A wide diversity of experiences and perspectives in the graduate student body enhances Columbia’s academic life: Graduate students work closely with the faculty, constitute the classroom context for their peers, and make substantive contributions to the University's pedagogical and research enterprise.
We ask that you provide a statement (maximum of 1,000 words) that explains how your personal experiences and history will allow you to contribute to the wealth of perspectives in the entering class of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and in the Columbia community at large.
Read MoreWhile GREs are necessary for many graduate programs at Columbia, they are not required for OHMA applicants. TOEFL scores are required by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for many international applicants. For more information about TOEFL reporting, please review the GSAS FAQ and International Students pages.
Read MoreWe want to know that you are capable of writing something in an academic (or similar) format.
It doesn't necessarily have to be related to the topic you intend on researching. We just want to see that you know how to write clearly. The sample should be 10-15 pages in length.
Read MoreMany of our students find financial aid from federal loans, private sources or companies and we encourage all students to look for such support. We also encourage you to speak with Columbia University's financial services center to learn more about the aid for which you are eligible. For more information about each of these sources visit the GSAS Tuition and Financial Aid webpage.
Read MoreDue to the intensive curriculum, we highly recommend that students attend full-time; however, it is possible to attend part-time. Part-time students usually finish the program in 2 to 2.5 years. If a student is planning on attending part-time, s/he must meet with the Program Coordinator to set up a long-term schedule upon acceptance to the program. Please also note that most of the required courses are only offered during the daytime.
Read MoreWe don't have a set number of students we admit. Each year the number varies based on the strength of the applications. We evaluate each application carefully and completely before making this decision. We are a small program growing each year as the number of quality applications has increased.
Read MoreSome students come in with a specific plan of study, but some do not. After your first month of classes, you will probably have a much clearer idea of what you want to research and with whom you want to work. In the meantime, as you prepare your application, we recommend reading about the bios of professors at Columbia whose work interests you.
Read MoreOur alums have gone on to PhD programs, oral history organizations and nonprofits, research instiutes, and other projects and organizations. For more information about what our alums do now, click on our Meet Our Alumni tab above.
Read MoreColumbia GSAS now permits applicants to be reviewed by a second program if they do not receive an offer of admission from their first choice program, with the following restrictions:
- All second choices are free-standing Masters of Arts programs.
- Not all programs permit a second choice.
- Columbia GSAS cannot guarantee that an application will receive a second review. Review is contingent upon deadline and space availability in the second program.
- Selection of a second review does not affect the review of your application by the program of your first choice.
- You must select the additional review option at the time of submission of your application; you CANNOT request this option after the application has been submitted.
- Applicants must upload a separate Statement of Academic Purpose and submit any extra supporting materials required for the second program. Transcripts, letters and test scores should only be submitted once. However, if your second program requires a writing sample you are required to upload a second writing sample.
- Applicants applying for the Spring Term are not eligible.
- Applicants will be able to view and opt for a second choice (if applicable) after selecting their first choice. Do not submit a second application.
Read MoreYes! We encourage prospective students to do so. OHMA has biweekly workshops that are free and open to the public. For upcoming events, please click here. If you would like to attend one of our classes please contact Caitlin Deighan to make appropriate arrangements.
Read MoreWhen you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation which means that your application has been received. There are also two ways to check on your application.
The first is to use the tracking number given to you when you submitted the application online. If this shows you have materials missing that you are sure you've submitted, please contact the GSAS Admissions Office directly, as they receive all materials first before sending them to departments. GSAS Admissions can be reached by calling (212) 854-8903, or emailing gsas-admit@columbia.edu.
Read MoreNo, we only accept students for Fall entry. Students enter at the same time then take courses together which enhances the quality of the courses and student learning.
Read MoreOHMA is a terminal MA program, which means that it does not feed directly into any other programs. This is a plus for our students as we are able to focus on them as Masters students without other distractions. Several of our students have choose to continue on in their graduate study by applying to PhD programs.
Read MoreOur code is 2162. The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences does not use department codes, as all application materials should be sent to the admissions office only.
Read MoreWe begin making decisions in early May. If you have special circumstances (e.g. need to notify other schools of your decision before a certain date) please let us know and we will try to accommodate your needs.
Read MorePlease contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO):
Columbia University
2960 Broadway, Code 5724
New York, N.Y. 10027
Tel: (212) 854-3587
M, T, Th, F: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
W: 10:30am - 5:00pm
Tel: (212) 854-3587 e-mail: isso@columbia.edu
Read MoreWe do require 3 recommendations, and we are looking to hear from people who know you and your career goals/trajectory, and who can speak specifically to how this program is the next logical step for you.
While typically for most people this means the recs will come from a former teacher/professor or employer, it also can be from a co-worker, or a personal reference.
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