Online Graduate Programs

Due to rapid innovation in data collection and processing technologies, every organization is looking for professionals who can deliver business intelligence through analytics. Columbia University’s Master of Science in Applied Analytics provides students and working professionals with in-depth knowledge of data analytics and the required leadership, management, and communication skills to impact decision making at all levels within organizations. Students can take advantage of flexible, full-time or part-time study options in-person or online.

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Designed for both working professionals and early-career changemakers, the M.S. in Biodiversity Data Analytics program allows students to learn from anywhere while gaining the skills to collect, analyze, and translate biodiversity data into meaningful action. Coursework prepares students to take on nature data applications across industries, from ESG finance to urban planning to environmental consulting, and culminates in a hands-on capstone with industry partners that provides practical experience, valuable networks, and the tools to make an immediate impact.

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As advances in biotechnology and biomedicine gain momentum, so do issues concerning their ethical, legal, and social implications in the United States and around the world. From stem cell research to healthcare reform, these topics involve critical dilemmas at the intersections of law, society, culture, public policy, philosophy, religion, economics, and history. The Master of Science in Bioethics grounds students in interdisciplinary approaches and models to address the most pressing bioethical challenges. The program prepares students to be responsible and responsive leaders in this new and ever-growing field. It also includes a concentration in global bioethics – the first of its kind in the U.S.

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The Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program at Columbia University prepares graduates to inform better risk-reward decisions by providing a complete, robust, and integrated picture of both upside and downside volatility across an entire enterprise. The program focuses on all areas of risk that impact organizations, including finance, indemnity, operations, and strategy. Graduates attain a dynamic toolkit of advanced risk management capabilities that can be applied to enhance value at both the enterprise and silo risk management levels. Graduates also develop the communication skills required to gain the stakeholder buy-in critical for successful adoption of ERM strategies. Program options are available on Columbia’s campus in New York City or online via Columbia’s interactive social learning platform.

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Now more than ever, organizations need innovative strategies to address changing needs in talent acquisition, development, and retention, as well as critical skill shortages in the digital workplace. The Master of Science in Human Capital Management (HCM) at Columbia University prepares graduates to address any organization’s human capital challenges through data-driven, market-based insights and organization-wide integrated solutions. The goal of the program is to create world-class HCM strategists and human resource leaders who can drive individual and organizational excellence in the new world of work. Full-time and part-time options for working professionals are available.

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Grounded in the field of knowledge management, Columbia's Master of Science in Information & Knowledge Strategy equips students with a strong foundation in information science, organizational psychology, and change management, along with practical skills in project management and executive leadership to expand your impact—whether advancing in one's current role or making a career pivot. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program supports working professionals and career changers alike, offering a customizable experience through a wide range of electives drawn from graduate programs across Columbia University. 

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The Master of Professional Studies in Insurance Management provides professionals with a holistic understanding of the relationships between key functions within an insurance enterprise in order for them to implement innovative management and business development strategies. Students will learn from industry practitioners with extensive experience that spans both domestic and international business, as well as engage with a broad network of experts in the industry. Students will engage in an interactive, problem-based learning environment with their lecturers and peers with the convenience of asynchronous online instruction in this part-time program, designed for those who work full time. 

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Conflict resolution skills can impact virtually every area of life, whether exercised between people, organizations, or governments. Columbia University’s Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution prepares students to recognize and understand the root causes and dynamics of conflict and to resolve disputes through reasoned and resourceful negotiation. Students combine theory and applied training to develop practical models for negotiating and resolving disputes. The program’s training philosophy is grounded in a commitment to interactive, dialogue-based methods with a focus on building common ground, establishing dialogue, applying practical skills, ensuring representation and recognition, and forging relationships. Program options include full-time or part-time study on Columbia’s campus in New York City, or full-time coursework through combined online and intensive in-person study. 

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Columbia’s Master of Science in Nonprofit Management prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-based organizations in a wide variety of contexts and sectors, including international and community nonprofits, foundations, institutions of higher education, healthcare, the arts, or as in-demand fundraising and development experts. The program reflects the growth and increasing sophistication of the nonprofit sector. It prepares graduates to be conversant with new technologies, digital media, and data analytics, as well as public/private partnerships, which are being deployed to help solve some of the most intractable problems across the globe.

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The Master of Science of Strategic Communication is a 16-month graduate program designed for experienced communication professionals and for those in leadership positions across a wide range of industries having communication as a critical competency.

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Columbia University’s M.S. in Technology Management is in a class all its own. Each student works with an accomplished and recognized technological leader as their personal mentor. Each student selects a leading-edge focus area that matches their interests and goals, such as Digital and Business Transformation, New Business Ventures, or C-Level Management. Instructors are world-class technology leaders unparalleled in the Ivy League. Graduates typically assume positions as CIO, CTO, CAO, COO, CEO, CSO, CDO, or as ground-breaking entrepreneurs.

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As the birthplace of value-based investment, Columbia University has long been at the forefront of the investing world. It is also home to the only wealth management graduate program in the Ivy League and the only one of its kind in the world. The goal of the Master of Professional Studies in Wealth Management is to prepare the next generation of advisors who work with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and endowments to grow and manage wealth. Students can complete coursework online along with two in-person, multi-day sessions on Columbia’s campus in New York City, the financial capital of the world. 

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Increasingly, practitioners in medicine, law, and research must understand and make decisions on complex ethical and moral dilemmas related to advances in biology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. Solutions require specialized and cross-disciplinary knowledge spanning ethics, law, society, culture, public policy, philosophy, religion, economics, history, and even language.

Columbia’s non-degree, online Bioethics Certification program prepares students to address these challenges through an innovative learning experience featuring live webinars, multimedia, and collaborative course activities.

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Columbia University’s non-degree Certification of Professional Achievement in Enterprise Risk Management prepares graduates to make effective risk-reward decisions through a complete understanding of how to assess and address volatility across an entire enterprise. 

This certificate program also strengthens risk professionals' ability to design and implement ERM programs that enhance all decision-making processes, from strategic to traditional mitigation decisions. It provides a robust toolkit of advanced risk management skills and approaches that can be applied to enhance value at both the enterprise level and in specialized risk management roles. 

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Narrative medicine is an interdisciplinary field that brings powerful narrative skills of radical listening and creativity from the humanities and the arts to address the needs of all who seek and deliver healthcare. Narrative medicine enables patients and caregivers to voice their experience, to be heard, to be recognized, and to be valued, improving the delivery of healthcare.

The non-degree, online Narrative Medicine Certification of Professional Achievement program prepares health professionals, writers, and scholars to apply the skills and values of narrative understanding to improve outcomes for both patients and caregivers.

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The Certification in Sustainable Finance is geared to professionals with a strong interest in sustainability and finance. The program prepares students to meet the growing demand for professionals who understand and can integrate the fundamentals of both corporate sustainability and financial analysis. 

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Yes! Online students are full members of the Columbia community. You’ll receive the same Columbia degree as on-campus students, have direct access to faculty, and join exclusive networking opportunities with peers, alumni, and industry leaders across the globe.

Synchronous online programs feature live, real-time class sessions on Zoom where you learn alongside fellow classmates.

Asynchronous online programs offer flexibility, with multimedia content, recorded lectures, and activities you complete on your own schedule while meeting deadlines.

In both formats, faculty provide structure, feedback, and interactive opportunities—such as discussion boards, group projects, and virtual office hours—that keep you connected to faculty and peers.

Yes. While some SPS master’s programs can be completed fully online, several include a short in-person residency on Columbia’s New York City campus. Residencies are typically a few days long, often scheduled over a weekend, and provide immersive learning, networking, and hands-on collaboration with faculty and peers. Check individual program pages for details on residency requirements.

A residency is an immersive, on-campus learning experience that enhances online study. Students build deeper connections with faculty, strengthen peer networks, and engage in hands-on learning that advances both academic and professional growth. At Columbia, residencies are enriched by our world-class campus, New York City’s unparalleled professional landscape, and cultural opportunities that make the experience both academically and professionally transformative.

No. Columbia University diplomas do not distinguish between online and on-campus programs. Your degree carries the same prestige and recognition worldwide.

Yes. Online programs deliver the same curriculum and academic standards as on-campus study. Courses are crafted with the expertise of our award-winning Online Curriculum & Instruction team, ensuring that your education is engaging, interactive, and designed for digital success.

Faculty design their courses in partnership with the school’s Online Curriculum and Instruction team, following nationally recognized standards for online course quality. Together, they craft courses that combine academic rigor with best practices in digital learning—integrating live sessions, interactive assignments, and collaborative tools. This ensures that every course is engaging, relevant, and built to support both flexibility and real-world application.

Online students receive the same holistic support as on-campus students, including academic advising, career coaching, technical support, and access to Columbia’s extensive student resources. Many students tell us this personalized support is key to their confidence and success, keeping them connected and on track from enrollment through graduation.