4 + 1 Programs and Five Year Programs

4+1 Pathways for Accelerated Graduate Study

Students interested in Barnard's suite of pathways to obtain Columbia University graduate degrees in five years by taking master ’s-level courses alongside foundational undergraduate courses should make an appointment in Beyond Barnard and inquire about the 4+1 Pathways for Accelerated Graduate Study 

In order to apply, you must

• Attend Beyond Barnard Info Session to get an overview of the eligibility and application requirements
• Meet with Beyond Barnard Advisor 
• Meet with a Barnard Faculty
• Complete Barnard and Pathway Prerequisites
• Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50
• Must have completed most of their requirements for their undergraduate major at the end of their junior year

No GRE test is required and no application fee is required for any of these programs. Students apply in the Fall semester of their junior year (likely November or December). To apply, students must submit: 

• Official transcripts
• Personal statement
• Resume or CV
• Three letters of recommendation 
• Some require an online application or additional forms

Barnard and the Mailman School of Public Health have an agreement wherein students interested in public health can apply for the Mailman School of Public Health’s 4+1 Pathway in one of five areas of concentration: Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Population and Family Health, or Sociomedical Sciences. Barnard offers pathways within Environmental Science.

Prerequisite courses: all applicants must complete one semester of calculus 
Recommended courses: statistics (all applicants); one year of introductory biology and/or chemistry (Environmental Health applicants)
 

The SEAS 4+1 offers pathways in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Industrial Engineering and Operations Research. Barnard students may apply in the first semester of their junior year. 

Required courses to be completed by the Fall of your junior year: 

• Linear Algebra (MATH UN2010)
• Introduction to Probability & Statistics (STAT GU4001)
• Multivariable Calculus for SEAS or Calculus III (APMA E2000 or MATH UN1201)
• Foundations of Data Science (ORCA E2500)

The Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (QMSS) 4+1 Pathway invites Barnard students interested in quantitative research techniques and strategies to apply for admission in the first semester of their junior or senior year.

The SIPA 4+1 allows students to earn their undergraduate degree and a Master of International Affairs (MIA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in five years. Students may apply in the first semester of their junior year. 

For juniors applying to the Barnard SIPA 4+1 Pathway, students need to submit forms for review and approval BEFORE submitting the application to SIPA.
 

You can combine your BA from Barnard with a Masters of Science Degree from Columbia in Sustainability Management

Barnard has approved and is participating in Columbia's Masters in Sustainability Management Program. Admitted undergraduate students may take up to two Sustainability Management courses that count toward the master’s degree during their senior year. These courses will be accepted for advanced standing in Sustainability Management, but may not be counted toward students’ undergraduate degree requirements. These courses are SUMA K4100 Sustainability Management and one Approved Physical Dimensions of Sustainability Course. Please see Department Co-Chair Martin Stute if you are interested in this program. You can also view additional information on the application materials here.

Fall Admission (Juniors): May 1 (Early Deadline: March 15)
Spring Admission (Seniors): November 1 (Early Deadline: October 1)
 

The Combined Plan is an educational affiliation between Barnard College and the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) of Columbia University. The Combined Plan enables a student to devote three years to the study of liberal arts and sciences before transferring to SEAS for two years of engineering studies. This 3-2 (five-year) program leads to two degrees: a bachelor's degree from Barnard, and a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in engineering or applied science from Columbia University.

Required pre-engineering coursework: 

• Mathematics
• The Full Sequence of Calculus (3-4 terms)
• Ordinary Differential Equations
• Physics
• General Physics: Mechanics
• Optics and Thermodynamics Electricity and Magnetism
• Modern Physics (Not required for Civil, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering or Computer Science)
• Computer Science
• One term of computer programming language
• Non-Technical Coursework
• At least 28 points in the humanities and social sciences are required, including one term of Economics

Students admitted into the joint program with the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) get the opportunity to earn their undergraduate degree and a Master of International Affairs (MIA) or Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree in just five years. Interested students must consult with the Dean’s Office to obtain approval to apply to the program. You can also view additional information on the application materials here.