The Application
How do I apply to Columbia University Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS)?
Applicants must apply online. Applying on-line will give you greater control of the application process and will allow us to process your application more efficiently.
I am interested in two different programs at SEAS- can I apply to both?
No, you must apply to only one program. Do not apply to more than one program at SEAS for a given term.
Can I submit my application first and send supplemental material later when available?
Yes, you may submit an application first and send supplemental material separately if necessary.
It is highly recommended that you apply online and upload supplemental material required, however, you may submit the application and send supplemental material by postal mail as soon as possible and before the deadline.
Computer Science or Electrical Engineering applicants must upload supplemental material to their online application before the deadline.
Your application will not be reviewed for admission until it is complete.
Where do I mail supplemental materials?
Supplemental materials must be sent to the Graduate Student Services Office. Please include your full name as it appears on your application for admission, date of birth, academic program, and application term on your documents.
Supplemental material must be mailed to:
Columbia University
The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science
Office of Graduate Student Services
524 S. W. Mudd
500 West 120 Street, MC 4708
New York, NY 10027
Can I submit additional materials once my application is under review?
No, once you have been notified that your application was sent for review additional or updated materials sent will not be considered in the decision. In addition, an application will not be evaluated a second time should the decision be made prior to receiving additional material on a complete application. Please be advised candidates should not submit copies of awards, publications, or financial documentation since submission of these extra materials will not enhance chances of being admitted. Documents submitted will not be returned.
Computer Science and Electrical Engineering applicants must upload supplemental material to their online application, please login to your application to upload or update supplemental material.
Do all of my application materials need to be submitted online?
Computer Science and Electrical Engineering applicants must submit all application requirements online, this includes uploaded transcripts and recommendations. No exceptions are made to the requirement.
Applicants to other programs are strongly encouraged to submit all required material online.
Be advised, official transcripts and test scores must be sent via postal mail and will be verified should you be recommended for admission upon review of online application material.
Do I need a degree in engineering to apply?
Ordinarily, the applicant will have majored in the field in which graduate study is intended, but in certain programs. preparation in a related field of engineering or science is acceptable. The applicant will be admitted only if the undergraduate record shows promise of productive and effective graduate work.
How should I pay the application fee?
Pay the application fee online using a major credit card. No other forms of payment are accepted.
Do you accept international/foreign checks for payment of the application fee?
No, the application fee must be paid using a major credit card via the online application system.
I am having technical problems with the online application system. Who should I contact?
It is best if you locate and contact the webmaster or technical support from your online application. If you continue to have the problem you may email the Office of Graduate Student Services at and we will contact them for you.
May I provide you with any background information about myself, such as GPA, education/experience, and or test score results to learn about my chances for admission or possibility for financial aid before applying?
No, faculty cannot comment prior to reviewing your complete application for admission.
There is no specific cutoff for standardized test scores or GPA.
If you are interested in admission we encourage you to submit a complete application along with the required documents.
back to topDeadlines
What are the deadlines for spring and fall semesters?
Applicants must submit their application and all supporting documents by the deadline dates.
I missed the application priority deadline, can I still apply?
No, applications received after the deadline will not be considered. If you have questions, please contact our office at seasgradmit@columbia.edu or 212-854-6438.
back to topFinancial Aid
What types of financial aid are available to international students?
International students may apply for admission with institutional aid consideration, such as Fellowships, Teaching and Research Assistantships. There is no separate application for institutional aid, just answer the relevant questions on the application for admission. This type of aid is awarded by the department to which you apply based on merit and the amount of funding available. All applicants who apply will be considered for this aid. You will be notified directly by the department along with or shortly after your admission decision if you are awarded any aid.
International students are encouraged to look for other sources of funding in addition to institutional aid, within their own country/government, and other resources such as private loans. Visit our general information webpage for more information.
What types of financial aid is available for domestic students?
Domestic students may apply for admission with institutional aid consideration, such as Fellowships, Teaching and Research Assistantships. There is no separate application for institutional aid, just answer the relevant questions on the application for admission. This type of aid is awarded by the department to which you apply based on merit and amount of funding available. All applicants who apply will be considered for this aid. You will be notified directly by the department along with or shortly after your admission decision if you are awarded any aid.
In addition, domestic students may be eligible for financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. Please complete a FAFSA form to find out if you qualify, besides grants they offer loans with low interest and more.
There may also be sources of funding available from philanthropic organizations, individuals, companies or others interested in awarding engineering students. Email for more information. Also, visit our general information webpage for more.
How do I apply for financial aid?
There is no separate application for institutional aid (Fellowships, Assistantships, etc.), just answer the relevant questions on the application for admission. This type of aid is awarded by the department to which you apply based on merit and the amount of funding available. You will be notified directly if you are awarded any aid by the department along with or shortly after your admission decision.
In addition, domestic students may be eligible for financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. Please complete a FAFSA form to find out if you qualify, besides grants they offer loans with low interest and more. Also, visit our
general information webpage for more.
How will I be informed if I have received any institutional funding/aid?
You will be notified directly by the department at the same time or shortly after your admission decision is made. Initially you may be notified over email or phone contact by a faculty member. You may also receive an official letter in the mail.
If you have not been awarded aid you may receive no communication regarding funding from the department. An admission acceptance may be offered without any funding.
Are students required to pay taxes on fellowship funds they receive?
Depending on how their funds are used students may or may not have to pay taxes on it. Normally it is not reported for tuition and fees, however if used for living expenses it is taxable. Students should consult with a tax professional or check publication 970 from the IRS website http://www.irs.gov/ for more information.
back to topStandardized Test Scores
My GRE and or TOEFL score(s) will expire soon. How do I know if the scores are still valid?
GRE scores expire 5 years from the test date. TOEFL scores expire 2 years from the test date. Expired test scores will not be accepted.
Who is required to take the TOEFL?
All applicants who earned their undergraduate degree in a country in which English is not the official and spoken language must take the TOEFL test.
What are the minimum GRE and TOEFL scores?
There are no minimum test score requirements, however, the average GRE scores for the entering class of Fall 2007 were
Verbal: 531
Quantitative: 775
Analytical Writing: 4.25
The average Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score is 619 (paper based), 269 (computer based), and 104 (internet based or IBT).
Do I need to take the GRE subject test?
If you are a doctoral applicant (MS leading to PhD, PhD, Eng.Sc.D.) applying to the Applied Physics program you are required to submit the official GRE Physics test score.
If you are a doctoral applicant to the Computer Science program you must submit the GRE Computer Science test score. The Mathematics or Physics Subject exams are acceptable alternatives if the student's major field of undergraduate study was not computer science.
I have entered my scores in the “test scores” section and or uploaded copies of my scores onto the online application. Do I still need to get an official score report sent to Columbia University?
Yes, although copies or self-reported scores can be used for review purposes, admission may not be granted without official test scores.
Send official scores from ETS to our institutional code 2111.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in another country, but I have a Master’s degree that was completed in the U.S. I am very fluent in the English language, and or I have resided in the US for many years. Do I still need to take the TOEFL test?
Yes, all applicants who earned their undergraduate degree in a country in which English is not the official and spoken language must take the TOEFL test.
I took another English language test, such as IELTS; can I use this test in place of the TOEFL requirement?
No, only the TOEFL test will be accepted.
I am a current graduate student and I took the TOEFL when I first applied and it is now expired. I want to apply to another program or degree do I need to take the test again?
No, as a current student you are already required to take the English Proficiency Test (EPT) at Columbia University and pass it at the level required for your degree. If you are admitted to a higher level degree, such as from M.S. to Ph.D. the score required to pass the EPT will be higher.
back to topTranscripts
My transcripts are not in English. What should I do?
All transcripts in another language must be translated by a reputable service provider or the institution itself. The official transcript must be sent in addition to the translated version.
My course grades are based on a different grading scale than the typical U.S. grading system. How can I determine my GPA?
Many translation or evaluation services can convert your grades to the U.S. scale. You must find such services on your own. The table below is the standard A-F grading scale used at most schools within Columbia University:
Grade |
GPA |
General Description |
|
A+ |
4.33 |
|
|
A |
4.00 |
Excellent |
|
A- |
3.67 |
|
|
B+ |
3.33 |
|
|
B |
3.00 |
Good |
|
B- |
2.67 |
|
|
C+ |
2.33 |
|
|
C |
2.00 |
Satisfactory |
|
C- |
1.67 |
|
|
D+ |
1.33 |
|
|
D |
1.00 |
Poor |
|
D- |
.67 |
|
|
F |
0.00 |
Fail |
Pass grades have no GPA value.
I uploaded copies of my official transcripts using the online application. Do I still need to submit official transcripts from each institution?
Yes, although copies of official transcripts can be used for review purposes, admission may not be granted without the official transcripts.
I only have an “in progress” transcript for my current program. Do I need to submit this transcript?
Yes, if you are enrolled or have taken courses it is required that you submit the transcript.
back to topLetters of Recommendation
How can my references submit their letters of recommendation?
Your references should submit their letters online. If you are applying to Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, references must be sent online. For these departments paper letters or forms will not be reviewed. Unfortunately, no exceptions will be made.
What is the deadline for the arrival of the recommendations supporting my application?
The application deadline includes all required material.
It is acceptable to submit your application for admission prior to your reference letters. References will be matched to your application when received. It is best to submit the application as early as possible and give your references time to send their letters by the deadline.
Are certain recommendation letters deemed more effective for the application?
A letter that addresses recollections of favorable personal interactions in a classroom or a laboratory setting is very valuable. Letters from professors in the student's department who have direct experience with the student and can clearly compare him/her to others in this class or prior classes are effective.
Also, letters from research supervisors in the student's chosen area are important. Research-oriented letters are encouraged for those applying at the Ph.D. level.
Where can I find the recommendation forms that I should send to my providers?
The online application contains the appropriate form and will be sent to the providers you listed on the application electronically. If you must send a paper version through regular mail it is acceptable if your reference provider submits a letter without the evaluation form.
back to topApplication Status and Admission Decisions
What happens to my application or supplemental material after it is submitted?
As soon as your submitted application and supplemental material is received it goes through a process to prepare for the admissions review. Due to the amount of applications and mail this process can take several weeks. It is normal that we do not communicate with you during this process.
You can expect an email notice informing you of your status after the deadline is met. At this time we begin to deliver complete applications to the appropriate departments for review on regularly scheduled dates. You will receive an email to inform you when your application was sent for review. If we still require some document(s) to complete your application you will receive an incomplete application notice after the deadline. Once your application becomes complete it will be delivered for review.
If you sent your application or any supplemental material late or close to the deadline you can expect the same process stated above. However, be advised that the sooner you submit a complete application the sooner it is processed and delivered for review by the admissions committee.
The process is different for Computer Science and Electrical Engineering applicants. Applicants login to their online application to upload material and check their status. The faculty admissions committee will review the application when it is complete online after the deadline at a time available to them.
How can I check the status of my application?
You can expect an email notice informing you of your status after the deadline is met, not before. At this time we begin to deliver complete applications to the appropriate departments for review on regularly scheduled dates. You will receive an email to inform you when your application was sent for review. If we still require some document(s) to complete your application you will receive an incomplete application notice after the deadline. Once your application becomes complete it will be delivered for review.
If you sent your application or any supplemental material late or close to the deadline you can expect to receive the same notice mentioned above. However, be advised that the sooner you submit a complete application, the sooner it is processed and the earlier it will deliver for review by admissions committee.
Please be advised, contacting our office for your status interrupts and can delay the processing of applications and supplemental material received for review. However, if it is necessary to inquire about your status email or call 212-854-6456.
The process is different for Computer Science and Electrical Engineering applicants. Applicants login to your online application to upload material and check your status. The faculty admissions committee will review your application when it is complete online after the deadline at the appropriate time available to them.
When will I receive a decision on my application?
A decision can be expected to be made within 8 weeks from the time the application came under review. Be advised, the decision could take more or less time depending on a variety of factors, including the selection of students for funding.
How will I be notified of the decision on my application?
You may be informed by the department to which you applied by email or phone call. However, this type of notice is usually done prior to verification of your transcripts and test scores. It is not a guarantee of admission until the verification is completed by the Graduate Student Services Office (GSS). The official notice of an accept offer will be communicated to you by GSS in a formal letter.
Be sure you have provided a current and valid mailing address as this will be used in all our mailings to you.
If I have been denied admission, may I receive reasons for this decision?
Unfortunately, due to the number of applications evaluated the admission committee is unable to provide applicants with specifics regarding the decision.
If I am admitted, but cannot attend for some reason can I defer my admission?
No, the School does not offer deferrals of admission. To be considered for one of the following two terms from the original application term you may reactivate your application. The reactivation application can be found online. The application fee will be waived and you can use previous application material.
If I am denied admission can I apply again in the future and how?
Yes, you may apply again by submitting a new application and supplemental material. Previously denied or incomplete applications cannot use the reactivation process.
If I am admitted, can I transfer to another program in SEAS?
No, you can not transfer into another academic program prior to enrollment. You have the option of enrolling in the academic program to which you were admitted. Then, you may apply to a different program after your first semester of study in the program to which you were admitted by submitting the Application for Current Graduate Students.
back to topM.S. Degree
May I transfer credits from my current school towards a graduate degree at Columbia?
No, transfer credits from other institutions are not counted toward the M.S. degree at Columbia. Students must complete the entire M.S. degree (minimum 30 credits) at Columbia.
See the online bulletin under Graduate Studies for details.
How long does it take to complete the M.S. program?
Full-time students can complete the program in two to three semesters, those attending part-time may require additional semesters. A minimum of 30 credits are required for the degree.
back to topProfessional Degree
What is the professional degree?
The programs leading to the professional degree are for engineers who wish to do advanced work beyond the level of the M.S. degree but who do not desire to emphasize research. The degree is not offered in all concentrations. Check the bulletin for department degree offerings here.
What are the degree requirements?
The professional degree is awarded for satisfactory completion of a graduate program at a higher level of course work than is normally completed for the M.S. degree. At least 30 points of credit of graduate work beyond the M.S. degree, or 60 points of graduate work beyond the B.S. degree are required for the professional degree.
back to topM.S. leading to Ph.D. Track Program (M.S./Ph.D.)
What is the M.S. leading to Ph.D. Track Program?
An M.S. is required to apply directly to the Ph.D. program. Therefore, if you have not earned the M.S. degree then you can apply to the M.S. leading to Ph.D. track program. If accepted into this program you will study towards earning the M.S. first and continue on for the Ph.D.
Computer Science and Electrical Engineering applicants who want to apply to the M.S. leading to Ph.D. track program must select the Ph.D. option on their online application.
Ph.D. and Eng.Sc.D. Degree
The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied science offers two doctoral degrees: Eng. Sc. D. and Ph.D. What is the difference between these two degrees?
The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science awards the Doctor of Engineering Science (Eng.Sc.D.) degree. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is administered through and awarded by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Both programs have identical academic requirements with regard to courses, thesis and examination, but differ in residence requirements and in certain administrative details. For further information, please see Requirements for the Degrees.
See the online bulletin under Graduate Programs for details.
Can I apply to the Ph.D. program without a Master’s degree?
Yes, however if you are accepted you must complete the M.S. at Columbia University before continuing toward the Ph.D. This is referred to as the M.S.-Ph.D. Track Program.
I applied to the Ph.D. program but was admitted to the M.S. only. What does this mean? Can I still apply to the Ph.D. program again later?
On your application for admission you indicated that you wish to be considered for the M.S. only should your application be denied to the Ph.D. program. Your application was denied to the Ph.D., reconsidered, and accepted for the M.S. only.
You may apply again to the Ph.D. degree as a current M.S. student or if you do not enroll you may apply by reactivation of your previous application, the application fee is waived. We encourage you to update already submitted material to enhance your application. However, if your previous application is over one year old and you are not a current student you must submit a new application and pay the application fee.
back to topSpecial Non-Degree Status
What non-degree study options are available, who should apply, and how?
The following categories exist for non-degree/special students:
- Non-degree/Special - Qualified persons who are not interested in a degree program but who wish only to take certain courses may be permitted to register as special students, provided facilities are available.
A complete application is required just as if applying to a graduate degree program.
Should a special student decide to apply for a degree program later, no more than 15 points of graduate engineering courses may be counted toward the M.S. degree.
- One-Term Special - This category exists primarily for those who are interested in a particular field, but are uncertain if they would like to complete an entire degree program and those who have begun the application process but need more time to fulfill all application requirements.
One-term special students are allowed to register for a maximum of six graduate credits. Students who take courses through the one-term special and who later matriculate are usually allowed to apply those credits to their graduate engineering degree program with faculty approval. Before registration confirm that the courses will be applicable to that program.
Registration for one-term special students generally takes place within the first week of registration for the given term. Students interested in applying to the one-term special program must come to the Office of Graduate Student Services, 524 S.W. Mudd, 500 West 120th Street to complete the One Term Special Application and to submit the appropriate application fee. For additional information on this program you may call (212) 854-6456 or e-mail .
- Columbia Video Network (CVN) - Individuals who find it difficult or impossible to attend classes on the Columbia campus may be able to receive instruction from the School through the Columbia Video Network without leaving their work sites. Individuals interested in this program should read the section describing the CVN programs on the CVN Website.
- School of Continuing Education -
Visiting undergraduate, graduate, and high school students with qualifying academic records are welcome to study on a nondegree basis at Columbia through the School of Continuing Education during the academic year and summer.
Studying at Columbia during the academic year or summer offers access to hundreds of credit-bearing, challenging academic courses across all of the departments of the Arts and Sciences, taught by Columbia's imminent faculty. Visiting students study with matriculated Columbia graduate and undergraduate students and are granted the use of the University's resources, including the libraries and athletic facilities. The School of Continuing Education's Office of Student Affairs provides visiting students with guidance and academic advising and help them navigate the University.
Joint Programs
What joint programs are offered with the School of Business?
The School of Engineering and Applied Science offers joint programs with the Graduate School of Business leading to the following degrees:
Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Operations Research
Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Earth Resources Engineering
Interested applicants must apply to the engineering and business schools separately. Each school has different admission requirements. The applicant must be accepted to both the M.B.A and M.S.
back to topFinancial Engineering, M.S. only program
The online application indicates fall only as a term choice for the Financial Engineering Program. Does this program start in the summer? Why can’t I select summer or spring term on the online application?
Students in the Financial Engineering program are only accepted for fall admission. However, classes do begin in the summer for this particular program.
If you are interested in this program you must apply for fall admission. If you are accepted be prepared to start classes in the summer. This situation occurs only for the Financial Engineering Program.
I have been admitted to the M.S. in Financial Engineering, but I can’t attend during the summer for some reason. May I start the program later or in the fall?
It is very important to start the program in the summer as required. Accepted students are expected to be available for the summer. It is the decision of the department to allow a new student to come later. If you have recently been accepted to this program and have this problem please contact: Jenny Mak at or 212-854-0757 (accepted students only).
back to topMisc. Questions:
Does SEAS offer evening courses?
Yes, many graduate courses in The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science are offered in the late afternoon and evening in order to make them available to working individuals.
What is the tuition for academic year 2008-2009?
Graduate students enrolled in M.S., Professional Degree and Eng.Sc.D. degree programs, pay $1,248 per credit. Graduate tuition for Ph.D. students is $34,364 or $17,182 per Residence Unit.
What is the entering class size of graduate students at SEAS?
We seek to enroll 400 incoming graduate students each fall.
What is the total student population at Columbia University?
In Fall 2006, the total student population was 24,644: 7,467 undergraduate students, 15,245 graduate students, and 1,932 in continuing education and special programs.
What is the total graduate student population at SEAS?
The total graduate student population at SEAS is approximately 1400.
How many graduate applications do you receive at SEAS? How many applicants are accepted?
In the Fall 2007, we received 4,229 applications. The overall acceptance rate was 35%.
What is the percentage of foreign/international students?
In Fall 2007, the percentage of foreign/international students enrolled was approximately 60%.
back to top