Areas of Study

Nearly 100 undergraduate areas of study are offered at Columbia. 17 in Columbia Engineering from Applied Physics to Technological Entrepreneurship. Engineers can minor in one of several engineering or liberal arts tracks ranging from Dance to Religion. Joint Programs offer additional opportunities with Columbia graduate schools and other institutions.

In this page:

Areas of Study

Liberal Arts Minors & Programs

Pre-Medical, Dental and Law Programs

Columbia Engineering prepares its students to enter any number of graduate programs and professions outside of what is generally thought of as the engineering field. In an increasingly technological society, where the line between humanities and technology is becoming increasingly blurred, individuals with a thorough grounding in applied mathematics and the physical and engineering sciences find themselves highly sought after as professionals in practically all fields of endeavor.

Engineering students interested in pursuing graduate work in such areas as architecture, business, education, journalism, or law will find themselves well prepared to meet the generally flexible admissions requirements of most professional schools. Undergraduate students should, however, make careful inquiry into the kinds of specific preparatory work that may be required for admission into highly specialized programs such as medicine.

It is necessary to apply for admission to health professions schools a little over one year in advance of the entry date. If candidates are interested in going directly on to health professions school following graduation, they should complete all requirements and the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) by the summer following the junior year. It is, however, entirely acceptable to delay application and entrance to these schools several years beyond graduation, if desired.

The Engineering School’s curriculum covers many of the premedical courses required by medical schools. However, in addition to completing the mathematics, chemistry, and physics courses required by the First Year–Sophomore Program, most medical schools ask for a full year of organic chemistry, a full year of biology, and a full year of English.

Students fulfilling the curriculum at Columbia Engineering are well prepared to apply to and enter professional schools of law, which generally do not require any specific pre-law course work.

Columbia has an Office of Pre-Professional Advising to assist its students with applicants to medical, dental and law school. The mission of the Office of Pre-Professional Advising is to help Columbia College and Columbia Engineering students and alumni identify and refine their interests in professional school (law, medicine and other health professions including dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry, etc.), provide guidance and support throughout the professional school application process and manage the pre-medical evaluation and the law school dean’s certification process. This guidance can be related to curriculum, course selection, professionally related extra-curricular opportunities, selection of schools, application requirements and procedures.

Joint Programs

The Combined Plan (4-1) Program with Columbia College

Under this plan, a student enrolls at Columbia Engineering for four years, then attends Columbia College for one year and is awarded both the Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and the Bachelor of Arts degree  (upon completion of the fifth year). This five-year program is optional at Columbia, but the School recommends it to all students who wish greater enrichment in the liberal arts and pure sciences.

School of Law

Each year Columbia Engineering may nominate two highly qualified juniors for a joint program with the Columbia University School of Law, enabling students to complete the requirements for the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Jurisprudence in six years instead of seven. Students should speak to the Office of Pre-Professional Advising to express their interest and prepare to take the LSAT by February of their junior year. The application process is conducted March through April. 

School of International and Public Affairs

Columbia Engineering and the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia offer a joint program enabling a small number of students to complete the requirements for the degrees of Bachelor of Science and Master of International Affairs in five years instead of six. Not only an excellent academic record but also maturity, fluency in an appropriate foreign language, and pertinent experience will determine admission to this program. Applications are processed in the junior year by the Center for Student Advising.