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Electrical Engineering MS Bridge Program FAQ

The Electrical Engineering MS Bridge Program is designed to prepare highly qualified students without an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or closely related fields for success in Columbia’s Master of Science programs. These Bridge pathways provide a clear and structured route for students who may be missing specific foundational coursework required for direct admission into the Electrical Engineering program.

With the appropriate preparation, students with varied academic and professional backgrounds are able to build the technical foundation needed to excel in graduate-level study and contribute meaningfully to advanced coursework and research. By offering a preparatory, part-time, non-degree pathway, the ELEN Bridge Programs strengthen students’ confidence, technical capability, and readiness for success in the MS curriculum.

Qualified applicants are expected to have completed college-level mathematics through Multivariable Calculus (comparable to APMA E2000) and calculus-based physics with laboratory experience (comparable to PHYS UN1401, PHYS UN1402, PHYS UN1403, and PHYS UN1494).

The ELEN Bridge Programs include multiple tracks aligned with students’ intended areas of specialization. Tracks are designed to prepare students for advanced study in areas such as circuits, devices, and smart electric energy, as well as signals, artificial intelligence, networking, communications, systems biology, and computer engineering. Detailed course requirements for each track are outlined below.

MS in Electrical Engineering

  • How do I apply?

    Interested students should apply using the On-Campus MS and PhD Programs application.

  • For whom has the ELEN Bridge Program been designed? What sort of background is appropriate?

    The Bridge Program is designed to attract top candidates who have undergraduate majors outside of electrical engineering but have prior exposure to college-level mathematics, computer programming, and physics equivalent to the following courses at Columbia:

    Multivariable Calculus

    • APMA E2000

    Computer Programming (Python, C, Java, etc.)

    • COMS W1004
    • ENGI E1006

    College-level Physics - 2 semesters one of which must cover electromagnetics

    • Intro to Mechanics and Thermodynamics, PHYS UN1401
    • Intro to Electromagnetism and Optics, PHYS UN1402
    • Intro to Classical and Quantum Waves, PHYS UN1403
    • Physics Laboratory, PHYS UN1494

    The Bridge Program is a part-time, non-degree-seeking program.  It is designed solely to strengthen students’ backgrounds in preparation for their masters studies.  Because it is a part-time program, it does not sponsor F-1 visas.  After admission to the ELEN MS program, F-1 visa sponsorship becomes available.

  • What is the curriculum of the ELEN Bridge program that will prepare me for the MS in ELEN?

    The ELEN Bridge Program has a choice of two tracks, allowing students to gain necessary foundational competencies to match their interests in an area of specialization within the MS curriculum. One track prepares students for specializing in circuits, devices, or smart electric energy. The other track prepares students for specialization in signals, AI, networking, communications, systems biology, or computer engineering.

    Track 1: circuits, devices, or smart electric energyTrack 2: signals, AI, networking, communications, systems biology, or computer engineering

    ELEN E1201 (or spring or summer)

    ELEN E3201 & ELEN E3081

    ELEN E3106

    APMA E2101 (or fall)

    ELEN E3331 & ELEN E3083

    ELEN E3401

    ELEN E1201 (or spring)

    ELEN E3201 & ELEN E3081

    ELEN E3801 & ELEN E3084

    APMA E2101 (or fall)

    ELEN E3701

    IEOR E3658 (or fall)

    Total credits: 22.5Total credits: 21.5
  • I’ve previously taken similar courses to the ELEN Bridge Program; can certain courses be waived?

    Yes, it may be possible for some of the requirements to be waived based on previous courses you have taken. A minimum grade of B is required. Once admitted, you will be able to consult with the ELEN Bridge Program Advisor, providing the course description and syllabus for review.

  • Is the ELEN Bridge Program a full-time or part-time program?

    The ELEN Bridge Program is an in-person, part-time program that can be completed in as few as 2 semesters. Courses may be sequenced as follows:

    Track 1 (22.5 credits total) 
    Fall (11.5 credits)Spring (11 credits)

    ELEN E1201 (or spring or summer)

    ELEN E3201 & ELEN E3081

    ELEN E3106

    APMA E2101 (or fall)

    ELEN E3331 & ELEN E3083

    ELEN E3401

     

    Track 2 (21.5 credits total) 
    Fall (12.5 credits)Spring (9 credits)

    ELEN E1201 (or spring)

    ELEN E3201 & ELEN E3081

    ELEN E3801 & ELEN E3084

    APMA E2101 (or fall)

    ELEN E3701

    IEOR E3658 (or fall)

  • How do I transition into the MS program after completing the Bridge curriculum?

    Once you have successfully completed the Bridge requirements, you must complete the Bridge Transition Application. If you are unsure if you have completed the required coursework, please email Electrical Engineering Advising for a progress check. After submitting your Bridge Transition Application, if you meet the requirements, you will formally transition to the MS program.

  • When is the Electrical Engineering Bridge Program application deadline?

    The priority deadline for complete applications is February 15th. In order to be considered complete for review, your application should be submitted, and all materials should be received (including letters of reference).

  • How long is the Electrical Engineering Bridge Program?

    The ELEN Bridge program is an in-person, part-time curriculum that can be completed in as few as 2 semesters.

  • Is there a minimum GPA to transition into the MS programs in Electrical Engineering?

    Yes, students are expected to maintain a minimum 3.3 GPA in the bridge courses.