| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 31, 2026 | EEE New Student Orientation |
| September 8, 2026 | First Day of Classes (Fall Semester) |
| September 18, 2026 | Last Day to Add Class, Last Day to Receive Tuition Refund for Class Dropped |
| October 21, 2026 | October Degrees Conferred |
| November 2-3, 2026 | Academic Holiday |
| November 16, 2026 | Spring ‘27 Registration Begins |
| November 19, 2026 | Course Drop Deadline |
| November 25, 2026; | Spring ‘27 Registration Ends |
| November 25-27, 2026 | Academic Holiday |
| December 14, 2026 | Last Day of Fall Semester Classes |
| December 17-23, 2026 | Final Exams |
| January 19, 2027 | Spring 27 Semester Begins |
| January 29, 2027 | Last Day to Add Class, Last Day to Receive Tuition Refund for Class Dropped |
| February 10, 2027 | February Degrees Conferred |
| March 15, 2027 | First Day of Spring Break |
| March 19, 2027 | Last Day of Spring Break |
| March 25, 2027 | Course Drop Deadline (SEAS) |
| April 12, 2027 | Fall ‘27 Registration Begins |
| April 16, 2027 | Fall ‘27 Registration Ends |
| May 3, 2027 | Last Day of Classes, Spring Semester |
| May 7-14, 2026 | Final Exams |
| June 30, 2027 | June Degrees Conferred |
See also the main SEAS Calendar
MS/PhD Track: Take 15 credits for first 2 semesters.
| Requirement | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lecture courses | 24 (8 courses) | Only required class: EAEE E4100 A Better Planet by Design. Work with your PI to choose the rest. |
| Research credits with PI | ≥ 36 | Fills the balance to reach 60 total credits |
| Total (MS + PhD) | ≥ 60 | 30 credits count toward the MS degree; ≥ 30 additional credits toward the PhD |
| Residence Units (RUs) | 4 RUs | ~2 years beyond the MS. After 4 RUs, students transition to Extended Residence (EXT RU). See GSAS RU info. |
As the research needs of each student will vary significantly, each student will work with their PI to tailor a course track best suited to their goals. (This policy is for students starting in Fall 2024.)
If you receive an external fellowship like NSF, NDSEG, Hertz, etc., it's crucial to notify the University immediately. While @Liz Allende and the department will help make this process as seamless as possible, we'll need some information from you. Please visit
https://sfs.columbia.edu/content/sponsored-students
to learn which forms you need to complete.
External Graduate Fellowships are prestigious awards provided by organizations outside of Columbia University to support graduate students in their academic pursuits. These fellowships typically offer financial support, which may include tuition coverage, stipends, and sometimes additional research or travel funds. Some well-known examples include:
These fellowships are highly competitive and often recognize exceptional academic achievement, research potential, and leadership qualities. Receiving an external fellowship can significantly enhance a student's academic profile and provide valuable networking opportunities within their field of study.
It's important to note that while these fellowships offer substantial benefits, they may also entail specific requirements or obligations. This is why it's crucial to inform the university promptly if you receive such an award, as mentioned in the previous section.
It is essential that you consult with your PhD Advisor regarding the number and nature of lecture courses you need to take. This should be mapped by you and your advisor at the beginning of your first semester here, and then verified by the Graduate Committee Chair.
The department requires every PhD student to complete one teaching assistant assignment as foundational preparation for potential academic careers. Faculty positions carry significant teaching responsibilities, and this requirement ensures students gain practical experience in course management, student mentoring, and classroom instruction before entering the job market.