Frequently Asked Questions

Have I satisfied the Core Requirements? If I haven't, how can I find out which courses I need to fulfill?

The Core Curriculum is the cornerstone of a Columbia education. The Degree Audit Report (DAR) in Student Services On-Line (SSOL) shows a comprehensive listing of fulfilled and unfulfilled Core Requirements. "Core Requirements" can also be found in the Columbia College Bulletin or the SEAS Bulletin. Students should stop by the Junior Senior Advising Center to speak with an advisor regarding the completion of their Core Requirements.

Who is my major advisor and how can I get information from my department?

Each department advises students differently. Please speak to the Director of Undergraduate Study of your major department for more information. To find the Director of Undergraduate Study, please see the Advising Resources Web site.

What can I do with my major?

Students should speak to the Directors of Undergraduate Study in their departments for information about careers within their fields. In addition, the Advising Resources Web site offers a "Major Comparator Tool" that includes career-related information for each major. Alumni networking may also be a useful tool to determine the kind of career to pursue, and how it can relate to the major. Students may explore alumni networking through programs offered by the Center for Career Education, the Columbia College Young Alumni Office (for CC students) and the E-community.

Do I need to have a major (versus a concentration)?

Because Columbia understands that students may prefer to only concentrate in order to take advantage of the breadth of courses in other disciplines, only a concentration is required for graduation.

How do I get started in choosing a concentration/minor/double-major?

Students interested in selecting a concentration, minor or second major should visit talk to the Director of Undergraduate Studies in the department(s) of interest and attend departmental open houses. Taking courses in fields you wish to pursue, as well as contacting peer advisors in those departments offer additional opportunities to explore the field.

Advisors in the Junior Senior Advising Center can also assist students to assess the feasbility of completing additional tracks of study and requirements.

How do I fix a mistake on my Degree Audit Report (DAR)?

Students who have DAR problems with their major or concentration, should contact their department; only the departments can change this section of the DAR. For any other questions or discrepancies, students must see their advising center as soon as possible.

How do I take the swim test?

The ever-elusive swim test is given the first Friday of every month between 12 - 2pm. Just show up at the pool! The swim test consists of successfully swimming three lengths of the pool.

How do I register for Internship R credit?

Columbia College and SEAS students who complete and submit a Request for Internship "R" Credit are eligible to receive R credit on their transcripts for successfully completed internships. For more information, please see R Credit for Internships.

* Internship "R" credit is NOT academic credit. It does not affect the total number of credits needed for graduation, and since no grades are assigned, it does not affect the Grade Point Average.

** Juniors are NOT eligible to audit courses for regular R credit. Only CC Seniors may audit and receive R credit for academic courses.

Can I take classes at other universities or abroad?

While Columbia accepts visiting students from other universities, Columbia students are not generally allowed to take classes at other universities. Columbia currently maintains exchange programs with Spelman College and with Howard University. For taking summer courses at outside universities, including schools abroad, visit summer course policies and procedures for CC or for SEAS. CC and SEAS students may also be eligible to study abroad during the school year.

What paperwork do I have to fill out for study abroad, and when are the deadlines?

Students are responsible for applying for the program(s) they are interested in independently of the forms they must fill out for Columbia, even when attending a Columbia-sponsored program. Students should begin their search at the College or Engineering Web site, apply, and fill out either a College or Engineering planning form to bring to their class dean. They need to fill out a clearance form to be cleared by their class dean, and a registration form. Both of these forms must be completed by November 15 for the spring semester, or by April 15 for summer, fall, and full year programs. Additionally, students need to have their department pre-approve their courses by filling out the study abroad credit approval forms. For more information on your study abroad search, procedures, and necessary forms, please visit the Study Abroad Web site.

Can I take courses at other Columbia schools?

Columbia College students may take courses listed in the Columbia College Bulletin nor in the bulletins of Barnard College and the School of General Studies without any special approval unless so indicated in various programs and course descriptions. CC students can also take a limited number of courses at SEAS or at GSAS. Courses in the Education Program are open only to students enrolled in that program. In addition, CC students have available to them a number of courses offered by some professional schools of the University and may take a maximum of four courses for elective credit and apply those points toward the 124 points necessary for their degree. Be aware that strict rules may apply regarding the enrolment in and application of these courses to your academic program. For more detailed information on policy and enrolment, please visit the Columbia College Bulletin.

For SEAS students, work may be credited toward one of the graduate degrees offered by the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, provided they have the approval of their faculty advisor, and subject to the following conditions:

1. The course must be accepted as part of an approved graduate program of study;
2. The course must not have been used to fulfill a requirement for the B.S. degree and must be so certified by the Dean; and
3. The amount of graduate credit earned by an undergraduate cannot exceed 15 credits.

Undergraduates may not take CVN courses. For further information, please visit The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Bulletin.

I'm interested in applying for a fellowship, but I'm not sure what my options are. What steps should I take?

All the fellowships listed within the Fellowships Web site offer immediate support for undergraduate education, but some also extend into supporting graduate school, including the Truman and the Beinecke fellowships. Please note that some fellowships require pre-applications, so students need to plan early.

For specific information about fellowships available for juniors, visit the Fellowships Web site, or the Fellowships Office in 208 Hamilton Hall.

How do I find out about post-graduation options?

There are many campus resources to help you, such as your academic department, the Center for Career Education (CCE), The Office of Pre-Professional Programs, The Fellowships Office, The Junior Senior Advising Center, current and previous employers, and mentors. It's never too early to begin investigating the possibilities. Please also visit the Thinking ahead section of this Web site.