| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| August 25, 2025 | EEE New Student Orientation |
| September 2, 2025 | First Day of Classes (Fall Semester) |
| September 12, 2025 | Last Day to Add Class, Last Day to Receive Tuition Refund for Class Dropped |
| October 15, 2025 | October Degrees conferred |
| December 12, 2025 | Last Day of Fall Semester Classes |
| January 20, 2026 | Spring 26 Semester Begins |
| January 30, 2026 | Last Day to Add Class, Last Day to Receive Tuition Refund for Class Dropped |
| March 14, 2026 | First Day of Spring Break |
| March 22, 2026 | Last Day of Spring Break |
| March 26, 2026 | Course Drop Deadline (SEAS) |
| April 13, 2026 | Fall ā26 Registration Begins |
| April 17, 2026 | Fall ā26 Registration Ends |
| May 4, 2026 | Last Day of Classes, Spring Semester |
| May 8, 2026 | First Day of Final Exams, Spring Semester |
| May 15, 2026 | Last Day of Final Exams, Spring Semester |
| May 20, 2026 | University Commencement |
| June 30, 2026 | June Degrees Conferred |
See also the main SEAS Calendar
MS/PhD Track: Take 15 credits for first 2 semesters.
PhD Students:
Students must complete 4 Residence Units (RUs). After earning these RUs, students transition to Extended Residence Units (EXT RU).
A PhD requires four residence units (2 years) beyond the MS degree.
Every MS/PhD student must take eight lecture courses worth 24 of their required minimum of 60 total credits (30 to MS / ā„ 30 to PhD). The remaining credits should be research credits with their PI.
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. The only required class is 4100: Better Planet Through Engineering. (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 (currently @Ngai Yin Yip).