Video Network
Columbia Video Network
Columbia University
540 S. W. Mudd, Mail Code 4719
500 West 120th Street
New York, NY 10027
www.cvn.columbia.edu
E-mail:
Phone: 212-854-6447
Background
Continuing a tradition of nearly 250 years of academic excellence and innovation, Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science established the Columbia Video Network (CVN) in 1986 to meet a growing need within the engineering community for a graduate distance education program. Classes and degrees offered through CVN are fully accredited; the degrees are granted by Columbia University.
Classes available through CVN are taught on campus by Columbia University's regular faculty. Faculty and students meet in specially equipped classrooms where a multicamera video setup captures the entire lecture, including the professor's notes and presentations. The recorded lectures are fully downloadable for study at home, office, or on the road; or they can be viewed via Web streaming.
CVN students take the same classes, have the same homework assignments, and take the same exams as their on-campus counterparts. The only difference is location. CVN students earn the same degrees as on-campus students: a Master of Science or Professional Degree from Columbia University's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Course Offerings and Degree Programs
CVN makes select SEAS graduate courses available to off-campus students in autumn (September-December) and spring (January-May) terms. CVN administrators work closely with faculty representatives from each department to select the classes that best fit the needs of new and continuing students around the world. During the summer semester (and, occasionally, the autumn and spring terms), the CVN program makes prerecorded courses available.
CVN currently offers courses and Master of Science degree programs in the following disciplines:
• Applied mathematics
• Biomedical engineering
• Chemical engineering
• Civil engineering
• Computer science
• Earth and environmental engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Operations research: methods in finance
• Operations research: engineering management systems
• Materials science and engineering
• Mechanical engineering
Professional Degrees (P.D.) are also available in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering and operations research for engineers who wish to do advanced work beyond the M.S. degree but do not wish to emphasize research.
back to topStudent Registration
Students who have earned an undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences can take classes for credit or audit without first applying to the University or taking the GRE or TOEFL exams by registering as Video Special (VS) students.
By completing the CVN registration form, including the New Student Infor-mation section, and paying the one-time VS application fee of $55, students can begin taking classes through CVN. However, CVN strongly advises VS students to review course syllabi carefully to ensure that they have the necessary background to successfully complete the course(s) for which they register.
Certificates of Professional Achieve-ment are also offered, with certificate programs in multiple disciplines. Candi-dates for the Certificate of Professional Achievement program may take classes as a VS student, but must complete the program of study as defined by the appropriate department.
Application for Admission
Persons (including VS students taking Columbia classes for credit) interested in earning the M.S. or P.D. degree from Columbia are required to complete the Columbia University application package. All M.S. applicants as well as P.D. applicants must take the GRE general exam.
The TOEFL is required of all applicants who have earned a degree in a country where English is not the official and spoken language. In addition, applicants must submit:
• A signed and dated application form along with the $65 application fee
• Two letters of recommendation (only one letter is required for P.D. applicants)
• Official transcripts from all post- secondary colleges and universities attended
• Personal/professional statement
• Résumé/curriculum vitae
Although you need not be admitted to a degree program to begin taking classes through CVN, you should apply as soon as possible if you would like to earn a degree from Columbia University. Earning credit as a VS student does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program. Undergraduate students may not take CVN courses.
Columbia University may accept up to 6 points of credit transferred from another university and/or up to 15 points earned at Columbia as a VS student, subject to the approval of the student's adviser and the department.back to top
Program Benefits
The CVN program allows working professionals to enroll in courses and earn graduate engineering degrees from one of the world's great universities without leaving their communities, their families, or their jobs. The key component of CVN is flexibility without compromise to the high-caliber teaching, resources, and standards inherent in The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. CVN students are part of the Columbia community and are always welcome on campus. To further enhance the sense of community, CVN has developed a completely automated online Student Center. It provides a place where CVN students and faculty can communicate with ease. Homework and exams are submitted and graded there, and course notes and other reference materials are available for downloading by students.
Professors and teaching assistants are also available to off-campus students by phone during regular office hours and by appointment. CVN's administrative staff is always available to assist off-campus students in handling routine administrative details so working professionals can devote their energies to their studies, their families, and their careers.