About : FAQ

We 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 but have grown consistently each year as the number of quality applications has increased. 

Columbia University recommends that all applicants have a TOEFL of at least 100. However, as tests vary as well as students ability to perform on standardized tests we here at QMSS do not have a minimum score. We would like our students scores to match that of the University's expectations but will accept slight variance with the understanding that students who score under 100 must participate in the American Language Program as part of their education here at QMSS.

We have a strong relationship with ALP who will test students and work with them, at their own level, on academic English which is a different skill than that measured by TOEFL. Students scoring above 100 may also participate in this program if they wish.

Please visit the CUIT website for answers to this and more questions about your email and CU access.

Most American masters programs do not offer financial aid. At QMSS we attempt to offer our students some options via our Research Fellowships and Scholarships. These are designed to accommodate both international students and citizens as we have a large number of both in our program. Many of our students find financial aid from 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 our Tuition and Financial Aid webpage.

Our application deadline is April 1 of whatever calendar year you wish to enter the program (April 1, 2008 for fall 2008; Apri l 1, 2009 for fall 2009, etc.).

We do not offer early admission.

If you need to be notified of our decision with regard to your application earlier than April 1 please contact the program coordinator directly to request an exemption from this policy. We only grant exemptions for special circumstances such as needing to reply to other schools, etc.

The Graduate School does not allow applications to more than one program at a time.

No.

We carefully construct cohorts that are diverse in perspective, experience and interests which support and enhance the seminar based course structure of our program.
We do not offer spring admissions to the masters program as the program follows a "cohort" model where we believe that students learn the most when they get to know each other and learn together. Students entering at the same time then take courses together which enhances the quality of the courses and student learning. Therefore we will only admit students in the fall so as to preserve the cohort effect.

Yes! QMSS is designed to help both the full-time student and the working professional fulfill their educational goals. Part-time students usually finish the program within 2 to 2.5 years as compared to the traditional 9 month program. Though it takes longer all students have access to similar courses and we structure our core courses so that part-time students can take these classes in the evenings.

Students do not need to designate whether they will study part- or full-time until shortly before they enroll in the fall semester.

Many of our applicants are strong in the social sciences but not particularly experienced in the quantitative methodologies and yet we also have those who are numbers people from the
get-go. This is what makes the program so unique. Our goal is to help you improve your quantitative research skills from wherever you are now. We require at least some exposure to statistics or higher-level analysis (eg: an intro stats course in your undergrad years, analysis at your current place of employment, etc.)

We'll take you as far as you want to go. . . . Take a look at our sample curriculum plans for examples about how students with different interests structure their course study.

There are 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 admissions office directly as they receive all materials before passing them along to us.