Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Admissions

What are the prerequisites coursework or knowledge for your programs?

A background in a variety of quantitative courses is helpful to your success in the program.  The quantitative coursework includes: multivariable calculus, linear algebra, probability, statistics and some knowledge of computer programming (such as C/C++, Python, and Matlab). We place the highest priority on quantitative skills, followed by math performance, programming experience, and professional experience. 

• For MS in Operations Research and MS in Industrial Engineering:

○ 1 course on multivariate calculus
○ 1 course on linear algebra 
○ 1 additional math course (for example, differential equations, discrete math, analysis of algorithms, real analysis)
○ 1 course on probability (or a joint course in probability and statistics)
○ Programming experience preferred (admitted students without sufficient experience will be required to take a programming-based course)

How long does it take to complete the MS program?

Students typically complete our programs in 3 semesters. Our MSBA, MSFE, & MSMS&E programs are 36 points. For our 30-point MS programs in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering, students can complete the program in 2 semesters by taking 15 points (usually five courses) per semester.

What is the class profile?

The Columbia IEOR graduate programs look for candidates with a background in engineering, mathematics, computer science, statistics, economics, finance, or other similar quantitative fields. You can review our Student Ambassadors page to see profiles of our current students.

Are your programs STEM-certified?

All 5 of our MS programs are STEM-certified and eligible for F-1 STEM OPT extension.

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Which programs are available for Spring admissions?

Our MSOR and MSIE programs have Fall and Spring Admissions. Our MSBA, MS&E, & MSFE programs begin in the Fall.

Do you have rolling admissions? When can I expect a decision?

The IEOR Department does not have rolling admissions. Applications are reviewed immediately after the priority deadline date. The review process typically requires 6-10 weeks after the priority deadline date for a decision to be provided. Be assured, you will be notified of the result of your application review as soon as possible. Our Programs are typically filled each intake so it is important that you apply timely!

Can I defer enrollment if admitted?

Columbia Engineering does not have a deferral policy. You should apply for the term that you expect to begin your program.

Can I apply to two programs during a given application cycle?

You may only apply to one program in Columbia Engineering; however, you may apply to more than one program in the same application cycle provided the other program is not in Columbia Engineering. Further, you may only have one active Columbia Engineering application at a time. Since our MS programs (MSOR, MSIE, MSBA, MS&E, MSFE) are in the Engineering School, you may only apply to one of our MS programs per cycle.

Are there any upcoming admissions events?

Our admissions events and information are posted and updated on our website. 

Am I admissible? Can someone on your team evaluate my candidacy prior to applying?

Unfortunately, we cannot evaluate your candidacy prior to submission of a complete application. If you are interested in admission, we encourage you to submit a complete application along with the required documents.

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What types of financial aid am I eligible for?

For information about different types of funding options visit the website of our Student Financial Services. All prospective students should seek funding from external sources such as scholarships offered by philanthropic or government organizations. Eligibility requirements will vary depending on the sponsor. Separate applications will be required by each sponsor. To search a list of external scholarship opportunities you may use Columbia University's Find a Fellowship listing online or our Fellowship Directory. There are many other search sites available on the Internet. We also suggest you consult with faculty, administrators, or mentors, at your current or prior undergraduate school as they may also have knowledge of sources of funding.

Can I waive the application fee?

Eligible students are welcome to apply for an application fee waiver. Application fee waivers may be available for students who meet certain criteria including, U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled in a U.S. school with financial need, U.S. Military personnel/veterans, and students who participate in special programs (listed on the waiver form). Please do not submit a Request if you do not meet these criteria. To apply, please first create an online application and complete the program selection page. After, complete and submit the Application Fee Waiver Request Form, available in the blue box on the right-hand side of the Application Requirements webpage with the required documentation. Unfortunately, if you are not in one of the listed eligible populations, we are not able to grant an application fee waiver. If you have any follow up questions regarding this, we would recommend contacting [email protected].

What is the cost of the program?

We have provided an estimated budget that may help you plan your finances. You may also review our Student Financial Services for the current year tuition and fees.

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Is the GRE test required?

For future admission cycles (ex. 2022), we recommend preparing the GRE exam as it has historically been a hard requirement.

Is the GMAT test required for admissions?

The GMAT exam is not a requirement for the application, though it may be included as supplementary material. If you would like to submit the scores as additional material, you should submit the score report with your personal statement file.

Am I eligible to apply with a 3-year bachelor degree?

You are welcome to apply to our programs with only 3 years of undergraduate experience. However, we recommend having a 4-year degree in order to cover all the prerequisites for the program. While there are no official prerequisites for our programs, we do ask that our students have a background in multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, and probability & statistics. It would also help if you have some knowledge of computer languages C++, Python, and Matlab. Overall, we place the highest priority on quantitative skills, followed by programming experience, and internship/work experience. If you are interested in applying, you may find the application requirements here.

Can I submit expired test scores?

Expired test scores are not accepted. All standardized test scores need to remain valid through the start of your first semester.  If your scores will expire prior to this, we strongly encourage you to retake the exam. 

How do I submit my scores?

The Columbia University code 2111. It is not necessary to enter the department code.

Is there a minimum required English Language Test score?

There are no minimum test score requirements to apply for admission consideration. However, it may be necessary to improve your English proficiency if you scored:

• 99 or lower on the TOEFL internet-based test; or
• 6.5 or lower on the IELTS
• 68 or lower on the PTE Academic
• 119 or lower on the Duolingo English Test

Can I waive the English Language Test requirement?

One can waive the English language test requirement (ex. TOEFL, IELTS) if they have completed or will complete the entirety of their undergraduate or graduate degree in an English speaking country. Further, in the application, there is a section which guides applicants as to whether this exam is required for them based on their provided information. Please refer to the application for further details.

Should my recommendation letters come from academic or professional references?

You are required to submit 3 letters of recommendation. All applicants are required to submit at least 2 academic references, unless that applicant received a bachelor’s degree more than 5 years prior to the date of the application. Applicants who received a bachelor’s degree more than 5 years prior to the date of the application are strongly encouraged, but not required, to submit an academic reference.

Is there an interview process? 

After submitting the application, applicants will have the access to submit the video interview in the application. You will be asked three random questions, and will have three minutes to answer. Please answer as if we were having a face-to-face conversation, you should not stress about the interview - it's just a way for us to get to know you better. Please submit your interview by the deadline listed in your interview link email.

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Application for Spring 2023 will open mid-September. We encourage all of our candidates to apply in a timely manner, for the semester that they expect to begin their program.

Our PhD Programs do not have Spring Admissions. You can find further details about the PhD Fall 2023 deadlines below.

Application for Fall 2023 will open mid-September. We encourage all of our candidates to apply in a timely manner, for the semester that they expect to begin their program.