Visiting Graduate Program
As a Visiting Student, you have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in niche subject areas, learn from respected faculty in a wide range of courses available at schools across the university, and gain access to Columbia resources.
Students enrolled in a master’s degree program at another university and in good academic standing may apply to the Graduate Visiting Students Program.
Features
- Learn from respected, world-class faculty instructing courses in both foundational and cutting-edge topics.
- Gain cross-disciplinary perspectives to enrich your core area of study and benefit from a well-rounded set of skills and knowledge.
- Study alongside Columbia undergraduate and graduate students, gain access to exclusive Columbia resources, and take advantage of living in New York City.
Options
The Visiting Student experience is highly customizable to suit your individual goals.
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Pursue any Certification of Professional Achievement. You can find the full list of Certificates and Certifications here where you can find program descriptions and admissions details.
- Enroll in the Graduate Visiting Student Program, which allows you to create your own schedule of courses aligned with your academic interests and professional goals. Course plan advising is provided to admitted students on an individual basis, ensuring that you pursue a rigorous program of study appropriate to your academic, professional, and personal goals.
Credit Transfer
Visiting students should consult their home institution regarding the transfer of credits.
Undergraduate courses are typically not credited toward a graduate degree either at Columbia or elsewhere. Graduate courses may result in advanced standing upon entering graduate school, though the degree-granting school is the sole authority for determining applicability of Columbia credit toward a degree.
Graduate Visiting Student Program Length of Study
Admission as a Graduate Visiting Student is permitted for a maximum of two terms plus the Summer sessions. Continuation into the second term is contingent on successful completion of the first.
During the Fall (September–December) and Spring (January–May) terms, visiting students may choose from more than 3,000 academic courses in more than 100 subject areas. One semester runs about 14 weeks. Students on an F-1 visa are required to take at least 12 credits (about 4 courses).
There are two summer sessions between May and August; each session runs for 6 weeks. Students may attend one or both sessions. During the summer, Columbia offers more than 250 courses in more than 50 subject areas. Students on an F-1 visa are required to take 6 credits (about 2 courses) per 6-week session.