University Courses
Details on Course Seats and Required Preparation
Course information is found in the Columbia University Directory of Classes.
Admittance into the Visiting Student program does not guarantee any student a seat in a course. Certain courses such as seminars are not normally open to visiting students unless express permission is granted in advance by the instructor, department or program. Permission to register for courses in other divisions of the University depends on the course, the school that offers it, and the student’s academic status within the School of Professional Studies. Some schools allow cross-registration; others do not. Specific cross-registration information for each school can be found here.
Please check with individual instructors about specific prerequisite course requirements. Admitted students may register for courses only if any course for which they are prepared—i.e., any noted prerequisites must be fulfilled.
A number of classes are offered after 5:00 PM, for those students who work during the day.
In over-enrolled courses, Columbia degree candidates often have priority over non-degree students.