Available Programs
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CS@CU MS Bridge Program in Computer Science
The CS@CU MS Bridge Program in Computer Science is a well-established pathway for students without a formal undergraduate background in computer science. The program provides comprehensive preparation in programming, data structures, discrete mathematics, and core computing concepts.
Students apply directly to the Bridge Program and, upon successful completion of the required coursework and GPA benchmarks, transition into the MS in Computer Science.
Program structure
- Part-time, non-degree Bridge program
- Apply to the CS@CU MS Bridge Program via the graduate application
- Transition to the MS upon successful completion
- Not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship during the Bridge phase
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IEOR MS Bridge Program
The IEOR MS Bridge Program is designed to equip students for success in the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) or the Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering (MS&E) programs. The Bridge Program provides a clear and structured pathway for students who may lack some of the quantitative, coding, or data science skills required for direct admission.
Business Analytics MS Bridge Program
The MS in Business Analytics Bridge Program is designed for students with strong academic or professional potential who need additional preparation in quantitative methods, computing, or data science before transitioning into the Master of Science in Business Analytics.
Students apply directly to the Bridge Program and, upon successful completion, transition into the MS in Business Analytics.
Program structure
- Part-time, non-degree Bridge program
- Apply to the Business Analytics MS Bridge Program via the graduate application
- Transition to MS after Bridge completion
- Not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship during the Bridge phase
Management Science and Engineering MS Bridge Program
The Management Science and Engineering Program prepares students from non-engineering or partially quantitative backgrounds for advanced study in management science, optimization, analytics, and systems engineering prior to transitioning into the MS&E MS curriculum.
Students apply directly to the Bridge Program and, upon successful completion, transition into the MS in Business Analytics.
Program structure
- Part-time, non-degree Bridge program
- Apply to the Management Science and Engineering MS Bridge Program via the graduate application
- Transition to MS after Bridge completion
- Not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship during the Bridge phase
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Electrical Engineering MS Bridge Program
The Electrical Engineering MS Bridge Program supports students from related quantitative or scientific backgrounds who lack formal electrical engineering training. Students complete targeted foundational coursework aligned with their intended area of specialization before transitioning fully into MS-level study.
Program structure
- Part-time, non-degree Bridge program
- Apply to the Electrical Engineering MS Bridge Program via the graduate application
- Transition to MS after successful completion
- Not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship during the Bridge phase
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Biomedical Engineering MS Preparation Pathway
The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering welcomes high-achieving students from a range of academic backgrounds, including other engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil) and allied sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, computer science). While Biomedical Engineering does not offer a formal Bridge Program, admitted students may be required to complete additional coursework—beyond the standard MS curriculum—if specific foundational gaps are identified during the admissions review.
Program structure
- Full-time or part-time MS enrollment
- Apply directly to the Biomedical Engineering MS program. If additional preparatory coursework is required, it will be specified in the admission offer.
- Eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship
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Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics MS Bridge Program
The Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics MS Bridge Program supports students without a civil engineering undergraduate degree by providing focused preparation in mechanics, fluids, structures, and related areas. Bridge requirements are determined at admission and completed prior to or alongside graduate coursework.
Program structure
- Full-time or part-time MS enrollment
- Bridge coursework integrated into MS program
- No separate Bridge application is required. Apply directly to the Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Master of Science program.
- Eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship
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Chemical Engineering Scientist-to-Engineer (S2E) Program
The Scientist-to-Engineer (S2E) program is an integrated pathway within the MS in Chemical Engineering for students without an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.
Students complete an intensive, accelerated set of undergraduate-level chemical engineering courses during their first semester, covering core concepts needed for success in the graduate curriculum. Degree completion is typically achieved in three semesters.
Program structure
- Full-time or part-time MS enrollment
- Bridge coursework completed within the MS program
- No separate Bridge application is required. Apply directly to the Chemical Engineering Master of Science program.
- Eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship
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Mechanical Engineering MS Bridge Program (Coming Soon)
The Mechanical Engineering MS Bridge Program prepares students without an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering to enter the MS in Mechanical Engineering curriculum with confidence. The program emphasizes core areas such as mechanics, thermal fluids, design, and materials.
Bridge requirements are assigned upon admission to the MS program and are completed prior to or alongside graduate coursework.
Program structure
- Full-time or part-time MS enrollment
- Bridge coursework integrated into MS program
- No separate Bridge application is required. Apply directly to the Mechanical Engineering Master of Science program.
- Eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship
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Computer Engineering Bridge Program
The Columbia Computer Engineering MS Bridge program will enable students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science to take preparatory courses before enrolling in the CE MS degree program. The Computer Engineering Bridge Program offers two distinct tracks, enabling students to acquire the essential foundational skills tailored to their specific interests within the MS curriculum. One track is designed for students aiming to specialize in Computer Systems (Track A), while the other prepares students for specializing in Computer Chip Design (Track B). Students complete targeted foundational coursework aligned with their intended area of specialization before transitioning fully into MS-level study.
Program structure
- Part-time, non-degree program
- Apply to the Computer Engineering MS Bridge Program via the graduate application
- Transition to the Computer Engineering MS after successful completion
- Not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship during the bridge program
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who should consider an MS Bridge Program?
MS Bridge Programs are ideal for students with strong academic or professional records who may be missing specific undergraduate coursework required for direct entry into an engineering MS program.
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Do Bridge Programs lead to a degree?
Yes, the goal is the students complete the corresponding Master’s of Science program they have been admitted to. Note that the Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Business Analytics, and Management Science + Engineering bridge programs are not degree-granting on their own. These serve as a pathway into a Columbia Engineering MS program, after which students complete degree requirements. The Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, and Mechanical Engineering bridge programs are integrated into the MS program, and thus are degree-seeking programs.
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Are Bridge students eligible for student visas?
This will vary by program. Students enrolled directly in the Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, and Mechanical Engineering bridge programs are eligible for F-1 visas
Students in the Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Business Analytics, and Management Science + Engineering bridge programs are not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship until they transition into the MS.
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Can Bridge requirements be waived?
In many programs, previously completed coursework may be reviewed for possible waivers, typically requiring a minimum grade of B or higher.
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When are application deadlines?
The priority deadline for most Bridge Programs is February 15. Applicants are encouraged to review individual program pages for the most up-to-date information.
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What materials are required to apply?
The following materials must accompany the online application for on-campus graduate programs.
- Transcripts
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Personal Statement
- Resumé or Curriculum Vitae
- Video Interview
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores (optional)
- English Language Exam Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) required for applicants educated in a country other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and the United States of America.
- $85 non-refundable application fee (payable by a major credit card through the online application system)
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How do I apply?
Interested students should apply using the On-Campus MS and PhD Programs application found here.
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Doctoral Admissions
Applicants who already have a Master of Science degree or equivalent may apply directly to the doctoral degree program. All applicants are expected to have earned the bachelor’s degree in engineering or in a cognate scientific program.
Applications for admission with financial aid are due in December for the fall semester in the next academic year. All applications must be submitted by mid-February for the fall semester and by the beginning of October for the spring semester. Final decisions for fall admissions will be sent out the week of April 15.
Requirements
Please refer to the School of Engineering and Applied Science's Graduate Admissions website for full application details.
The Engineering School does not admit students holding the BS degree directly to doctoral studies; admission is offered either to the MS program or to the MS program/doctoral track. Admissions standards for the latter category are generally higher than for the former.
Applicants holding an appropriate MS degree from another institution may apply directly to the doctoral program. The Department of Biomedical Engineering also admits students into the 4-2 program, which provides the opportunity for students holding a bachelor’s degree from certain physical sciences to receive the MS degree after two years of study at Columbia.
Graduate Fellowships
All graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply for individual fellowships, such as those awarded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense. Students in our department have been highly successful in obtaining these awards and some (but not all) opportunities are listed below. Once admitted, our graduate fellowship advisor, Professor Lance Kam can provide more information on applying for external fellowships.
Do not hesitate to contact individual faculty advisors to discuss application support.- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans (For recent recipients of U.S. permanent residency status of citizenship)
- Fulbright Programs for Foreign Students
- Fulbright Programs for U.S. Students
- Further resources
Eligible master’s students from underrepresented minorities can apply for GEM Fellowships.
Every year, we elect several of our most outstanding new applicants to receive a Presidential Fellowship from the Office of the Dean of Engineering. This prestigious award covers stipend and full tuition for graduate studies within the Department for a minimum of four years. -
MS leading to PhD Program
The MS leading to PhD program provides an opportunity for bright students who have not yet received a Master's degree to apply to PhD studies at Columbia Biomedical Engineering. Once accepted, students will complete their MS degree requirements in conjunction with their PhD research with a faculty advisor in the lab.
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Doctoral Committee and Thesis
Each student is expected to submit a research proposal and present it to a thesis committee that consists of at least three faculty members.
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Doctoral Qualifying Examination
The Biomedical Engineering doctoral qualifying exam is an important evaluation of a student’s mastery of broad, coursework-based knowledge and their ability to analyze, synthesize, present, and discuss contemporary concepts in a specific area of research.
Gotham Foundry Launches in Style
Photos by Chris Taggart/Columbia Engineering
At Gotham Foundry’s Sept. 22 launch event, leaders from across New York City gathered at Columbia’s Jerome L. Greene Science Center for the exciting debut, which included a biomaterials exhibition, a fashion show of bio-derived designs, and remarks from Gotham Foundry Director Helen Lu; Columbia University Provost Angela Olinto; Andrew Kimball, CEO of NYCEDC; Adolfo Carrión, Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce; Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president, FIT; Rosemarie Wesson, associate vice chancellor and university vice provost for Research at CUNY; and Neena Chakrabarti, PhD, who spoke on behalf of Genspace; as well as Janet Rodriguez, founder and CEO of SoHarlem.
Community partners from Harlem Biospace and Communitas America were also in attendance, along with faculty from the Gotham Foundry Materials Innovation Team, a transdisciplinary network of engineering and science faculty at Columbia, CUNY, and FIT.
The featured materials exhibit, “Regenerative Vision,” showcased the work of more than 30 start-ups and research teams, demonstrating the transformative power of regenerative materials and green manufacturing approach in the industries Gotham Foundry will initially target: fashion textiles, construction, and healthcare. The event closed with young designers from SoHarlem, an incubator for cultural industries, sporting green fashions they had created as part of their entrepreneurship program with legendary designer Dapper Dan.
Gotham Foundry is initially located at Harlem Biospace at the Mink building in West Harlem. Its permanent home will be in a new Columbia Engineering building on the Manhattanville campus—currently in planning, and set to break ground in 2027 and open in 2030.
“We are thrilled to launch the Gotham Foundry with our partners and the support of the NYCEDC, led by Professor Helen Lu, a true pioneer in regenerative materials,” said Shih-Fu Chang, Dean of Columbia Engineering. “We are looking forward to creating a leading hub for biofabrication and the circular economy as part of a growing innovation ecosystem in Upper Manhattan, bringing together our own history of breakthrough research in sustainability with other academic researchers, industry innovators, and community partners in job training and education.”
“A bold vision for our future is that all human-made products emulate nature’s circular life cycle by demonstrating desired performance and being fully regenerative or degradable at the end of service. Establishment of Gotham Foundry is a major step in fulfilling this vision,” said Lu. “We are so grateful to the NYCEDC for supporting this project and our partners for their ongoing collaboration and commitment. We are eager to seize this opportunity to build a more sustainable future through the promise of novel regenerative materials, while boosting the city’s economy and training a skilled future manufacturing workforce.”
Today, the global market for sustainable materials is valued at $358 billion and is expected to grow to $800 billion by 2032. Advancing innovation in sustainable and biomaterials has the potential to transform key industries that drive New York City's economy, from fashion and construction to plastics and medical supplies. Researchers at Columbia and partner institutions will collectively share their knowledge and rich expertise to bring new materials innovations to industry and consumers. Gotham Foundry will serve as an ecosystem for innovation to fuel a green economy, not just for R&D but to cultivate startups, for education, training, and workforce development, and to become the centralized space open to creators and designers who seek access to a state-of-the-art facility and its resources.
Through its tightly integrated consortium, Gotham Foundry is redefining how infrastructure and commercialization efforts are coordinated. Gotham Foundry will leverage existing infrastructure at Harlem Biospace (for biofabrication and biocharacterization, technical consult, materials library, and training programs), ASRC (for advanced and complex materials characterization), FIT (for fashion prototyping, production, and design), and Genspace (for workforce training).
The new hub is expected to generate $5.12 billion in economic output over the next three decades and will create career opportunities for New Yorkers, including through workforce training programs for entrepreneurs and students. It is supported by LifeSci NYC, the city’s $1 billion initiative to create 40,000 jobs over the next 10 to 15 years, and puts into action the city’s Green Economy Action Plan, a vision that integrates economic and talent development in this space. Gotham Foundry will leverage Columba’s established partnerships with its surrounding community to create opportunities for students and job seekers interested in learning skills for the green economy and to empower the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
Lead Photo Caption: From left to right: Kate Ascher, co-director of Gotham Foundry (GF) and professor of practice of urban development at Columbia; Rein Ulijn, co-director of GF and founding director of the CUNY ASRC Nanoscience Initiative; Helen Lu, director of GF and Percy K. and Vida L.W. Hudson Professor of Biomedical Engineering; Theanne Schiros, co-director of GF and associate professor at FIT; and Neena Chakrabarti, board member at Genspace.
Lead Photo Credit: Chris Taggart/Columbia Engineering