Master of Arts [M.A] Political Science

at Columbia University

The Graduate School welcomes applications for admission from international applicants.
 

Judgments concerning equivalency of international baccalaureate degrees are made by the Graduate School. In general, only those international students who (a) have the equivalent of the U.S. baccalaureate degree with a superior examination record and (b) can understand rapid idiomatic English and can speak, write and read English with a high degree of facility are eligible for admission.
 

The Graduate School accepts applications from students who have earned or will earn 3-year bachelor's degrees in Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and any country which is a participant in the Bologna Process.
 

English Proficiency Requirement
 

The English proficiency requirement is based on the official language of the country in which the undergraduate (or bachelor's) degree was earned, regardless of an applicant's citizenship.
 

• Applicants whose undergraduate degree was awarded by an institution in a country where English is not the sole official language must complete the requirement.

• Applicants who have earned a master's degree in the US or another country whose official language is English must complete the requirement.
   

The English proficiency requirement can be fulfilled through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Duolingo English Test.
 

English Proficiency Waiver Requests
 

The Graduate School may grant the following exceptions to this policy upon request.International undergraduate institution, instruction entirely in English
 

If you earned your undergraduate degree in a country where the official language is not English, but the official language of instruction at your institution is English, you may request a waiver of the English proficiency requirement by submitting the English Proficiency Waiver Request form.
 

Graduate-level study in the US or another English-speaking country
 

If your undergraduate degree was awarded by an institution in a country where the official language is not English, you may request a waiver of the English proficiency exam requirement under these conditions:
 

• You are currently studying at the graduate level or have received a graduate degree in the US or another English-speaking country

• You have taken the TOEFL or IELTS exam and scored above the Columbia GSAS minimum requirement of 100 (IBT), 600 (PBT), or 7.5 (IELTS) and you have a copy of your score report
  
   

If you meet these criteria, you may request a waiver of the official English proficiency requirement by completing the Official TOEFL/IELTS Waiver Request form (including the upload of your expired score report).
 

Waiver request forms are available on the Test Scores page of the application. The form and all supporting documentation should be submitted at least two weeks before the deadline date of the program to which you are applying.Every waiver request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis; submission of a request form does not guarantee approval.
 

The Graduate School requires the following minimum scores:
 

• 600 on the TOEFL paper-and-pencil test

• 100 on the TOEFL internet-based test

• 7.5 on IELTS

• 120 on the Duolingo English Test

The cost of studying at Columbia University varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen.

Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. On average, international students can expect to pay $62840 annually, to study in Columbia University

Recent graduates of the free-standing MA program have applied their training to advance their careers in journalism, business, applied research, law, political activism, and civil service. Others have used their year in the MA program to determine whether or not to enter a PhD program in political science.