How to Apply

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Fee is paid by credit card in order to submit the online application.

In the Academic History section of the online application, you must list and upload unofficial transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended for at least one term. This includes all graded coursework, in progress coursework, summer program(s), study abroad program(s), or transfer coursework unless:

• You did not earn academic credits; 
• You completed less than 11 credits (on a traditional US credit scale) outside of your home institution. If you completed more than 11 credits outside of your home institution, then you must provide us with unofficial transcripts/ the coursework must be included on your WES evaluation.

If requested, you may be required to provide transcripts or mark sheets from any and all post-secondary institutions.

Applicants who attended a U.S. institution must submit:

• Unofficial transcripts for each institution attended. 

Note: Unofficial transcripts must include your name, the name of the institution, each of the terms attended, the courses you took and the grades you obtained. 

Applicants who attended an international institution must submit:

• An official ICAP course-by-course evaluation* by World Education Services, Inc. (WES), a third-party verification agency, that includes all post-secondary coursework completed outside of the United States. This is required for your application to be reviewed. The evaluation may take several weeks to be completed and sent to SPS. You should start your evaluation as soon as possible after you begin your application.

Applications will not be reviewed until we have received all of your transcripts and/or WES evaluations.

 

* Please note that if you completed 18 credits or less abroad, instead of submitting a WES evaluation, you may submit an unofficial transcript for admissions consideration. If admitted, you must order an official transcript to be sent to SPS directly from the institution abroad. 

Be sure to write a statement that responds to the specific prompt provided by your program.

Most programs require two letters of recommendation; some programs require three letters. Please refer to your program of interest for specific requirements.

Include any professional experience or skills related to your program of interest.

After you have submitted your application and fee, you will be required to submit a one-minute video essay answering a randomized prompt. 

Students whose native language is not English must include proof of English proficiency assessed through a TOEFL or IELTS examination. Please refer to your program of interest for specific requirements. The Columbia SPS minimum requirement is 100 (TOEFL iBT) or 7.0 (IELTS).

1. Admissions Interview (if required): An additional admissions interview may be required.
2. Official Scores on Standardized Exams: Some programs require your official scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), Law School Admission Test (LSAT), or Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
3. Supplemental Essay: Essay requirements vary by master's program. Please be sure to carefully review your program of interest for specific requirements.

1. Visa Requirements (On-Campus Study): International students are responsible for ensuring they have read and understood the University’s student visa application eligibility and requirements. Please note that it is not permissible to enroll while in B-1/B-2 status. International students enrolled in a full-time course load—registered for at least 12 points of credit-bearing courses a term—are eligible for a student visa.
2. International Transcript Evaluation Through WES: If you attended an institution outside the United States, you must submit all of your transcripts (undergraduate and graduate) to World Education Services, Inc. (WES), a third-party verification agency for a course-by-course evaluation for admission consideration.