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:
Sustainable Development is an undergraduate programme at Columbia University. Sustainable development is founded on the premise that human well-being should advance without irreparable harm to ecosystems and the vital services they provide, without depleting essential resources, and without posing risks to future generations. The term "sustainable" refers to managing the world's economy in a manner consistent with the continued healthy functioning of Earth's ecosystems, oceans, atmosphere and climate. In this context, "development" refers to continued social, political, and economic progress aimed at improving the well-being of the global community, especially for the poorest people.
Academic Programs
The Earth Institute—in collaboration with Columbia College, the School of General Studies, the School of International and Public Affairs, and the Departments of Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology; and Earth and Environmental Engineering—offers a major and a special concentration in sustainable development.
These programs are designed to: engage students in this emergent interdisciplinary discussion, provide knowledge of the theory and practice of sustainable development, stimulate a critical examination of historical and conceptual antecedents, provide experience in the complex challenges of sustainable development through direct engagement, and help them imagine alternative futures for our rapidly changing world. With help from the Earth Institute faculty, courses are specifically created to address the very real and complex issues of development as they relate to the interactions of the natural and social systems.
The major focuses heavily on the sciences and provides students with a working knowledge of issues on a range of interacting subject areas. After declaring the major, students are assigned an academic adviser from within the Earth Institute, who advises on class selection and career development. Students benefit from a support system of faculty, advisers, and program managers, and have access to a multitude of resources for internships, study abroad programs, and career development.
The special concentration is intentionally more flexible, but its structure allows students to benefit from the cross-disciplinary courses and to build the expertise to allow them to address the fundamental issue of how to move towards a trajectory of sustainability.
The sustainable development program is structured to ensure that students graduate with the skills and knowledge to enable them to advance professionally in the public, private, governmental, and nonprofit sectors, and to pursue advanced degrees. Those interested in sustainable development are encouraged to participate in lectures, conferences, and other programs sponsored by the Earth Institute.
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.