Apply to this Program

Application Deadlines

The program has two fall admissions deadlines.  The first is an early admission deadline.  Prospective students who submit complete applications by January 15 will be informed of admission decisions in early March.  The final deadline for application to the program is May 15.  Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and will be communicated by late June.

Completed applications received after the program has reached capacity will be moved to the next available term for consideration.  Therefore applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all materials as early as possible.  Notifications will be delivered through the online application system.

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.

College level science, math and economics are preferred but not essential if familiarity with these subjects has been developed by other means.  Practitioner experience is greatly valued and accomplishments in the fields of sustainability management will be considered.

The Sustainability Management program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.  Only international students enrolled in this program full-time qualify for a student visa.

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).

We strongly recommend submitting unofficial copies of your test results through the online application system at the time of application.  The Office of Admissions will use unofficial copies of test scores for admission consideration.  Candidates offered admission will later be required to supply official test results prior to enrollment.  At that time, 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.

Graduates of Columbia's American Language Program (ALP), must achieve Level 10 in order to apply to a program at the School of Continuing Education.  Applicants who have achieved Level 10 are NOT required to take the TOEFL or IELTS.
 

Application Materials

  1. Completed Online Application form.

  2. $80.00 nonrefundable application fee (U.S. currency) must accompany the online application.

  3. Transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended.  We strongly recommend submitting unofficial documents through the online application system 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 for verification before the offer is considered official.

    For those applicants who are offered admission, official transcripts must arrive 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.

    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. Résumé

  5. Statement of academic purpose (500 to 750 words) addressing the following:

    • your purpose and interest in pursuing a degree in sustainability management
    • 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

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

  7. An admissions interview may be required.

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

Official scores on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) general test are not required but may be submitted in support of your application.  GRE school report code: 3602.  For complete information regarding the GRE go to www.ets.org.

Writing Test

Applicants who do not submit GRE scores 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.

 

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 above 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

Sustainability Management 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