YOU ARE IN

20152016

Congratulations on your admission to

the Graduate School of Architecture,
Planning
and
Preservation.
The
graduate school application process is
demanding and we hope that you will
take just a few moments to savor your
accomplishment before you dive into this
important milestone in your academic
and professional career.
The following pages are intended to
serve as a quick reference guide as you
navigate your way through the decision
making progress.
Congratulations and good luck!
Cheers,
GSAPP Admissions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

7
8
11
13
15
16
18
20
24
27

WELCOME
GETTING STARTED
REGISTRATION
SCHOLARSHIPS & LOANS
ASSISTANTSHIPS & JOBS
HEALTH
IDENTIFICATION
HOUSING
TUITION & FEES
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 20152016

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
31
35
37
40
42
44
46
48
49

SCHOOL PROGRAMS
MARCH
MSAAD
MSAUD
MSCCCP
MSUP
MSHP
MSRED
DUAL/JOINT DEGREES
CHECKLIST

WELCOME

OPEN HOUSES FOR

ADMITTED STUDENTS
The GSAPP will host a series of events
for admitted students this Spring. We do
hope you will be able to join us.

SPRING 2015 OPEN HOUSES

March 27, 2015
MSHP
rsvp: lb663@columbia.edu
April 1, 2015
MARCH
MSAAD
MSAUD
MSCCCP
rsvp: kam2196@columbia.edu
April 7, 2015
MSUP
rsvp: lb663@columbia.edu

The Open House events are not

mandatory and admitted students
considering Columbia for their graduate
education are welcome to conduct a
self-guided tour on another date that is
more convenient for them. Although the
GSAPP Admissions Office will be unable
to organize a formal visit at that time,
admitted students may tour the school
and speak with current students as they
wish. There is no need to notify the
Admissions Office or the Administration
of their plans.
We hope that this guide may be helpful
to you in your decision. Please do let us
know if you have additional questions.
Once again, congratulations on your
admission and we look forward to
seeing you at the GSAPP in the near
future.

ORIENTATION SCHEDULE
June 12, 2015
MSRED

In most cases, the Open Houses will

feature presentations by program
directors and faculty members.
Admitted students are also invited to
attend reviews, and to tour the GSAPP
facilities and the Columbia University
Campus. More importantly, the Open
House is intended to give admitted
students the opportunity to meet future
classmates and current students. The
GSAPP is unable to provide funding for
travel and accommodation.

June 35, 2015

MSAAD
MSAUD
September 2, 2015
MSUP
September 3, 2015
MSHP
September 4, 2015
MARCH

September 8, 2015
MSCCCP

GETTING STARTED

ENROLLMENT
To officially accept the GSAPPs offer
of admission, admitted students must
complete the online enrollment form
and submit a $700 non-refundable
deposit.
Enrollment Form
The Enrollment Form is accessible
through the Decision Letter available in
Apply Yourself. The enrollment form will
ask for pertinent information regarding
your updated contact information and
your Visa status.
Deposit
Admitted students officially reserve
their place in the incoming class by
submitting a deposit. Deposits are nonrefundable and will be forfeited in the
event that the student chooses not
to register for classes and attend the
school.
Upon completion of the enrollment
form, the system will generate a prompt
for payment. At this time, the system
does not accept American Express or
Discover, all deposits must be submitted
via VISA or MASTERCARD.
The enrollment process is not complete
until the deposit has been submitted.
All deposits submitted by incoming
students will be credited to their

DEPOSITS MUST BE PAID BY VISA

OR MASTERCARD ONLY.
ALL DEPOSITS WILL BE CREDITED TO
THE FIRST SEMESTERS TUITION AT
THE END OF ADD/DROP PERIOD.
8

student accounts at the end of the ADD/

DROP period (the end of the 2nd week
of class) of their first semester.
UPDATING YOUR INFORMATION
It is not uncommon that admitted
students need to update the contact
information supplied in the application
for admission.
In order to ensure rapid communication,
the GSAPP Admissions Office sends
all pertinent information to incoming
students via email. For this reason, it
is important that you keep your contact
information updated. Email addresses
can only be modified by logging into
Apply Yourself, selecting APPLICATION
FOR ADMISSION followed by UPDATE
PROFILE (from menu at the top of the
page). All subsequent emails will be
automatically sent to this new address.
Before registration, physical mail
addresses can be edited in the
enrollment form, but should also
be brought to the attention of the
GSAPP Admissions Office via email
(studentaffairs@arch.columbia.edu).
After registration, students should log
in to Student Services Online (SSOL) to
update their current mailing address,
permanent address information and
emergency contact numbers.
Any
address changes made in SSOL will
automatically update in the main
University database. Students may
also provide a mailing address for their
diploma and graduation photos.
Any student who wishes to make a
change to their name must notify

GETTING STARTED

the GSAPP Admissions Office or the

University Registrars Office.
All
official name change requests must be
accompanied by a piece of identification.
VISA
As soon as the decision to attend the
GSAPP is made, international students
should apply for a visa through the
Universitys International Students and
Scholars Office (ISSO).

VISA APPLICATIONS ARE

AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM THE ISSO
http://isso.columbia.edu

The GSAPP is unable to provide

information or updates regarding the
visa application process. All inquiries
should be directed to ISSO at isso@
columbia.edu.
LETTERS
Admitted students who require a
hardcopy of their admission letter
should contact the GSAPP Admissions
Office via email (mail_arch@columbia.
edu) with specific instructions regarding
their letter requests. All letters will be
mailed or scanned within two business
days.
REGISTRATION
Incoming students register for classes
the week before classes begin. All
registration is done online and students
do not need to be present on campus
in order to complete the registration

process. Students will be emailed a

complete list of courses from which
they can register shortly before the
registration period begins. Detailed
instructions on registration are provided
on page 11 of this guide.
SCHOLARSHIPS & LOANS
The GSAPP offers one need-based
scholarship and limited merit-based
fellowships to US Citizens and Permanent
Residents. Scholarship and Fellowship
recipients were notified in their letter
of admission. Admitted students who
submitted the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by mid
February will receive a loan package
from the University Financial Aid Office
on April 1, 2015. Additional information
on scholarship and loan processing is
available on page 13.
ASSISTANTSHIPS & JOBS
The GSAPP offers teaching and research
assistantship positions to students
enrolled full-time at the University
(minimum 12 points). Recipients will
be granted tuition awards. For more
information, see page 15.
HEALTH INSURANCE &
IMMUNIZATION
All registered students at Columbia
must have health insurance and provide
proof of immunization. Instructions for
both are available on page 16.
IDENTIFICATION
All matriculated students will be issued
a Columbia University Identification
Number / Personal Identification
9

GETTING STARTED

Number (CUID/PID) and University

Network ID (UNI). These identification
numbers are automatically assigned
and cannot be changed. They permit
students to apply for housing, view/
pay bills, set-up email accounts and
complete studio lottery ballots (when
applicable). The CUID/PID and UNI,
along with the ID Card process, are
described in more detail on page 18.
HOUSING
Columbia
University
Apartment
Housing is available to all GSAPP degree
candidates, but it is limited and not
guaranteed.
More information on
University Apartment Housing (UAH)
and other housing alternatives is
outlined on page 20.
TUITION & BILLING
20152016 tuition for graduate
programs is $25,440 per semester
($17,250 per semester for NY/Paris).
Enrolled students will receive a bill
for University tuition and fees only
after they have registered for courses.
Students are billed per term. The bill
is due in full at the end of the second
week of class. All bills are generated
and distributed electronically. Each
term, it is the students responsibility
to verify his or her registration, e-bill
and to submit payment by the deadline.
Late payments will be assessed a late
payment fee. For more information
on tuition and billing, including a
breakdown of estimated costs for the
20152016 academic year, please see
page 2425.

10

ACADEMIC CALENDAR
The Summer 2015, Fall 2015 and Spring
2016 academic calendars are available
on pages 27-29.
PREREQUISITES, ADVANCED
STANDING & WAIVERS
Information on prerequisites, advanced
standing and waivers (when applicable)
is listed by degree program in the
PROGRAM OVERVIEW section starting
on page 30.
Per the Universitys enrollment policy:
ALL degree candidates must be enrolled full-time (minimum 12 pts) for
the duration of the program in order
to be eligible for a degree regardless of
advanced standing or waiver status.
STUDIO LOTTERY
Information on studio lotteries (where
applicable) is listed by degree program
in the PROGRAM OVERVIEW section
starting on page 30.

ACADEMIC CALENDARS FOR

20152016 CAN BE VIEWED ONLINE
http://www.arch.columbia.edu/courses/
academic-calendar

FOR PAYMENT PLAN OPTIONS,

PLEASE VISIT:
http://sfs.columbia.edu/billing/ways-topay#payment-plan

REGISTRATION

All GSAPP degree candidates must be

enrolled as full-time students (minimum
of 12 points) for the duration of their
program.
Payment of the $700 non-refundable
enrollment deposit does not constitute
registration. The registration process is
completed online via Student Services
Online (SSOL) during scheduled
appointment times. Students will need
their UNI and password in order to login.
Each student will have assigned
registration appointment times during
the three-day registration window. All
students should login to SSOL to verify
appointment times one week before
registration begins. Students who do not
register during this three-day period will
receive a late registration fee. Students
not registered for classes by the end of
the ADD/DROP period will not be able
to attend the University for the current
semester.
THE ADD/DROP PERIOD RUNS
FROM THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS
THROUGH THE END OF THE SECOND
WEEK.
Summer 2015
Registration: May 2729, 2015
ADD/DROP: June112, 2015
Fall 2015
Registration: September 13, 2015
ADD/DROP: September 818, 2015
Spring 2016
Registration: January 1215, 2016
ADD/DROP: January 1929, 2016

ADD/DROP
The ADD/DROP period is a two-week
shopping period, when students may
add and drop courses at will. During this
window, students may make as many
changes to their schedule as they wish.
All changes can be made online during
registration appointment times. Some
limited enrollment classes that require
instructor permission may require an
ADD/DROP form.
ADD/DROP FORMS ARE
AVAILABLE AT THE MAIN RECEPTION
DESK ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF AVERY
HALL

The tuition bill is due on the last day

of ADD/DROP. The tuition per term is
$25,440 for 1219 points. Students
should verify that they have not
unintentionally exceeded 19 points as
they will be charged $1,696 per point
above this limit. Although students may
drop certain classes until the end of the
9th week of the semester, the end of
ADD/DROP is the last day that students
may receive a refund for dropping
anything above the 19-point limit.

THE LAST DAY OF ADD/DROP

CORRESPONDS TO THE DUE DATE
FOR TUITION AND FEES (see Tuition &
Fees on page 24 for more information)

Since 2003, the GSAPP has developed

a curriculum that features both full
and half semester courses. The half11

REGISTRATION

semester courses, also known as minisessions, are divided into Session A (the
first 7 weeks) and Session B (the second
7 weeks) classes.
The deadline to ADD full-semester
courses (3pts) is at the end of the ADD/
DROP period.
The deadline to DROP full-semester
(3pts) courses is approximately at the
end of the 9th week of classes. (See
academic calendar)
The deadline to ADD and DROP Session
A courses is the end of the ADD/DROP
period.
The deadline to ADD and DROP Session
B courses is at the end of the 1st week of
session classes.
The GSAPP Admissions Office will email
periodic reminders about deadlines
to students, but all students are
ultimately responsible for verifying their
registration and meeting deadlines for
adding and dropping courses.
CROSS-REGISTRATION
GSAPP students may register for courses
in other schools at Columbia, with the
exception of Teachers College.
Students will not be able to add these
courses in SSOL and will need to
complete an ADD/DROP form, obtain
the necessary signatures and submit the
form to the GSAPP Admissions Office for
processing.
The
12

Columbia

University

Business

School has instituted a web-based

cross-registration system. The website
will permit students to see what is
available to them and enter their crossregistration requests online.

FOR INFORMATION ON CROSSREGISTRATION PLEASE SEE:

http://www.arch.columbia.edu/courses/
cross-registration

SCHOLARSHIPS & LOANS

SCHOLARSHIPS
The GSAPP is committed to educating
and supporting students pursuing careers
in architecture, planning, preservation
and real estate development and other
related disciplines. It is our aim to provide
as many students as possible with the
opportunity to become successful
professionals in their chosen field of
study. The need-based scholarship was
established in support of this goal. At
this time, the need-based scholarship
is available to US Citizens or Permanent
Residents only as we are unable to verify
need for international candidates.
The need-based scholarship application
is only available online through Apply
Yourself. As stated in the online
application instructions, scholarship
applications were due at the same time
as the application. Late/incomplete
applications will not be considered.
The goal of the Schools program of
financial assistance is to provide financial
aid to U.S. Citizens and Permanent
Residents who have demonstrated need
consistent with University guidelines.
Financial need is typically met through a
combination of grants and/or loans.
The need of a student is determined
by assessing all possible debts and
resources including the students own
resources, those of his or her spouse, if
any, and a parental contribution where
applicable.
From these resources,
a students estimated expenses are
deducted; the difference becomes the
students need.

In subsequent years a student who

continues to have financial need and
continues to achieve a satisfactory
record will qualify for a continuation of
financial aid. A new application must be
made each year. Students who did not
receive funding or who did not apply,
may submit an application at the end of
their first year of study.
A scholarship grant is applied as a credit
toward tuition; one half at registration
for the fall semester, the other half at
registration for the spring semester.
Students enrolled in a 3 term program
such as the MSAAD, MSAUD and MSRED,
will receive a tuition credit for all three
semesters: Summer, Fall and Spring.
LOANS
Students and applicants applying for
one of the Federal Student Aid Programs
described in this section must submit a
Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) to the Federal Student Aid
Programs Processing Center. Federal
loan packages will be available on April
1, 2015 for students who completed
their FAFSA on or before February 15,
2015*. Students and applicants should
use estimated income figures when
completing this form if a tax return has
not already been filed. In addition, it
is very important that the Graduate
School of Architectures school code be
entered in the School Release section of
FEDERAL LOAN PACKAGES WILL
BE AVAILABLE ON APRIL 1, 2015 FOR
STUDENTS WHO COMPLETED THEIR
FAFSA ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 15
*please note that there is no hard deadline for the FAFSA

13

SCHOLARSHIPS & LOANS

this form. All questions may be directed

to University Financial Aid at (212) 8547040 or sfp@columbia.edu.
Loan packages will be available online
through NetPartner. Admitted students
will be contacted by University Financial
Aid as well as the GSAPP Admissions
Office with login instructions as soon
as the Financial Aid Package becomes
available.

INFORMATION ON TYPES OF
GRADUATE LOANS IS AVAILABLE
HERE: http://sfs.columbia.edu/graduatefinancial-aid

FELLOWSHIPS
Limited merit based fellowships were
offered by GSAPP to select students
at the time of admission. Fellowships
disburse similarly to scholarships at the
end of add/drop and require full time
enrollment. Columbia University has a
limited number of Inter-school Graduate
Fellowships. Qualified GSAPP students
are welcome to apply. Applications
should be submitted to the GSAPP
Admissions Office by June 1, 2015.
OUTSIDE FUNDING SOURCES
At this time, the GSAPP does not
maintain a list of outside funding sources.
INFORMATION ON INSTITUTIONAL
AID & ELIGIBILITY IS AVAILABLE HERE:
http://sfs.columbia.edu/grad-institutionalaid
14

Students are encouraged to consult

professional organizations that support
career development initiatives in the
architecture, planning, preservation
and real estate development fields.
During their time at the GSAPP, students
will be regularly notified about grant
and funding opportunities available
to students enrolled in graduate and
professional degree programs.

ASSISTANTSHIPS & JOBS

ASSISTANTSHIPS

JOBS

As in previous years, the GSAPP

anticipates being able to offer a number
of positions in the Schools programs.
Recipients will be granted tuition awards
ranging from approximately $3,000 to
$20,000 and stipends from about $800
to $2,400 per semester, depending on
the position.

Hourly Positions at the GSAPP

All students who will be registered for 12

or more points per semester next year
are eligible to apply. The assignment
of assistantships will be made on the
basis of qualifications for each position.
In cases where two or more applicants
are determined to be equally qualified,
preference may be given to the most
financially needy applicant.
THE LIST OF ASSISTANTSHIPS
FOR THE 20152016 ACADEMIC YEAR
WILL BE RELEASED BY THE DEANS
OFFICE IN JUNE 2015.

During the academic year, job

opportunities in the GSAPP Slide Library,
the Output Shop or for studio mentoring
may become available.
These
opportunities will be communicated to
students via email or through postings.
Students should also consult the GSAPP
website for the most updated list of
employment opportunities available
through the school. The list also features
job postings from many sources outside
of the GSAPP.
Campus Jobs
The University maintains a database that
lists many jobs available to Columbia
University Graduate Students. Students
will need their UNI and password in
order to log in.

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE IN JULY 2015.

All applications should be addressed

to the Deans Office, which then
distributes them to the program offices
or appropriate faculty for selection.
Students should not apply directly to the
faculty contact.

15

HEALTH

INSURANCE & IMMUNIZATION

Health Insurance
All registered full-time students
are enrolled in the Gold Plan of the
Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan
if no valid waiver request is submitted
and approved. Full-time students must
conrm their insurance selection each
year by actively enrolling in the Gold
level or Platinum level of the Columbia
Plan or by requesting a waiver from
enrollment in the Columbia Plan and
demonstrating coverage under another
comparable policy.
Enrollment in the Columbia Plan is
effective only upon the students
academic registration for the term for
which coverage will be active.
New summer trimester full-time
students (MSRED, MSAAD + MSAUD)
must enter their choice online to
confirm enrollment in the Gold Plan of
the Columbia Student Health Insurance
Plan (Columbia Plan), upgrade to the
Platinum level, or request a waiver from
default enrollment in the Columbia Plan.
Once the students insurance coverage
decision has been determined for the
fall term, that decision will automatically
be continued in the following spring
term as long as the student remains
registered at the University. It is not
possible to change the level of coverage
in the spring term.

16

NOTE: A charge for a term of the

Gold Plan of the Columbia Plan will
automatically appear on your first
Student Account Statement of the
semester. If you request a waiver from
automatic enrollment in the plan by
the deadline and have comparable
insurance coverage, that charge will be
removed on a subsequent statement.
FOR DETAILED INFORMATION
ABOUT PLANS AND DATES OF
COVERAGE VISIT:
https://health.columbia.edu/insurance

Immunization Requirements
There
are
two
immunization
requirements that all students,
regardless of credit load, must meet
before registering for classes. Based on
University policy, a health-related hold
is placed on student registration until
the required documentation has been
provided (preventing course selection).
Documentation needed to release the
hold must be submitted at least 30 days
prior to your registration date to ensure
timely processing and release of the
hold. All submissions are processed in
the order in which they are received.
Late submissions cannot be expedited.
New York State public health law
and University policy requires that
all students document immunity to
measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), as
well as document that they either have
received the meningitis vaccine or have
declined to receive it.

HEALTH

Completed forms may be submitted

By mail: Immunization Office, 503 Alfred
Lerner Hall, MC 2605, 2920 Broadway,
New York, N.Y. 10027
By fax: (212) 854-5078, Attention:
Immunization Compliance Office
In person: Immunization Office, 503
Alfred Lerner Hall, Monday-Friday, 9:00
AM5:00 PM.
MMR DOCUMENTATION
THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO
DOCUMENT IMMUNITY. FOR
INSTRUCTIONS, VISIT: http://
www.health.columbia.edu/students/
immunization-compliance-requirements/
mmr

Meningitis Vaccination Decision

New York State public health law requires
that students receive information from
their institutions about meningococcal
meningitis and the vaccine that protects
against most strains of the disease that
can occur on university campuses.

MENINGITIS VACCINATION
INCOMING STUDENTS ARE
REQUIRED TO CERTIFY THEIR
DECISION. FOR INSTRUCTIONS,
VISIT: http://www.health.columbia.
edu/students/immunization-compliancerequirements/meningitis

Columbia Health Student Resources

Columbia Health is part of the
Universitys Facilities and Operations
division on the Morningside Campus
and provides a range of programs and
services for students.
Alice! Health Promotion
Counseling & Psychological Services
Disability Services
GHAP/Gay Health Advocacy Project
Insurance & Immunization Compliance
Medical Services
Sexual Violence Response

Columbia students must make an

informed
decision
about
being
vaccinated and certify their decision
online. Full instructions are given, and
the process takes two to three minutes
to complete. Students must formally
indicate their decision about being
vaccinated before they will be permitted
to register for classes.

17

IDENTIFICATION

Columbia University
Identification / Personal
Identification (CUID/PID)

University Network
Identification (UNI)

The CUID or PID is a unique tendigit code (that begins with a C, eg.
C001234567) supplied to all enrolled
students. The CUID/PID serves as a
personal account number and should be
used when paying your bill, completing
a housing application or a studio lottery
form.

The UNI (University Network ID) is the

login name and password required
to access many online services at
Columbia. The UNI is also the first part
of a students official Columbia email
address. It is the same as the email prefix
(i.e., if the UNI is abc2121, then the
email will be abc2121@columbia.edu).
The UNI is automatically generated by
the University and cannot be changed.

Admitted students previously enrolled

at Columbia University will maintain the
same CUID/PID.
The CUID/PID will be communicated via
email when the financial aid package is
available for review or after confirming
acceptance of the offer of admission
(by submitting the enrollment deposit
online via the link located in the decision
letter).
USE THE CUID/PID FOR THE
FOLLOWING:

PAYING BILLS
APPLYING FOR HOUSING
COMPLETING STUDIO LOTTERY

The CUID/PID provides unlimited access

to a students account information
and for this reason we recommend
that you do not use it in your email
correspondence and keep it in a safe
place.

18

ACTIVATE UNI OR EMAIL

http://cuit.columbia.edu/cuit/managemy-uni

Activating a UNI requires a Social

Security Number (SSN). International
Students will be assigned a temporary
SSN that will be communicated to them
via email.
Once the UNI has been activated
successfully, students will be able
to access Columbias secure online
applications, including Student Services
Online (SSOL), Courseworks, online
library resources and much more.
STUDENTS MATRICULATING IN
SUMMER 2015 WILL RECEIVE THEIR
UNI AND TEMPORARY SSN (IF APPLICABLE) BY MAY 4, 2015.
STUDENTS MATRICULATING IN FALL
2015 WILL RECEIVE THEIR UNI AND
TEMPORARY SSN (IF APPLICABLE) BY
JUNE 15, 2015.

IDENTIFICATION

Your UNI is also the first part of your

Columbia email address: UNI@columbia.
edu. Visit the CUIT email page at http://
www.columbia.edu/acis/email for ways
to check your email.
Columbia uses email as an official means
of communication with students. Many
important University communications,
including notification of the Student
Account Statement availability, are via
email only. It is very important that
you check your email often, as you are
responsible for all official University
communications sent to your Columbia
email address.For help activating your
UNI, check out the CUIT help page.
Until you complete registration (signing
up for courses), the GSAPP will contact
you using the email address that you
provided in your online application.
Please note that although the GSAPP
can update your mailing address in
ApplyYourself, we are unable to update
your email address as it is a fixed
parameter.
Identification CARDS

ID Photo Requirements
In order to get your Columbia University
ID card, youll need to submit a
photo online. The photo should be
passport-style and meet the following
requirements:
The photo should be a color, JPEG file
The background should be uniform
and light-colored
You must be facing forward, with your
head and shoulders clearly visible
No photos with sunglasses or hats
will be accepted
The file cannot exceed 100k in size
NB: The size of the photo you submit
must be less than 100 kilobytes.
Submitting your photo
To submit a photo, first make sure you
have activated your UNI, then log into
the secure site to submit your ID photo.
PHOTO SUBMISSION DEADLINE

SUMMER 2015: MAY 8, 2015
FALL 2015: AUGUST 7, 2015

The University ID card is your passport

to Columbia. It grants you access to the
Library and secure campus locations, allows you to purchase services at campus
cafs and the University bookstore and
enables you to take advantage of cultural discount programs in New York City.
The ID card also represents an important
step in a comprehensive, ongoing project to help ensure campus safety and
the integrity of personal information.

http://idcenter.columbia.edu/new-studentid-cards

You will receive your University ID card

when you arrive on campus. ID Cards
will not be released until the day after
you have successfully registered for
classes online. ID Cards can be retrieved
from the 4th floor Reception Desk at
Avery Hall beginning on May 28th for
Summer students and September 2nd
for Fall students.
19

HOUSING

FINDING AN APARTMENT
Columbia University offers several
housing options for full-time graduate
students enrolled in the Graduate
School of Architecture, Planning and
Preservation.
The GSAPP Admissions and Student
Affairs Office communicate other
housing opportunities to incoming
students as they become available and
to continuing students upon request.
Students should also note that postings
regarding available apartments and
apartment shares can be found online,
on bulletin boards around campus
and in the surrounding neighborhood.
Naturally, these postings are not related
to, or inspected by the University, but
they can provide an extra source of
possible accommodations for students
seeking off-campus housing.
University Apartment Housing (UAH)
Columbia
University
Apartment
Housing is available to all GSAPP degree
candidates, but it is limited and not
guaranteed.
University Apartment
Housing (UAH) provides eligible fulltime degree candidates with subsidized
housing near the University. Students
must maintain full-time status to
remain in housing. The UAH inventory
consists of apartment shares and
dormitory-style rooms. There are also
a limited number of studio/efficiency,
one bedroom, and two bedroom units
for which priority is given to couples
and families. Most student housing is
located within walking distance of the
20

University campus in the Morningside

Heights neighborhood. Students are
also housed in Manhattan Valley, just
south of Morningside Heights, and
in Washington Heights, just north of
Morningside Heights. Additionally,
students are housed in Riverdale, Bronx,
in a new facility known as The Arbor.
Rents are based on the size of the
apartment/room and what amenities,
furnishing, and/or utilities, if any, are
provided.
Students are billed either monthly or
by term, depending on the building
assigned. All leases/contracts terminate
on May 31 to coincide with the close of
the academic year. Continuing full-time
students are offered renewals beginning
June 1 through the next academic year.
Renewals are based upon your original
course of study. Upon completion of
the degree requirements, students
must vacate their UAH accommodation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON
HOUSING TYPES, RENTS, LEASE OR
CONTRACT TERMS AND ELIGIBILITY,
VISIT: http://facilities.columbia.edu/housing/home

Columbia Security operates car and foot

patrols within the entire UAH area, and
a shuttle bus provides transportation
to and from campus and other UAH
properties during evening hours.
Weekday shuttle service to and from
The Arbor is provided.

HOUSING

HOW TO APPLY
Admitted students will receive the
link to the online UAH application and
login information after completing their
enrollment form and submitting their
enrollment deposit online. Applicants
are strongly encouraged to review all
information, policies, and procedures on
the UAH website before submitting an
application.

YOU WILL NEED YOUR CUID/PID

NUMBER TO APPLY FOR UNIVERSITY
APARTMENT HOUSING. THE UAH
APPLICATION MAY BE FOUND HERE:
http://facilities.columbia.edu/housing/howapply

GSAPP Housing Lottery

Each school is allocated a specific number
of spaces by UAH. The GSAPP receives a
portion of our annual allocations directly
from UAH in early April. Our policy is
to conduct a lottery in order to fairly
distribute allocations among new degree
candidates, regardless of their housing
preferences. Priority is given to domestic
and international students traveling long
distances.
The first round of the GSAPP housing
lottery takes place shortly after the April
15th enrollment deadline, in order to
ensure that all enrolled students have
the opportunity to make an informed
decision about their graduate education.
Applicants will be notified via email
when the results of the GSAPP housing

INFORMATION ABOUT UAH

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: http://
facilities.columbia.edu/housing/essentials

lottery become available.

Applicants who receive an allocation
from the first round of the lottery will
see their UAH application status marked
as APPROVED. APPROVED applicants
will receive an offer of accommodation
from UAH.
As the GSAPP receives additional
allocations from UAH, they will be
distributed in the same manner via
lottery. For this reason, all applications
will remain UAH RECEIVED until
subsequent rounds of the lottery have
taken place. Applicants who remain
UAH RECEIVED will be moved to the
WAITLIST and will be assigned to
housing according to the official UAH
waitlist process.

INFORMATION ABOUT UAH

WAITLIST ELIGIBILTY AND PLACEMENT
IS AVAILABLE HERE: http://facilities.
columbia.edu/housing/wait-list
21

HOUSING

Things to keep in mind

The GSAPP housing lottery is a true
blind lottery - applications are assigned
random numbers and chosen using
an advanced algorithm that factors
distance. Personal information and
preferences do not factor in these
decisions.
Students who receive an allocation will
be made one housing assignment offer.
If you decline this offer and still would
like housing through the University,
you will need to re-apply and will be
automatically moved to the WAITLIST
(ineligible for future rounds of the
GSAPP housing lottery).
Continuing students who wish to
apply for UAH accommodations are
automatically placed on the WAITLIST.
The GSAPP is not responsible for
housing assignment.
UAH makes
housing assignment offers by matching
students to available units based upon
their preferences outlined in their
application.
If you no longer need university
housing, please be considerate to your
fellow students and be sure to update/
withdraw your UAH application.

22

OTHER RESOURCES
Off-Campus Housing Assistance
(OCHA)
Columbias
Off-Campus
Housing
Assistance (OCHA)
office
assists
Columbia students and affiliates
in their search for rental housing
in the metropolitan area. OCHA
manages a database known as the
Housing Registry, which includes
available rooms and apartments in
non-Columbia-owned buildings and
sublets of units in Columbia-managed
housing. Prospective roommates can
also post and search profiles on this
site. In addition, OCHA offers housing
search counseling and is supported
in these efforts by their cooperative
relationships with two New York City
real estate/relocation agencies.
THE OCHA DATABASE CAN
BE ACCESSED HERE:
http://facilities.columbia.edu/housing/introocha-3

The services of OCHA are for students

and affiliates of the University only.
OCHAs services are free of charge.
OCHA does not operate as a real estate
or rental agency; however, some of its
listers may charge a fee. The service
does not screen owners, tenants or
roommates, and apartments are not
inspected or approved by Columbia
or the employees of OCHA. Listing of
accommodations does not constitute a
recommendation of such facilities, nor is
the accuracy of the description verified

HOUSING

by OCHA. For further information,

please visit the OCHA website.
Students may register as a guest to
access the OCHA database, a UNI is not
required.
International House (I-House)
International House, a privately owned
student residence and program center
near campus, has accommodations for
about seven hundred graduate students,
both foreign and domestic. A cafeteria,
recreational facilities, and varied cultural
and professional programs are available
to members.
International House
also has resident scholarships. One
hundred spaces at International House
are reserved for Columbia students
and are contracted through University
Apartment Housing (UAH).

Google Groups
The Admissions Office has created
several google groups for enrolled
students to connect with each other.
Occasionally we receive housing leads
and will post information to the google
groups as a courtesy. This is a great
resource for students to figure out
housing/roommate options with their
peers. Incoming students are under no
obligation to join these groups.

To be eligible for admission to

International House, a student must be
a graduate student, at least twenty-one
years old, and registered for at least 12
points.
Interested students may apply through
UAH and/or directly to International
House, 500 Riverside Drive, New York,
NY 10027; telephone (212) 316-8436;
w e b s i t e : h tt p : / / w w w. i h o u s e - nyc .
org. Filing an application with both
International House and UAH affords the
maximum opportunity.

23

TUITION & FEES

ESTIMATED EXPENSES
The following are the estimated
expenses for degree programs at
the Graduate School of Architecture,
Planning and Preservation for the 2015
2016 academic year. The estimated
living expenses may differ slightly from
your actual expenses.
In addition to the fees listed below,
students will be assessed a one-time
transcript fee in their first semester and
international students are responsible
for an international student services
charge in the amount of $50 per
semester.

24

SUMMER 2015 (due June 12, 2015)

Tuition: $25,440

FALL 2015 (due Sept 18, 2015)

Tuition: $25,440

SPRING 2016 (due Jan 29, 2016)

Tuition: $25,440

See below for the total estimated cost

for the 20152016 academic year for
the following programs:
Master of Architecture
MS Urban Planning
MS Historic Preservation
MS Critical Curatorial and Conceptual
Practices in Architecture
The approximate cost of attending the
University for nine months, including
including the tuition for the 20152016
academic year, is as follows. It includes
the University Facilities fee, the Health
Services fee, and the cost of the Gold
Plan (standard) medical insurance.
Tuition (2 semesters)
Commute
Books
Fees
Personal
Living
Origination

$50,880
$1,512
$3,250
$4,776
$4,032
$17,874
$214

ESTIMATED TOTAL

$82,538

TUITION & FEES

See below for the estimated total cost

for the 20152016 academic year for the
following programs:
The approximate cost of attending the
University for nine months,
MS Real Estate Development
MS Architecture and Urban Design
MS Advanced Architectural Design
The approximate cost of attending the
University for twelve months, including
the projected tuition for the 20152016
academic year, is as follows. It includes
the University Facilities fee, the Health
Services fee, and the cost of Basic
medical insurance.
Tuition (3 semesters)
Commute
Books
Fees
Personal
Living
Origination
TOTAL

$76,320
$2,016
$4,750
$5,707
$5,376
$23,832
$428
$118,429

With the exception of the

tuition, these costs and fees
reflect the estimates provided
by the University Financial Aid
Office for the 20152016 academic year. All tuition and fees
are subject to trustee approval. Your actual living expenses
(room, board, books, clothing,
laundry, travel and sundry
items) may vary greatly.

25

26

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 20152016

SUMMER 2015 SEMESTER SCHEDULE

Registration
First Day of Classes
Arch. Studio Presentations & Lottery
Change of Program

Wednesday, May 27Friday, May 29

Wednesday, June 3
Wednesday, June 3
Monday, June 1Friday, June 12

Last Day to Add/Drop Courses with refund

Friday, June 12

Introduction to Architecture Registration &

First Day of class

Tuesday, July 7

Last Day to Add/Drop Introduction to

Architecture

Thursday, July 9

Last Day to Drop a Class

Thursday, July 9

Last Day of Introduction to Architecture

Friday, August 7

Final Review Week

Last Day of Classes
Grades Due

Monday, August 3Friday, August 7

Friday, August 14
Wednesday, August 19

27

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2015 - 2016

FALL 2015 SEMESTER SCHEDULE

Registration

UP Orientation

Wednesday, September 2

HP Orientation

Thursday, September 3

NY/Paris Orientation
MArch Orientation
First Day of Classes
Visual Studies Presentations

Friday, September 4
Friday, September 4
Tuesday, September 8
Tuesday, September 8 (6:00pm)

All-School Orientation

Wednesday, September 9 (2:00pm)

Arch. Studio Presentations & Lottery

Wednesday, September 9 (4:00pm)

Arch. Faculty Meeting

Mini Sessions
Change of Program
Last Day to Add/Drop Courses with refund
Last Day for all Mini Sessions registration
changes
Arch. Midterm Reviews
Election Day Holidays
Last Day to Drop a Class
Thanksgiving Break Last Day of
Architecture Classes
Last Day of Architecture Classes
Final Review Week
Last Day of HP, UP, RED classes
Exam + Paper Week
Grades Due

28

Tuesday, September 1Thursday,

September 3

Friday, September 11 (1:00pm)

Session A: 9/8 - 10/23
Session B: 10/2612/4
Tuesday, September 8Friday, September
18
Friday, September 18
Session A: 9/18
Session B: 10/30
Monday, October 26Friday, November 6
Monday, November 2 + Tuesday,
November 3
Thursday, November 19
Thursday, November 26 + Friday,
November 27
Friday, December 4
Monday, December 7Friday, December
16
Monday, December 14
Monday, December 14Wednesday,
December 23
Wednesday, December 23

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2015 - 2016

SPRING 2016 SEMESTER SCHEDULE

Registration
First day of Classes

Tuesday, January 12Friday, January 15

Tuesday, January 19

Arch. Faculty Meeting

Wednesday, January 20 (1:00pm)

Arch. Studio Presentations + Lottery

Wednesday, January 20 (2:00pm)

MArch Student Mtg (1st-3rd yrs)

Tuesday, January 26

Mini Sessions

Session A, 1/19- 3/4

Session B, 3/74/22

Change of Program
Last Day for all Mini-course registration
changes
Last Day to Add/ Drop Courses with
refund
Arch. Midterm Reviews
Spring Break
Last Day to Drop a Class (3 pts only)
Last Day of Architecture Classes
Final Review Week
Last Day of HP, UP, RED Classes
Exam + Paper Week
Comprehensive Reviews (2nd Year
MArch)
Grades Due

Tuesday, January 19Friday, January 29

Session A: 1/29
Session B: 3/25
Friday, January 29
Monday, February 22Friday, March 4
Monday, March 14Friday, March 18
Thursday, March 24
Friday, April 22
Monday, April 25Wednesday, May 4
Monday, May 2
Monday, May 2Friday, May 6
Monday, May 9 + Tuesday, May 10
Wednesday, May 11

Arch. Portfolios Due (graduating students)

Wednesday, May 11 (10:00am)

Full-time Faculty Meeting

Wednesday, May 11 (12:00pm)

Arch. Awards Meeting

Opening of End of Year Show
Graduation Day

Wednesday, May 11 (1:00pm)

Saturday, May 14 (5:00pm)
Wednesday, May 18

29

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

30

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE
educational matrix that is the core of
the Columbia experience:
The Master of Architecture (MArch)
Program attempts to distinguish itself
from similar programs elsewhere by
stressing the importance of developing
an understanding of, and an ability to
apply, architectural concepts in relation
to broader historic and contemporary
issues.

A student body with interest in the

profession of architecture and with
diverse backgrounds in many areas of
intellectual endeavor, that all contribute
to the richness of the program.
A faculty of experienced teachers,
both practitioners and researchers, all
of whom are expected to relate their
extracurricular work to their teaching
responsibilities.

The objective of the program is to assist

the student in developing a theoretical
basis for decision making in design,
while maintaining intense exposure
to a broad spectrum of philosophical
and cultural attitudes. The faculty
believes that a variety of pedagogical
approaches delivered with clearly
defined objectives best suits the needs
of the heterogeneous graduate student
population.

A program of study consisting of

lectures, seminars, and studios, whose
objectives are definable but whose form
is malleable in response to changing
cultural attitudes and social needs.
A setting of the most effective physical
facilities, including classrooms, studios,
auditoriums, shops, and libraries. In
addition, the cultural milieu of New York
City is an ever-present advantage that
gives the program its unique qualities.

The program is comprised of four major

components, all together forming the

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MARCH PROGRAM

Design Studio
6 X 9 = 54 pts

FALL TERM 1

SPRING TERM 2

FALL TERM 3

SPRING TERM 4

FALL TERM 5

SPRING TERM 6

Core Studio I

Core Studio II

Core Studio III

Advanced Studio IV

Advanced Studio V

Advanced Studio VI

Building Technologies
6 X 3 = 18 pts

Architectural
Technology I

Architectural
Technology II

Architectural
Technology III + IV

Architectural
Technology V

Architectural
Technology VI
Distribution

History/Theory
6 X 3 = 18 pts

History of
Architecture I

History of
Architecture II

Distribution I

Distribution II

Distribution III

Visual Studies
2 X 3 = 6 pts
Methods/Practice
2 X 3 = 6 pts

Visual Studies
Elective

Architectural Drawing
+ Representation II
Architectural Drawing
+ Representation I

Professional Practice

Electives
2 X 3 = 6 pts
Total 108pts

Distribution IV

2 Electives
18pts

18pts

18pts

18pts

18pts

18pts

31

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

The focus of the entire program is

the Architecture Design Studio. It is a
carefully structured three-year course
of study that prepares the student for
roles related to the design of buildings
and other environmental artifacts. This
design activity is augmented by five
other areas of study as described in
more detail below.
The History/Theory Sequence broadens
the students perceptions of his or her
design activity, through the historical
and theoretical examination of the
cultural role of design activity.
The Building Technologies Sequence
prepares the student to understand the
structural, constructional, and material
consequences and constraints of design
decisions.
The
Visual
Studies
Sequence
provides specialized investigation that
complements the normal studio work,
including both manual and computeraided drawing courses.
The
Methods/Practice
Sequence
prepares the student to undertake
management and professional practice
activities.
The Elective Sequence, which permits
the
student to pursue individual
interests
in
architectural
and
environmental topics, may become,
in certain cases, the basis for pursuing
advanced study in specialized areas
beyond the MArch degree.
PREREQUISITES

In order to be considered for admission

32

to the MArch program, all applicants

must have fulfilled a minimum of 45
credit hours of general studies in the
arts, humanities and/or science at their
home institution.
All incoming students must have
complete an undergraduate degree
from an accredited college or university
by the time of first registration.
The GSAPP requires that students
without a background in architecture
complete related courses prior to
matriculation. An applicants admission
into the program is not contingent upon
completing these courses; prerequisites
are handled on the honor system and
admitted students will not be asked to
submit relevant transcripts.
MArch prerequisites at the GSAPP
are exactly as is on the website.
The prerequisites should be collegiatelevel, and may be taken at any type of
accredited institution (public or private).
A 3-point course is equivalent to a
semesters worth of work.
The following is the list of prerequisites:
(1) Applicants who have no prior
background in architecture must
complete a course in architectural
graphic presentation (this could be
one term of architectural studio or a
studio in the visual arts such as drawing,
painting, or sculpture) as a prerequisite
for the Core Studio Sequence, before
first registering in the MArch Program.
(2) To fulfill the prerequisite for the
History/Theory Course Sequence, all

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

applicants must have completed a

3-point survey course in architectural
history dealing with any of the following
periods: classical to Renaissance,
Renaissance to modern, or modern.
(3) To fulfill the prerequisites for the
Building Technologies Course Sequence,
all applicants must have completed a
3-point course in general physics or two
3-point calculus courses.
ADVANCED STANDING

Students who have completed acceptable architecture coursework prior to

entering the MArch Program may apply
for advanced standing credit or course
waivers in non-studio courses; history/
theory or technology. No requests for
advanced standing credit are considered until official copies of relevant transcripts have been submitted to the Office of Admissions.
There are two situations in which one
may receive advanced standing in the
MArch Program: (1) a student who is
admitted into the second year of the
MArch Program may receive advanced
standing for the first-year courses including the two design studios (potentially
36 points); (2) a student admitted into
the first year with an undergraduate deADMISSION INTO 2ND YEAR IS
DETERMINED BY THE COMMITTEE
DURING THE APPLICATION REVIEW
PERIOD ONLY
APPLICANTS ADMITTED DIRECTLY
INTO 2ND YEAR WERE NOTIFIED BY
THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE IN THEIR
ADMIT LETTER

gree in architecture may receive credit

for some courses; credit will be evaluated on an individual basis (maximum
9 points).
The procedure for students who wish
to petition for advanced standing or
course waiver is outlined below. Further instructions will be distributed over
the summer.
In order to be approved for advanced
standing (maximum 9pts), students will
be required to receive approval from
faculty or directors at any time after enrollment. Petitions for advanced standing credit in non-studio courses are normally reviewed by a faculty members
teaching the equivalent course within
the Graduate School of Architecture,
Planning, and Preservation.
OFFICIAL TRANSFER OF
ADVANCED STANDING CREDIT WILL
BE ENTERED ON THE STUDENTS
TRANSCRIPT BY THE UNIVERSITY
REGISTRAR AFTER ONE YEAR OF
FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT IN THE
MARCH PROGRAM HAS BEEN COMPLETED.

Advanced standing credit is awarded

only for courses in which students have
received a grade of C or better. In some
cases, faculty members may ask to see
examples of previous course work.
Students are advised to have course
descriptions and previous course work
on hand at September registration to
facilitate planning an academic program
with an adviser.Required documentation for advanced placement normally
33

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

includes official course transcripts, catalog course descriptions, and at least one
of the following: a course syllabus, complete course notes, or a complete set
of tests, homework, and course-project
documentation.
DEFINITIONS
ADVANCED STANDING
Courses for which a student will receive
transfer credit. Students in the MARCH
program may receive up to 9 points of advanced standing (three 3-point courses).
Anything beyond 9pts will become a
waiver and students will be required to
replace these courses with other electives
from the same distribution area.
WAIVERS
Required courses that a student must
replace with another course in the same
distribution area. MARCH students with
a background in architecture typically
qualify for waivers in the Building
Technologies sequence. These courses
must be replaced by electives from within
the Building Technologies electives.

There are three circumstances under

which courses can be waived: (1) the
student presents evidence of professional experience in related subject matter;
(2) the student passes a formal examination on the subject (with the approval
of the course instructor); or (3) the student presents evidence of having passed
relevant courses at the undergraduate
or graduate level.
Because waivers do not carry point or
course credit, elective courses must be
taken to fulfill the point requirements
for the MArch degree. (Students waived
from AT2, AT3, AT4 or AT5 must take a
Building Technologies elective for each
34

course waived.)
All MARCH degree candidates must be
enrolled full-time (minimum 12 pts) for
the duration of the program in order to
be eligible for a degree regardless of
advanced standing or waiver status.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Incoming students who provided a

scanned copy of their transcript(s)
in their application must provide an
official transcript (in a signed and sealed
envelope - or - a notarized copy of a
certified translation) by the end of their
second semester at GSAPP.
STUDIO ASSIGNMENT

Incoming first-year MArch students are

assigned to a studio for their first term
at the GSAPP.
In subsequent semesters, students will
be required to attend a lottery presentation, where critics will present their
project briefs for the semester. Students will be given a form to complete
where they can rank their choices (students are required to rank ALL critics.)
Student Council will perform the lottery,
receive approval from the Dean and announce the results. Studio lottery results are final and are not subject to discussion or interpretation. Students who
wish to change critics must find another
student with whom they can perform a
one-to-one switch.
THE STUDIO LOTTERY IS
ANONYMOUS. STUDENTS ARE
REQUIRED TO USE THEIR CUID/PID.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN
ADVANCED ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGN

The Master of Science degree in

Advanced Architectural Design (MSAAD)
is a three-semester program consisting
of summer, fall, and spring terms. The
objective of the program is to provide
outstanding young professionals who
hold a BArch or MArch degree the
opportunity to enter into an intensive
postgraduate study that encourages
critical thought in the context of design
speculation. The program is viewed as a
framework in which both academic and
professional concerns are explored.
Overall, the program emphasizes an
experimental approach to research
and architectural design rigorously
grounded in multiple, complex realities.
Specifically, the program seeks to:
1. Address the challenges and possibilities
of global urbanization by exploring the
cityand its architecturein all its
forms.

2. Engage in a complex definition of

architecture, from the questioning
of the program to the formulation of
design strategies.
3. Produce architectural objectsboth
digital and physicalwhich reflect an
open, critical engagement both with
new and existing technologies.
4. Articulate architecture as a cultural
practice that combines critical thought,
design experimentation, and ethical
responsibilities in an interdisciplinary
milieu.
5. Activate a wide debate on the
contemporary conditions that critically
affect the course of the discipline and
the profession.
The program brings together a set of
required studios and elective courses
that are shared with other programs
in the School and that promote
intellectual cross-fertilization among
disciplines. A required lecture course
on the twentieth-century city and on
contemporary architectural theory,
exclusive to the program, provides

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MSAAD PROGRAM

FALL TERM 2
SUMMER TERM 1
SPRING TERM 3

Studio

Design Studio I, 9pts.

Advanced Studio V, 9pts.

Advanced Studio VI, 9pts

History/Theory

Metropolis, 3pts

History/Theory Elective, 3pts

History/Theory Electives, 3pts

Other Required

Arguments, 3pts

History/Theory or Visual
Studies Elective, 3pts

History/Theory or Visual
Studies Elective, 3pts

15pts

15pts

Optional
Total

Optional Design Seminars, 3pts

15-18pts

35

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

grounding for disciplinary exploration in

the studio.
The advanced studios frequently utilize
New York as a design laboratorya
global city that presents both unique
challenges and unique opportunities.
The program has long been a site for
architects from around the globe to test
concepts and confront changes that
affect architecture and cities worldwide.
PREREQUISITES

Students admitted to the MSAAD

program must have completed a
professional degree in architecture and
be eligible to sit for their licensing exam
or practice architecture in their country
of study.
Incoming students whose professional
degrees will not be conferred until after
the start date of the MSAAD program
(eg. late June/early July) must provide
a letter from their degree-granting
University certifying that the student
has completed all required coursework.
The letter must also provide the date
the degree will be conferred. This
document should be signed, sealed
and delivered to the GSAPP Office of
Admissions by the end of the second
week of the Summer semester (before
the end of the ADD/DROP period).
ADVANCED STANDING

There is no advanced standing available

for candidates pursuing the MSAAD
degree. All students must be registered
full-time (minimum 12 points) for the
duration of the program in order to be
eligible for the MSAAD degree.
36

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Incoming students who provided a

scanned copy of their transcript(s)
in their application must provide an
official transcript (in a signed and sealed
envelope - or - a notarized copy of a
certified translation) by the end of their
first semester at GSAPP.

NEW STUDENTS AWAITING

DIPLOMAS FROM FORMER
INSTITUTIONS SHOULD DELIVER
A CERTIFICATION LETTER TO THE
GSAPP WITHIN THE FIRST TWO
WEEKS OF SCHOOL.

STUDIO LOTTERY

Students are required to attend a lottery presentation every semester,

where critics present their project
briefs. Students will be given a lottery
form to complete where they can rank
their choices (students are required to
rank ALL critics.) Student Council will
perform the lottery, receive approval
from the Dean and announce the results. Studio lottery results are final and
are not subject to discussion or interpretation. Students who wish to change
critics must find another student with
whom they can perform a one-to-one
switch.

THE STUDIO LOTTERY IS

ANONYMOUS. STUDENTS ARE
REQUIRED TO USE THEIR CUID/PID.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN
ARCHITECTURE + URBAN
DESIGN

The Urban Design Program is focused on

the state of the city in the 21st century
in an age of rapid urbanization, in which
cities of growth and contraction face the
transition to new forms and meanings.
The program weaves a dialogue between
New York City, which is its primary focus,
and other world capitals and analogous
contemporary
conditions,
moving
between recent theoretical debate on
future urbanism, and applied projects
that directly engage the realities of the
transformations of the postindustrial
city. The program attempts to equally
engage both the daily reality of our
urban condition and the theoretical
abstraction of current academic
debate. Urban Design is pursued as a
critical reassessment of conventional
approaches relative to questions of site,
program, infrastructure, and form-mass,
as they have been defined by Urban
Design practice during the past century.
The Urban Design curriculum engages

the role of architecture in the formation

of a discourse on urbanism at the current
moment of post-industrial development
and of post-urban sensibility relative
to traditional Euro-American settlement
norms.
The Urban Design curriculum exploits
the pedagogic potential of the studio
as a form of design-based critical
inquiry. Studio projects focus on topics
related to contemporary Urban Design
practice. All three studios emphasize a
multi-scalar approach to the urban site
(local, neighborhood, metropolitan,
regional and global scales), and view
Urban Design as an inter-disciplinary
practice that negotiates between actors
in the urban dynamic. By proposing
an expanded architecturally based
teaching model for Urban Design, the
program advocates working from the
ground up, rather than adopting a
top down master-planning approach.
It takes advantage of architectures
traditional concerns for site specificity,
spatial experience, construction logics,
economics of organization, morphology
and physical form, it also engages
realms of knowledge associated with

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MSAUD PROGRAM

Studio

Seminar

Other Courses

Total

SUMMER TERM 1

FALL TERM 2

SPRING TERM 3

Design Studio I, 9pts

Design Studio II, 9pts

Urban Design Studio III, 9pts

UD Seminar I, 3pts

Urban Design Seminar IIA

OR IIB, 3pts

Urban Design Seminar IIIA

OR IIIB, 3pts

Reading New York Urbanism,

3pts

Open Elective, 3pts

Open Elective, 3pts

15pts

15pts

15pts

37

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

disciplines such as urban ecology, urban

geography, and landscape design. In
this sense, the program is considered
experimental,
exploratory,
and
unorthodox relative to the established
canons of the traditional architectural
design studio.
The sequencing of the studios is intended
to build the linguistic substructure that
is essential to Urban Design thought and
practice. This emphasis evolves from
how representation of the urban site
determines the quality of site knowledge
(Representation); to how discourse
on the city determines interpretations
of its past and projections of its
future (Discourse); to the invention
of the strategic languages of public
engagement involving operational
mechanisms for urban transformation
at both the formal and programmatic
levels (Public Synthesis).
The sequence of seminars reinforce this
construct. While each studio presents
students with differing urban conditions
and programming opportunities, all
three semesters together reinforce
the Programs commitment to help
individual designers develop rigorous
Urban Design tools and methods;
to acquire a working language to
communicate Urban Design ideas; and
to enhance the critical skills needed to
test and refine Urban Design strategies.
The summer studio engages New York
City as a laboratory, exploring the full
range of contemporary neighborhood
conditions (inner city, periphery, and
outer periphery). The fall studio engages
a critical analysis of urbanism as a
discursive field, as construed differently
38

by diverse disciplines. It considers how

Urban Design in the New York City
region must confront two interrelated
tendencies. Hyperurbanism, manifested
in the continued concentration of
people and capital in Manhattan,
exists concurrently with reurbanization
along the regional infrastructure that
is finding new meanings given todays
post-suburban tendencies involving our
changing urban ecological footprint.
The spring studio moves the discursive
field from the New York context to other
world contexts, while the exploration of
Urban Design language reaches its most
public phase.
PREREQUISITES

Students admitted to the MSAUD must

have achieved a professional degree in
architecture or landscape architecture
and be eligible to sit for their licensing
exam or practice architecture in their
country of study.
Incoming students whose professional
degrees will not be conferred until after
the start date of the MSAUD program
(eg. late June/early July) must provide
a letter from their degree-granting
University certifying that the student
has completed all required coursework
The letter must also provide the date
the degree will be conferred. This
document should be signed and sealed
and delivered to the GSAPP Office of
Admissions by the end of the second
week of the Summer semester (before
the end of the ADD/DROP period).

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

ADVANCED STANDING

There is no advanced standing available

for candidates pursuing the MSAUD
degree. All students must be registered
full-time (minimum 12 points) for the
duration of the program in order to be
eligible for the MSAUD degree.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Incoming students who provided a

scanned copy of their transcript(s)
in their application must provide an
official transcript (in a signed and sealed
envelope - or - a notarized copy of a
certified translation) by the end of their
second semester at GSAPP.

NEW STUDENTS AWAITING

DIPLOMAS FROM FORMER
INSTITUTIONS SHOULD DELIVER
A CERTIFICATION LETTER TO THE
GSAPP WITHIN THE FIRST TWO
WEEKS OF SCHOOL.
39

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN
CRITICAL, CURATORIAL +
CONCEPTUAL PRACTICES

The Masters of Science in Critical,

Curatorial and Conceptual Practices
in Architecture (MSCCCP) is designed
to offer advanced training in the fields
of architectural criticism, publishing,
curating, exhibiting, writing and
research through a two year, full time
course of intensive academic study and
independent research. The program
recognizes that architectural production
is multi-faceted and that careers in
architecture often extend beyond
traditional modes of professional
practice and academic scholarship,
while at the same time reflecting and
building upon them.
The MSCCCP Program includes a mixture
of required core classes, elective
lectures, and seminars and culminates
in the preparation of an independent
thesis under the supervision of an
advisor from GSAPP. This can take the

form of a written thesis on a historical or

theoretical topic; a portfolio of critical
writings; or a print-based demonstration
and visualization of rigorous, original
research. Additionally the thesis
can involve the conceptualization,
design, and detailed prospectus and
documentation for, or even production
of (where feasible), an exhibition,
publication, institute, major event, webbased initiative, time-based project, etc.
The GSAPP faculty is unparalleled in
offering a wide-range of expertise in
the history, theory and criticism of
architecture, urban design, landscape,
and preservation and spatial politics
as well as in the conceptualization
and production of publications and
exhibitions. The MSCCCP programs
emphasis is on forging new critical,
theoretical, and historical tools
and producing new concepts and
strategies for researching, displaying
and disseminating modern and
contemporary architecture and closely
related fields. The program is aimed at
those with a background in architecture
who wish to advance and expand their

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR MSCCCP PROGRAM

FALL TERM 1
CCCP Arch Colloquium I:
Operating Platforms, 3pts

40

SPRING TERM 2
CCCP Arch Colloquium II:
Contemporary Critical Discourse, 3pts

Elective Lecture, 3pts

Elective Lecture, 3pts

Elective Seminar, 3pts

Elective Seminar, 3pts

Elective Seminar, 3pts

Elective Seminar, 3pts

12pts

12pts

FALL TERM 3

SPRING TERM 4

CCCP Arch Thesis I

(Research), 9pts

CCCP Arch Thesis II

(Writing/Production), 9pts

Elective Seminar, 3pts

Elective Seminar, 3pts

12pts

12pts

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

critical and research skills in order to

pursue professional leadership careers
as architectural critics, theorists,
journalists,
historians,
editors,
publishers, curators, gallerists, teachers
and research-based practitioners. The
program also provides the highest level
of preparatory training for application
to PHD programs in architectural history
and theory.
PREREQUISITES

All incoming students must have

completed an undergraduate degree
from an accredited college or university
by the time of first registration.
ADVANCED STANDING

There is no advanced standing available

for candidates pursuing the MSCCCP
degree. All students must be registered
full-time (minimum 12 points) for the
duration of the program in order to be
eligible for the MSCCCP degree.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Incoming students who provided a

scanned copy of their transcript(s)
in their application must provide an
official transcript (in a signed and sealed
envelope - or - a notarized copy of a
certified translation) by the end of their
first semester at GSAPP.

41

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN
URBAN PLANNING

The faculty shares a core pedagogic

belief that the best professional
education takes place in an environment
of learning by doing, reinforced by
classroom work and group projects.
Planners must have a thorough
understanding of the economic, social,
political, and physical forces that shape
the built environment. These beliefs are
implemented through program offerings
that include familiarity with the range of
analytic and research techniques used
by planners, a semester-long studio
project, and courses in planning history
and theory.
Formal education is supplemented with
varied extracurricular activities, which
students are encouraged to attend.
Evening guest lectures, the Planning

lecture series, LiPS, the student magazine

URBAN, and student government
(Program Council) meetings are some
of the activities that enrich the graduate
school experience and create a dynamic
educational setting.
Students are required to complete 60
points for the M.S. in Urban Planning:
27 points in required courses and 33
points between courses in a sector
specialization and electives of their own
choosing.
Students may take courses offered
elsewhere in the University to
fulfill some or all of their elective
requirements. Courses outside GSAPP
cannot be pre-registered. This requires
use of the paper add-drop form and the
signature of the course instructor.
(Paper add-drop forms are available in
the registration office, 400 Avery.)
Each student is required to write a
masters thesis during his or her second
year of study.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MS IN URBAN PLANNING PROGRAM

FALL TERM 1

SPRING TERM 2

FALL TERM 3

Planning Techniques, 3pts

Planning Studio, 6pts

Thesis I, 3pts

Planning Law, 3pts

(Take Fall or Spring)

Planning Law, 3pts

(Take Fall or Spring)

Elective OR
Sector Specialization, 3pts

Elective OR
Sector Specialization, 3pts

Economics for Planners, 3pts

One Elective OR Sector

Specialization, 3pts

Elective OR
Sector Specialization, 3pts

Elective OR
Sector Specialization, 3pts

Planning History and Theory, 3pts

One Elective OR Sector

Specialization, 3pts

Elective OR
Sector Specialization, 3pts

Elective OR
Sector Specialization, 3pts

Elective OR
Sector Specialization, 3pts

Elective OR
Sector Specialization, 3pts

Intro to GIS, 3pts

(Take Fall or Spring)
15pts

42

15pts

15pts

SPRING TERM 4
Thesis II, 3pts

15pts

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

SPECIALIZATION + ELECTIVES

advanced standing

Students are required to take at least

one Methods course in their time here.
Methods courses include: Introduction
to GIS, Advanced GIS, Fundamentals of
Urban Digital Design, Presentations as
Strategic Planning Tools, Negotiations
for Planners, and Techniques of Project
Evaluation.

The GSAPP does not grant advanced

standing in the MSUP Program. Students who have completed relevant
coursework corresponding to required
coursework within a program may petition for a waiver. Students enrolled in
the MSUP program must complete a
studio during their first year and a thesis in their second year. For this reason,
the GSAPP requires that all MSUP degree candidates complete the program
in 4 semesters, with a minimum of
15pts per semester.

CONCENTRATIONS
PLANNING DEGREE

WITHIN

THE

Planning
education
is
designed
to produce individuals who have
a general knowledge of urban
and regional development ( and
planning
interventions to shape
that development) and specialized
knowledge in a subdiscipline of
planning such as Transportation and
Land Use or International Development.
Educationally, the general knowledge is
contained in the Core Courses and the
specialized knowledge in Concentrations.
Students take a minimum of four courses
in a Concentration: At least one Core
Course and at least two Elective Courses.
- Housing and Community Development
- International Development
- Land Use, Transportation, and
Environment
- Urban and Economic Development
PREREQUISITES

All incoming students must have completed an undergraduate degree from

an accredited college or university by
the time of first registration.

WAIVERS

Waivers may be granted to MSUP students for required core courses where
relevant coursework was successfully
completed at another institution. Waivers from any required course will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the
instructor, Associate Program Director,
and the Program Director.
All waivers must be approved by the
course instructor as well as the Associate Director and Program Director. No
requests for waivers will be considered
without official copies of relevant transcripts and syllabi. Waivers are not possible for elective courses.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Incoming students who provided a

scanned copy of their transcript(s)
in their application must provide an
official transcript (in a signed and sealed
envelope - or - a notarized copy of a
certified translation) by the end of their
first semester at GSAPP.
43

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN
HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Columbia
Universitys
Historic
Preservation
Program
offers
a
curriculum of extraordinary diversity.
The curriculum builds on over fortyfive years of experience teaching
historic preservation, while remaining
cognizant of the need for flexibility and
the demands of a dynamic, evolving
profession. The curriculum includes a
series of core courses, providing each
student with basic knowledge of the
field, and then broadens out, allowing
each student the opportunity to develop
his or her own focus. Classes are taught
by a large group of dedicated full-time
and adjunct professionals in the field of
preservation. Students are introduced
to a renowned faculty, larger and more
diverse than that of any preservation
program in the world.

specializationS

The sixty-point, two year program

requires studio and course work, and
the preparation and defense of a thesis.
In the first year, the core studios train
students to develop basic capacities to
identify and document the significance
of old buildings and districts, and
then to organize and implement ways
to preserve them. The studios are
supported by required core courses
exploring all aspects of preservation as
a discipline: design, history and theory,
and conservation and planning.
The second year is devoted to advanced
courses and to the preparation of
a thesis. Theses are expected to be
substantial works of original insight,
research and argument.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MSHP PROGRAM

FALL TERM 1

SPRING TERM 2

FALL TERM 3

SPRING TERM 4

Structures, Systems & Materials,

3pts.

American Architecture II, 3pts

Historic Preservation Colloquium,

3pts

Thesis, 4pts

Studio I: Reading Buildings, 4pts

Studio II: Current Issues in

Preservation, 3pts

Thesis, 1pt

Theory + Practice of HP, 3pts

Elective, 3pts OR if in conservation

sector, take Conservation Science,
4pts

American Architecture I, 3pts

Elective, 3pts

Students should select coursework to

reinforce their area of interest within
preservation

Students should select coursework to

reinforce their area of interest within
preservation

Historic Preservation Planning, 3pts

16 -19pts

44

16 -19pts

12 -19pts

12 -19pts

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

INTERNSHIP

During the summer between the

first and second year, the Historic
Preservation Program strongly suggests
the completion of at least one repetitive
internship or work experience as part
of the students education and career
development. We recommend that
the work experience should be at a
minimum of 240 hours, directly related
to the field of Historic Preservation,
and be substantive and professional in
nature.
PREREQUISITES

All incoming students must have completed an undergraduate degree from

an accredited college or university by
the time of first registration.
advanced standing

ing to required core courses completed

at other institutions must be replaced
by a course within the same distribution area (preservation planning, design, history/theory, or architectural
conservation). Waivers are reviewed on
a case by case basis by the faculty and
administration of the MSHP program in
order to ensure that all students gain
balanced foundational knowledge of
conservation, planning, design and history/theory.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Incoming students who provided a

scanned copy of their transcript(s)
in their application must provide an
official transcript (in a signed and sealed
envelope - or - a notarized copy of a
certified translation) by the end of their
first semester at GSAPP.

The GSAPP does not grant advanced

standing in the MSHP Program. Students
who have completed relevant coursework corresponding to required coursework within a program may petition for
a waiver. Students enrolled in the MSHP
program must complete a studio during
their first year and a thesis in their second year. For this reason, the GSAPP requires that all MSHP degree candidates
complete the program in 4 semesters,
with a minimum of 15pts per semester.
WAIVERS

Waivers granted to MSHP students for

prior work in American Architecture
must be replaced by an architectural history course within the GSAPP.
Other relevant coursework correspond45

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

MASTERS OF SCIENCE IN
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

immerses students in the three core

tenets of urban real estate development:
the financial, the physical, and the legal.
Synthetic coursework encompassing
development case studies, international
real estate issues, and a thesis bring
these three strands together into a
unified whole, arming students with
the full range of professional and
intellectual skills needed to tackle the
complex demands of global urban real
estate development.

The Real Estate Development program

at Columbia University provides an
unrivalled location for study in New
York City, the center of the global
real estate industry, and is housed in
the Graduate School of Architecture,
Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), a
world-renowned nexus for the design
and development community.

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

During the fall and spring semesters,

MSRED students have the opportunity to
complete an internship along with their
course work. The Internship Program
allows MSRED students to apply to
internships from a group of private
developers,
financial
institutions,
public agencies, consulting firms,
and nonprofit organizations, actively
involved in real estate. The program
is designed to provide participants
hands-on experience working with real
estate and real estate-related issues.
Internship responsibilities can include

The Real Estate Development programs

expanded three-semester curriculum
combines the fundamental skills of
professional real estate with a holistic
approach to urban development as a
creative act. Graduates receive a Master
of Science of Real Estate Development
(MSRED) in an intensive calendar year
spanning from May to May. Crossdisciplinary electives draw on the
programs access to the extraordinary
offerings of GSAPP and Columbia
at large, while required coursework

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MSRED PROGRAM

SUMMER TERM 1

FALL TERM 2

SPRING TERM 3

Architecture of Development, 3pts

Real Estate Law, 3pts

Real Estate Case Studies, 3pts

Real Estate Finance I Concepts & Models, 4.5pts

Construction Management &

Technology, 3pts

Real Estate Finance III - Capital

Markets, 3pts

History of NYC Development,

3pts

Real Estate Finance II, 3pts

Electives, 9pts

Market Analysis, 3pts

Electives, 6pts

Elective, 1.5pts
15 pts

46

15 pts

15 pts

SCHOOL PROGRAMS

development
feasibility,
financial
analysis, market research, project
management, asset management, policy
review, and industry studies.
PREREQUISITES

All incoming students must have

completed an undergraduate degree
from an accredited college or university
by the time of first registration.
ADVANCED STANDING

There is no advanced standing

available for candidates enrolled in the
MSRED program. All students must
be registered full-time (minimum 12
points) for the duration of the program
in order to be eligible for the MSRED
degree.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

Incoming students who provided a

scanned copy of their transcript(s)
in their application must provide an
official transcript (in a signed and sealed
envelope - or - a notarized copy of a
certified translation) by the end of their
first semester at GSAPP.

NEW STUDENTS AWAITING

DIPLOMAS FROM FORMER
INSTITUTIONS SHOULD DELIVER
A CERTIFICATION LETTER TO THE
GSAPP WITHIN THE FIRST TWO
WEEKS OF SCHOOL.
47

DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM

REQUIREMENTS

To utilize more fully the facilities and

resources of the University and to
provide opportunities for students
to pursue studies in related fields,
the School, in conjunction with
other departments and faculties, has
established several dual/joint degree
programs. Each program leads to the
award of two professional degrees.
Students who wish to enter one of the
programs described below must apply
to each of the participating programs
and be admitted to both. Students
wishing to pursue dual degree program
with other schools at Columbia are
responsible for consulting the respective
schools admissions office for further
information.

DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS WITH OTHER

SCHOOLS AT COLUMBIA:
MSUP + MBA (in conjunction with the
Business School)
MSUP + MIA (in conjunction with the
School of International and Public
Affairs)
MSUP + JD (in conjunction with the
School of Law)
MSUP + MSW (in conjunction with the
School of Social Work)
MSUP + MPH (in conjunction with the
Mailman School of Public Health)
For more information about Dual/Joint
Degree requirements and suggested
course sequences, please review our
website.

DUAL DEGREE PROGRAMS WITHIN THE

GSAPP:
MArch + MSHP
MArch + MSUP
MSUP + MSHP
JOINT DEGREE PROGRAMS WITHIN THE
GSAPP:
MArch + MSRED
MSUP + MSRED
MArch + MSCCCP
MSHP + MSRED

48

INFORMATION ON DUAL/JOINT
DEGREES IS AVAILABLE HERE: http://
www.arch.columbia.edu/courses/dual-
degree-requirements

CHECKLIST

REGISTER FOR OPEN HOUSE

*OPTIONAL*
SUBMIT ENROLLMENT DECISION AND DEPOSIT BY APRIL 15, 2015
APPLY FOR VISA THROUGH ISSO
*INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS*
APPLY FOR UNIVERSITY APARTMENT HOUSING
*OPTIONAL*
JOIN GOOGLE GROUP TO CONNECT WITH STUDENTS
*OPTIONAL*
SUBMIT IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENT DOCUMENTATION
*30 DAYS BEFORE FIRST REGISTRATION*
SUBMIT PHOTO FOR COLUMBIA ID CARD
*OPTIONAL*
CERTIFY HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN DECISION
REGISTRATION
*APPOINTMENT TIMES IN SSOL*
ORIENTATION
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
COURSE CHANGES BY THE END OF ADD/DROP

49

This bulletin is intended to be a description of the policies,

academic programs, degree requirements, and course
offerings in effect for the 20152016 academic year.
It should not be construed as an irrevocable contract
between the student and the university. The policies,
procedures and fees listed here are subject to change.

52