Undergraduate academic requirements
- Completion of high school education or equivalent.
Degree type
Bachelor's
Key facts
- Duration4 years
- Delivery methodOn campus
- PaceFull-time
- Annual tuition fee72,800USD
- Start dateSep
- QS Ranking#43
Program overview
What Columbia University says about their program:
Applied Mathematics is an undergraduate programme at Columbia University. The major in mathematics is an introduction to some of the highlights of the development of theoretical mathematics over the past four hundred years from a modern perspective. This study is also applied to many problems, both internal to mathematics and arising in other disciplines such as physics, cryptography, and finance.
Majors begin by taking either Honors mathematics or the calculus sequence. Students who do not take MATH UN1207 HONORS MATHEMATICS A and MATH UN1208 HONORS MATHEMATICS B normally take MATH UN2010 LINEAR ALGEBRA in the second year. Following this, majors begin to learn some aspects of the main branches of modern mathematics: algebra, analysis, and geometry; as well as some of their subdivisions and hybrids (e.g., number theory, differential geometry, and complex analysis). As the courses become more advanced, they also become more theoretical and proof-oriented and less computational.
Aside from the courses offered by the Mathematics Department, cognate courses in areas such as astronomy, chemistry, physics, probability, logic, economics, and computer science can be used toward the major. A cognate course must be a 2000-level (or higher) course and must be approved by the director of undergraduate studies. In general, a course not taught by the Mathematics Department is a cognate course for the mathematics major if either (a) it has at least two semesters of calculus as a stated prerequisite, or (b) the subject matter in the course is mathematics beyond an elementary level, such as PHIL UN3411 SYMBOLIC LOGIC, in the Philosophy Department, or COMS W3203 DISCRETE MATHEMATICS, in the Computer Science Department. A list of pre-approved cognate courses can be found under the major requirements.
Another requirement for majors is participation in an undergraduate seminar, usually in the junior or senior year. Applied math majors must take the undergraduate applied math seminar sequence in both the junior and senior year. In these seminars, students gain experience in learning an advanced topic and lecturing on it. In order to be eligible for departmental honors, majors must write a senior thesis.
Admission requirements
English proficiency
If your native language is not English or your primary high school instruction was not in English, you must submit standardized test scores. Columbia accepts the following exams with typical competitive or minimum benchmarks:
- TOEFL iBT
Recommended score of 105 or higher.
- IELTS Academic
Recommended score of 7.5 or higher.
- Duolingo English Test (DET)
Recommended score of 125–135 or higher.
- Cambridge English Qualifications
Minimum score of 191 on C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
English proficiency waivers
You do not need to submit an English proficiency exam if you meet any of the following conditions:
- Scoring 29 or higher on the ACT English or Reading sections.
- Scoring 700 or higher on the SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (note that Columbia reinstated SAT/ACT requirements for terms starting August 2027 onward).
- Having English as your native/home language or completing your entire secondary education with English as the primary medium of instruction
Documents required
- Secondary school report (transcripts)
- Standardized test (SAT, ACT)
- Teacher recommendations
- Columbia-specific questions*
*Note: Columbia-specific questions, also known as the writing supplement, tell the Committee on Admissions more about your academic, extracurricular and intellectual interests.
Required grades
We're still gathering required grade information for this program
Check back soon, or for the latest information on required grades.
to see how attainable this program is.
Additional requirements
Documents
- Online application is required
- High school transcripts, secondary school records, or GED/TASC results are required for applicants with fewer than 30 earned college credits
- Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended are required
- CSS Profile is required for applicants seeking financial aid
Essays and statements
- One typed, double-spaced autobiographical essay of approximately 1,500-2,000 words is required
Recommendations
- Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or professional sources are required
Tests and examinations
- SAT, ACT, or the Online GS Admissions Exam may be submitted optionally
- TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test is required for eligible non-native English speakers
Scholarships at Columbia University
Columbia provides information for international applicants seeking aid and notes that many Columbia students, including international students, receive financial awards from outside organizations. International students should follow Columbia Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services guidance for international financial aid and scholarship funding.
All scholarship information on Studee is provided for guidance only. Always check the for the latest information on eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and application requirements.
Fees
What is the cost of living near Columbia University?
| Category | Cost (in United States Dollar) |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre | $3,712 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre | $2,223 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse) | $130 |
| Internet (60 Mbps unlimited) | $67 |
| Mobile phone plan (data + calls) | $61 |
| Monthly public transport pass | $134 |
| Monthly grocery basket | $294 |
| Books and study supplies (monthly) | $107 |
| Coffee shop drink | $6 |
| Cinema or cultural event ticket | $21 |
| Gym membership | $118 |
Indicative monthly costs per person.
Data sourced from livingcost.org (Crowdsourced), numbeo.com (Crowdsourced) and cc-seas.financialaid.columbia.edu (University published).
Visa requirements for Columbia University
Navigating the visa process is a crucial step in your study abroad journey. Make sure to seek guidance and support to ensure you meet all necessary requirements for your time at Columbia University.