Admissions

Applying to The Graduate School

Degree

Application

Application Deadline

MA

Complete the online application for admission—matriculation

To be considered for fellowships (generally awarded for fall admission only), MA applications should be submitted by March 1, by which time the necessary forms must also have been submitted to the Financial Aid Office. However, MA applications are accepted for the fall semester until May 1, and for the spring semester until December 1; rolling admission is subsequently offered until the beginning of the semester. The dual-degree application with Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs has a deadline of January 2, and the dual-degree application with the Columbia University School of Social Work is due February 1.

DHL

To be considered for fellowships (generally awarded for fall admission only), applications should be submitted by March 1, by which time the necessary forms must also have been submitted to the Financial Aid Office. However, DHL applications are accepted for the fall semester until May 1, and for the spring semester until December 1; rolling admission is subsequently offered until the beginning of the semester.

PhD

Applicants must apply, with all materials reaching the Admissions Office, by December 15.

Nonmatriculated

Complete the online application for admission—nonmatriculation

Please contact the Admissions Office.

All application materials must arrive in the Admissions Office by the end of the day of each deadline above.

Admissions Requirements

For Matriculated Students:

Applicants to The Graduate School, regardless of whether they seek matriculated or nonmatriculated status, must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and present evidence of the ability to pursue studies at the graduate level.

Applicants to doctoral programs in most disciplines may be required to have earned a master's degree in a related discipline.

Application Procedures

An applicant for admission must submit the following:

  • a completed application for admission—matriculation and a $65 fee payable to "JTS";
  • an official transcript of academic records from each college and university previously attended;
  • official scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT);
  • three letters of recommendation, at least two of which must be academic references;
  • a writing sample in English (MA applicants); and
  • a sample of written academic research in English in the field (PhD and DHL applicants).

Applicants whose native language is other than English and who have not been educated at a college where English is the language of instruction must submit official scores of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum TOEFL score of 100 (Internet-based) is required. The Graduate School also may require that nonnative English speakers prove satisfactory proficiency by scoring at level 10 on the placement test administered by Columbia University's American Language Program (ALP).

An interview with a member of the Admissions Committee and/or area chairperson may be required.

For Nonmatriculated Students:

Students who wish to take courses—either as auditors or for credit—without intending to earn a degree may be admitted as nonmatriculated students. Those who wish either to audit courses or to take them for credit without enrolling in a degree program should complete the application for admission—nonmatriculation together with the $35 fee, and submit an official transcript indicating satisfactory completion of a bachelor's degree.

Students who wish to be accepted as degree candidates at a later date may apply up to 12 credits of the work done as nonmatriculated students within the previous 10 years.

Application Procedures

The following items must be submitted before the Admissions Committee can consider your
application:

Campus Visits

If you would like to arrange a campus visit, please call (212) 678-8022, or email The Graduate School Admissions.