About
Can I begin at the School of Continuing Education and then transfer the credits I earn toward a degree in one or the other undergraduate or graduate/professional schools at Columbia?
In some circumstances, students may receive advanced standing of up to 12 points toward the M.A. or Ph.D. in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for courses completed with a grade of B or better as a nondegree student. Advanced standing may also be available in other schools. Individuals are advised to contact the degree-granting school directly for more specific information. Undergraduates in good standing at an accredited college or university may study at SCE for two terms as Visiting Students. If such students are subsequently admitted to one of Columbia’s undergraduate schools, credit toward the bachelor’s degree will be granted within certain limits. In general, Postbaccalaureate Studies students may not enroll in classes in most of Columbia’s professional schools. Because it is not possible to take courses in these schools as a nondegree student at SCE, the issue of transfer credit does not normally arise. The policies with respect to transfer credit are established independently by each school of the University. Those hoping to transfer credits are advised to consult the bulletin of the school in question before enrolling at SCE. Ultimately, it is the decision of the School that will confer the degree whether to count credits earned elsewhere toward the degree.
In some circumstances, students may receive advanced standing of up to 12 points toward the M.A. or Ph.D. in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for courses completed with a grade of B or better as a nondegree student. Advanced standing may also be available in other schools. Individuals are advised to contact the degree-granting school directly for more specific information. Undergraduates in good standing at an accredited college or university may study at SCE for two terms as Visiting Students. If such students are subsequently admitted to one of Columbia’s undergraduate schools, credit toward the bachelor’s degree will be granted within certain limits. In general, Postbaccalaureate Studies students may not enroll in classes in most of Columbia’s professional schools. Because it is not possible to take courses in these schools as a nondegree student at SCE, the issue of transfer credit does not normally arise. The policies with respect to transfer credit are established independently by each school of the University. Those hoping to transfer credits are advised to consult the bulletin of the school in question before enrolling at SCE. Ultimately, it is the decision of the School that will confer the degree whether to count credits earned elsewhere toward the degree.
How many credits must I register for to qualify for a student visa?
Full-time status in a credit bearing program or full-time enrollment (at least 12 points per term) in the American Language Program is required for visa eligibility. Consult the ISSO Web site, for more detailed visa information.
Full-time status in a credit bearing program or full-time enrollment (at least 12 points per term) in the American Language Program is required for visa eligibility. Consult the ISSO Web site, for more detailed visa information.
What is the distinction between a full-time and part-time student?
Full-time status requires registration for 12 or more points in any given term.
Full-time status requires registration for 12 or more points in any given term.
Is financial aid available to students at SCE?
There are no scholarships or grants available for SCE students, but many SCE students are eligible for loan programs. A student’s eligibility for loan programs depends on the program of study in which the student is enrolled, and, in the case of private loan programs, the student’s credit history. Degree candidates may be eligible for federally subsidized Stafford Loans. For specific information, consult the tuition and financing information for the program in which you are interested.
There are no scholarships or grants available for SCE students, but many SCE students are eligible for loan programs. A student’s eligibility for loan programs depends on the program of study in which the student is enrolled, and, in the case of private loan programs, the student’s credit history. Degree candidates may be eligible for federally subsidized Stafford Loans. For specific information, consult the tuition and financing information for the program in which you are interested.
If I enroll in SCE will I have full access to the facilities of the University?
While there are some facilities and services that are limited to students in particular schools and programs, SCE students do have full access to most University facilities, including computing, library, health services, and physical education facilities. Various Center for Career Services programs are not available to SCE students.
While there are some facilities and services that are limited to students in particular schools and programs, SCE students do have full access to most University facilities, including computing, library, health services, and physical education facilities. Various Center for Career Services programs are not available to SCE students.
Once admitted, can I register by telephone or online?
Online and telephone registration are available to students who are returning for a second or subsequent semester of study at SCE or are already enrolled in another school at Columbia.
Online and telephone registration are available to students who are returning for a second or subsequent semester of study at SCE or are already enrolled in another school at Columbia.
What is the difference between the Postbaccalaureate Studies Program and the Auditing Program?
The Postbaccalaureate Studies Program allows qualified students with bachelor’s degrees to enroll in undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in over 50 subjects in the Arts and Sciences. The program includes individualized advising on course selection and applying to graduate school. Students may enroll in the summer and academic year.
The Auditing Program is a noncredit program with a limited course offering of lecture courses drawn from the University's offerings in the Arts and Sciences. Auditors receive no credit for courses; no examinations or papers are required and no grade is assigned. Auditors are silent participants in class and may join in discussions only at the discretion of the instructor. Auditing courses are not available in the summer. Auditors are charged a lower tuition rate for courses.
The Postbaccalaureate Studies Program allows qualified students with bachelor’s degrees to enroll in undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in over 50 subjects in the Arts and Sciences. The program includes individualized advising on course selection and applying to graduate school. Students may enroll in the summer and academic year.
The Auditing Program is a noncredit program with a limited course offering of lecture courses drawn from the University's offerings in the Arts and Sciences. Auditors receive no credit for courses; no examinations or papers are required and no grade is assigned. Auditors are silent participants in class and may join in discussions only at the discretion of the instructor. Auditing courses are not available in the summer. Auditors are charged a lower tuition rate for courses.
How far in advance should I apply?
Application deadlines vary for each program. International students must apply at least 12 weeks in advance of the start of the term for which they are applying.
Application deadlines vary for each program. International students must apply at least 12 weeks in advance of the start of the term for which they are applying.
I have already applied. When will I receive an admissions decision?
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, but it varies for each program. Please check specific program application information. In general, the Office of Admissions begins reviewing applications for the fall term in early June, for the spring term in mid-October, and for the summer in late February. Students who wait until the deadline to submit an application must come in person to the Office of Admissions to receive a decision.
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, but it varies for each program. Please check specific program application information. In general, the Office of Admissions begins reviewing applications for the fall term in early June, for the spring term in mid-October, and for the summer in late February. Students who wait until the deadline to submit an application must come in person to the Office of Admissions to receive a decision.
When are courses posted?
Fall courses are listed on the SCE Web site in May; spring course information in October; summer course information in January.
Fall courses are listed on the SCE Web site in May; spring course information in October; summer course information in January.
I’m an international student. Am I eligible to enroll in classes at the School of Continuing Education?
International students, those who are not native to the United States, and those for whom English is not their first and native language, have special requirements as both applicants and students. They must enroll in courses full-time, registering for at least 12 points a term in order to be eligible for a student (F-1) visa. Most SCE programs are not offered full-time--see the enrollment requirements for the program you wish to apply to. In addition to visa requirements, there are English language and application requirements for international students.
International students, those who are not native to the United States, and those for whom English is not their first and native language, have special requirements as both applicants and students. They must enroll in courses full-time, registering for at least 12 points a term in order to be eligible for a student (F-1) visa. Most SCE programs are not offered full-time--see the enrollment requirements for the program you wish to apply to. In addition to visa requirements, there are English language and application requirements for international students.
What is the difference between the Summer High School Programs and the Summer Sessions?
The Summer Program for High School Students is a noncredit, pre-college enrichment program for students in grades 9-12. Students choose curricular options specifically designed for high school students and may live on campus or commute. Study in Barcelona is also available for students in grades 11 and 12.
The Summer Sessions offer a wide variety of undergraduate- and graduate-level courses for matriculated Columbia students, visiting students from across the nation, as well as new and continuing nondegree students. High school students may take courses during the Summer Sessions and earn college credit. On-campus housing is not available for high school students--only those enrolled in the Summer Program for High School Students may live in campus residence halls.
The Summer Program for High School Students is a noncredit, pre-college enrichment program for students in grades 9-12. Students choose curricular options specifically designed for high school students and may live on campus or commute. Study in Barcelona is also available for students in grades 11 and 12.
The Summer Sessions offer a wide variety of undergraduate- and graduate-level courses for matriculated Columbia students, visiting students from across the nation, as well as new and continuing nondegree students. High school students may take courses during the Summer Sessions and earn college credit. On-campus housing is not available for high school students--only those enrolled in the Summer Program for High School Students may live in campus residence halls.
Does SCE offer weekend, evening, or summer courses?
SCE does not typically offer weekend courses. Most of the Arts and Sciences courses that SCE students are eligible to take are offered during the day, Monday through Friday. Courses designed specifically for SCE Master's programs are frequently offered weekday evenings. SCE operates the Summer Sessions as a third semester for most of its programs and for the School of Arts and Sciences.
SCE does not typically offer weekend courses. Most of the Arts and Sciences courses that SCE students are eligible to take are offered during the day, Monday through Friday. Courses designed specifically for SCE Master's programs are frequently offered weekday evenings. SCE operates the Summer Sessions as a third semester for most of its programs and for the School of Arts and Sciences.
What is the connection between the School of Continuing Education and the rest of Columbia?
The School of Continuing Education (SCE) is one of the sixteen degree-granting schools of Columbia University. It is authorized to offer master’s programs in applied professional fields. Unlike other Columbia schools, the great majority of its students are enrolled in its programs as nondegree students. SCE students have access to most credit courses offered to candidates for degrees in the other Arts and Sciences schools. SCE operates Columbia’s Summer Sessions, and offers Postbacclaureate Studies for nondegree students. It also offers Summer High School Programs.
The School of Continuing Education (SCE) is one of the sixteen degree-granting schools of Columbia University. It is authorized to offer master’s programs in applied professional fields. Unlike other Columbia schools, the great majority of its students are enrolled in its programs as nondegree students. SCE students have access to most credit courses offered to candidates for degrees in the other Arts and Sciences schools. SCE operates Columbia’s Summer Sessions, and offers Postbacclaureate Studies for nondegree students. It also offers Summer High School Programs.
Is housing available?
During the academic year University residence halls and apartments are not available to SCE students. During the Summer Sessions residence halls are open to Visiting Students. Limited campus housing is available to ALP students during the academic year and summer. High School Students enrolled in the residential Summer Program for High School Students also live in campus housing.
During the academic year University residence halls and apartments are not available to SCE students. During the Summer Sessions residence halls are open to Visiting Students. Limited campus housing is available to ALP students during the academic year and summer. High School Students enrolled in the residential Summer Program for High School Students also live in campus housing.
