materials listed in the Application Materials section have been received.  Only complete applications will be reviewed.

3. Applicants who are admitted to the program must submit all official documents to the Office of Admissions before the offer is considered official.

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

Mailing Address and Contact Information

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

Notification of Admissions Decision

Students are notified of admissions decisions via e-mail. As soon as the review process has begun, it usually takes two to three weeks to receive a decision once all application materials have been received.

Important: The Office of Admissions stops mailing admissions decisions one week prior to the start of registration for every session. Students who complete their applications fewer than five business days prior to registration must come in person, during registration, to receive an admissions decision.