How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in Master's degree programs at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies.
Start your application and learn more about the application process, requirements, and deadlines. Please review our policies, tuition and financing resources, as well as next steps for admitted students.
We encourage you to connect with us whether you are in the early stages of considering an application, have just started one, or are ready to submit your application.
On this page
Application Process
Start or Access Your Application
- Learn about your program of interest: Review the application requirements.
- Gather and submit your application materials: Gather all of your materials and submit all requested information in the online application form. Pay your application fee of $150 USD.
- Complete your application materials: All required application materials must be provided in order for your application to be reviewed. This includes your video essay, Re Vera authorization form, transcripts, and any outstanding test scores or letters of recommendation.
- Review your tuition funding options: Learn more on the Columbia University Student Financial Services SPS page.
- Receive an admissions decision: You will receive an email when a decision has been made on your application.
- Confirm your intent to enroll: Confirm your intent to enroll within the application system and pay the non-refundable tuition deposit.
- Begin preparing for registration: Submit your final official electronic transcripts or final WES evaluation (international). Follow our guided Next Steps for admitted students.
- International student next steps: Apply for your I-20/DS-2019 through the Columbia University International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
- Begin the financial aid process: Review the Start-Up Guide To Financial Aid on Columbia University's Student Financial Services website.
Please also view important SPS Resources such as housing, financial aid, student life, and several others at the link below.
Download the SPS Resources List
Application Requirements
Requirements vary depending on the program of interest. Please note: you must submit all materials directly, not through an agent or third-party vendor. See more details about our application policies.
Application Policies
Application Deadlines
You are strongly encouraged to submit your application as early as possible to ensure it is reviewed before the program has reached capacity.
Application decisions are delivered on a rolling basis, typically 6–8 weeks after an application is submitted and complete with all required materials.
If a deadline falls on weekend/holiday, please expect a response the next working day.
Fall 2025 Application Deadlines
Deadlines | Programs |
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Priority Deadline: January 15 Applicants with International Documents—Suggested Deadline: March 15 * |
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Priority Deadline: February 15 Applicants with International Documents—Suggested Deadline: March 15 * |
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* Students who require an F-1 visa or who have international transcripts are encouraged to apply by the recommended date. This date is suggested to ensure you have enough time for student visa processing. You may refer to this website to review the current visa appointment wait times.
Spring 2025 Application Deadlines
Deadlines | Programs |
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Final Deadline: November 1 Applicants with International Documents—Suggested Deadline: October 1 * |
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* Students who require an F-1 visa or who have international transcripts are encouraged to apply by the recommended date. This date is suggested to ensure you have enough time for student visa processing. You may refer to this website to review the current visa appointment wait times.
Credentials Verification
Columbia University requires all incoming students to complete a credentials verification process before enrollment. The process includes verification of letters of reference and of all post-secondary transcripts and degrees awarded. Upon submission of the application, applicants must provide written consent to participate in the verification of all academic, professional, and reference information provided during the application process.
The School of Professional Studies has contracted with Re Vera Services to assist with the verification of letters of recommendation. If letters of recommendation are provided, recommenders will be contacted by a Re Vera representative to confirm authorship of submitted letters. The recommendation verification is conducted concurrently while the application is being reviewed for admission. Admissions decisions will only be released to applicants who have uploaded their consent form within the online application system.
Admitted students must submit final, official transcripts of all academic studies, and proof of award of all degrees earned prior to enrollment in the School of Professional Studies.
Detailed information about each part of the credentials verification process appears below.
Deposit Deadlines
Spring 2025 Deposit Deadlines
Admit Date | First deposit due | Second deposit due |
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By October 1 | $2,000: 30 days from letter date | $1,000 by June 1 |
On or after October 2 | $3,000: 30 days from letter date | $1,000 by June 1 |
Between November 1–November 15 | $3,000: 14 days from letter date | $1,000 by June 1 |
Between November 16–November 24 | $3,000: 7 days from letter date | $1,000 by June 1 |
On or after November 25 | $3,000: 2 days from letter date | n/a |
Fall 2025 Deposit Deadlines
The deposit deadlines for the fall term will be announced as soon as they are available.