Adult Learning and Leadership

   
1. Who do I contact to get more information about the ALL program?
      
2. I want to browse the schedule of courses. Can I do that?
      
3. Is there a residency requirement for the Ed.D. program?
      
4. What is the difference between the Master of Arts (M.A.) and the Master of Education (Ed.M.) degree?
      
5. What are the major requirements for the M.A., Ed.M, and Ed.D. programs?
      
6. Can I take courses outside of Teachers College?
      
7. How do I know what courses are eligible electives?
      
8. When can a student enter the program?
      
9. May I enroll as a part-time student?
      
10. Must I declare my enrollment status as either full-time or part-time?
       
11. How long will it take me to complete the degree?
       
12. What supports will I be given?
       
13. What is the relationship between Teachers College and Columbia University?
       
14. Where do students typically live?
       
15. Who do I contact about Teachers College graduate student housing?
    

   
1. Who do I contact to get more information about the ALL program?   
      
   • For information about the program by mail, please contact the Office of Admissions.   
   • For information about Financial Aid, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.   
   • For information about Housing, please contact the Office of Residential Services.   
   • For information for students with disabilities, please contact the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities.   
   • For inquiries specifically related to our program, please contact Thelia Louise Singleton singleton@tc.columbia.edu   
      

    

                  
2. I want to browse the schedule of courses. Can I do that?   

   This link takes you to the schedule of classes: http://www.tc.edu/academics/index.htm?Id=Course+Schedule&Info=Course+Schedule   

      

    

              
3. Is there a residency requirement for the Ed.D. program?   

   For the traditional Ed.D. program in Adult Learning and Leadership there is not a residency requirement. The AEGIS program has a residency requirement for the duration of the summer intensive.

      

    

                                  
4. What is the difference between the Master of Arts (M.A.) and the Master of Education (Ed.M.) degree?   

   The Master of Arts degree requires a minimum of 45 points to complete the degree. The Master of Education is an advanced degree for applicants who have professional experience as well as a graduate degree in a related field before applying, and requires a minimum of 60 points to complete the degree.

      

    

                                      
5. What are the major requirements for the M.A., Ed.M, and Ed.D. programs?   

   Each degree program has its own set of requirements outlined in our program study guides, which are available on our website.  The study guides provide the frameworks for program planning, although students proceed with their course requirements in consultation with their designated advisor. The coursework portion of each degree program consists of required courses (offered annually or in alternate years), within-program electives, and extra-program electives; other requirements, unique to a program or portion thereof, are indicated in the study guides.

      

    

                          
6. Can I take courses outside of Teachers College?   

   Students are able to take courses outside of Teachers College (TC) according to reciprocity criteria established by the College. All courses taken outside TC are subject to the tuition rates of the school offering the course. Consult the Registrar (Cross-Registration for TC Students) for current rates and for instruction on how to register to courses outside TC (but within Columbia University). Please see the TC Catalogue for information about taking courses through the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium. There are necessary forms that may require advanced planning.

      

    

                              
7. How do I know what courses are eligible electives?   

   Each concentration requires elective coursework in addition to the core requirements. Students need to consult with their respective advisor for details on these electives.

      

    

                  
8. When can a student enter the program?   

   Our program currently only accepts applications for the Fall Semester. More information about applying to the program can be found here: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/admissions/

      

   The current deadlines for applications are:   

          
   • M.A.: April 15       
   • Ed.M.: January 15       
   • Ed.D.: January 2
      

      

      

    

                          
9. May I enroll as a part-time student?   

   Yes. Many of our classes are offered from 5:10 pm-6:50 pm and 7:20 pm-9:00 pm to permit flexibility. Some classes are also offered during daytime hours. A few elective courses are also available during the weekends and via distance learning. In addition, we typically host networking events and colloquium speakers during the evenings to accommodate our part-time students.

      

    

          
10. Must I declare my enrollment status as either full-time or part-time?   

    No. You do not need to declare your enrollment status as either full-time or part-time because we do not differentiate between the two groups. The full-time and part-time students are provided equal services and support.

       

     

           
11. How long will it take me to complete the degree?   

    Typically, full-time M.A. students complete their program within two academic years, and our parttime students complete the program at varying speeds. Full-time Ed.M. students tend to complete their program within two and a half academic years. Full-time Ed.D. students sometimes complete their program within five academic years. Part-time Ed.M. and Ed.D. students also complete the program at varying speeds. These timeframes are approximate and depend on each person's working situation, personal life, and financial situation. Part-time students usually take two to three classes per term and full-time students typically enroll in four to six classes per term.

       

     

           
12. What supports will I be given?   

    In addition to advisors and sponsors, it is highly recommended that students take initiative to form study groups with other program colleagues. In many cases, students find these groups extremely valuable for academic and social support.

       

     

              
13. What is the relationship between Teachers College and Columbia University?   

    Teachers College is Columbia University's Graduate and Professional School of Education. The College has its own administration, governing board, and finances, while having access to the resources of Columbia University; such as the library, health services, recreational center, and so forth.  Teachers College is defined as an affiliate of Columbia University.

       

     

                       
14. Where do students typically live?   

    Most students commute from around the Tri-State area. Students who relocate to New York City usually live near the university on the Upper West Side of Manhattan or in graduate housing on campus.

       

     

                       
15. Who do I contact about Teachers College graduate student housing?   

    Please contact the Student Housing Office for information about housing. They can be reached by phone at 212-678-3235, by email at housing@tc.columbia.edu, or online at http://www.tc.columbia.edu/housing. We highly recommend that you return the housing application promptly if you would like to live in student housing.  TC housing is very competitive.

       

     

                         

   
1. How do I apply?
      
2. Are any standardized exams required?
      
3. What is the time frame for admission decisions? When will I know if I have been accepted?
      
4. Is there any way to speed up the application process?
      
5. For which terms may I apply for admission?
      
6. The application requires an academic writing sample. Are there specific topics that the admissions committee requires or favors?
      
7. Are you able to tell me whether all of my application materials have arrived in Admissions?
      
8. How can I increase my chances of being accepted?
      
9. Will it help my chances of acceptance if I talk with faculty members before submitting my application?
      
10. Can I defer my admission to the college?
       
11. In the application it states that I am required to submit a WES course-by-course for any studies outside the U.S. If I earned a degree at a university which uses an American grading system and curriculum am I still be required to submit WES evaluation?
    

   
1. How do I apply?   

   Applications are available from the Teachers College Office of Admissions. Information and forms can be found at: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/admissions

      

    

              
2. Are any standardized exams required?   

   The GRE scores are not required for the Adult Learning and Leadership program for any of the degree levels (M.A., Ed.M. and Ed.D.). The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all applicants who have received their undergraduate degree from an institution where the language of instruction is not English. Please visit the Teachers College Guide to Admission: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/admissions/guidetoadmission.

      

    

                  
3. What is the time frame for admission decisions? When will I know if I have been accepted?   

   Generally speaking, the Teachers College Admissions Office notifies students who applied by the priority TC deadline at some point around mid-March. Applicants who met the final deadline tend to hear from the TC Admissions Office around early to late May. TC Admissions Office has information regarding these deadlines on theirwebsite: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/admissions/index.htm

      

    

                  
4. Is there any way to speed up the application process?   

   Yes. Only completed application files are sent to our office, so the best thing you can do to ensure the quick processing of your file is to make sure that all materials are submitted in a timely manner and to do so long before the application deadline. Additionally, you should be certain that all College application requirements are met. For example, international transcripts need to be evaluated and verified by World Education Services, and international applicants for whom English is a second-language are required by the college to submit TOEFL scores. You should review the Guide to Admission for additional information on these and other requirements, and ensure that your own materials comply.

      

    

              
5. For which terms may I apply for admission?   

   Please refer to the Teachers College Guide to Admissions for application deadlines.

      

    

                      
6. The application requires an academic writing sample. Are there specific topics that the admissions committee requires or favors?   

   Please see the outline for the academic writing sample here: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/academic/o&ldept/adulted/index.asp?Id=Prospective+%26+Admitted+Students&Info=Application+Requirements You are also free to address other topics related to adult learning and leadership.

      

    

                              
7. Are you able to tell me whether all of my application materials have arrived in Admissions?   

   Unfortunately, the College does not have a centralized application system that allows each individual office to monitor the status of incoming applications. Should you have a question on where your application is in the process or whether any materials are missing, please contact the Admissions Office directly at admission@tc.edu.

      

    

                  
8. How can I increase my chances of being accepted?   
      
   • Applicants should review their application thoroughly before submitting it to ensure that all requested information has been provided and any typos and errors have been corrected.
      
   • Applicants should ensure that their applications are complete and submitted by the deadline.
      
   • Applicants should ask individuals, who are familiar with their academic, research, and/or work experience and can provide detailed information, to write letters of recommendation.  At least one of these letters should comment on the applicant's scholarly strengths and weaknesses. It would be best if this letter came from an academic advisor or someone with whom the applicant took a course.
      
   • Applicants should clarify their career goals before applying. Consider the rationale behind obtaining a degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education and relationship to career goals.
      
   • Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the field of higher and postsecondary education and understand the particular interests of the Program faculty within the larger field.
      
   • Applicants should gain relevant work experience, which can include part-time work or volunteer activities.
      
      

    

                  
9. Will it help my chances of acceptance if I talk with faculty members before submitting my application?   

   Speaking with or meeting with faculty members prior to applying will not promote the chances of acceptance for any applicant. However, we do recommend that you acquaint yourself with the work of the faculty, especially for Ed.M., and Ed.D. applicants. Faculty members and current students are available to discuss additional questions about the program during the program's annual open house information session. Please visit our program website for more information on this year's open house. Once acceptance decisions have been made, accepted applicants might be afforded opportunities to meet with faculty or students to discuss the program. To speak with a faculty member or current student, contact the program secretary, Louise Singleton at singleton@exchange.tc.columbia.edu

      

    

              
10. Can I defer my admission to the college? 

    Yes, admission to the college can be deferred for up to one year. Doctoral admits must have written permission from the Program faculty for such deferral. To defer admission, please contact the Admissions Office at (212) 678-3710.

       

     

            
11. In the application it states that I am required to submit a WES course-by-course for any studies outside the U.S.  If I earned a degree at a university which uses an American grading system and curriculum am I still be required to submit WES evaluation?   

    Yes, you will need to submit a WES course-by-course evaluation of all post-secondary credentials (undergraduate and graduate, if applicable) earned outside of the U.S.

       

     

      

1. What is AEGIS?
   
2. What is the admissions application deadline for the upcoming AEGIS program?
   

1. What is AEGIS?

   AEGIS (Adult Education Guided Intensive Study)
   
   AEGIS is a highly selective, fast-track cohort program leading to the Ed.D. in Adult Learning and Leadership for mid-career professionals who work full time, and who choose to pursue a doctorate in a concentrated format. The program emphasizes leadership for adult education and organizational learning. Scholar practitioners are helped to examine and critique theory and professional experience.

   In existence since 1981, the Adult Education Guided Intensive Study (AEGIS) program is a fast paced professional development program leading to an Ed.D. that emphasizes the formation of the scholar-practitioner through a 3-5 year program of week-end classes and independent study.

   AEGIS is designed as a doctoral program of the highest academic quality for mid-career and senior professionals. AEGIS incorporates our understanding of the unique nature of adult learning and education in social, organizational and global contexts.

   Our cardinal concern is to foster contextual awareness, critical reflection and collaborative learning. Mindful of the increasingly rapid and profound changes in society and the workplace, AEGIS seeks to help adult educators become critically aware of the contexts of their actions, as well as the various assumptions that underlie their thoughts and/or formulations and practice. Building upon their diversity, the AEGIS participants will acquire familiarity with alternative perspectives for interpreting reality. We see this as a necessary step toward the collaborative learning that is needed to address today's most pressing challenges in the workplace and in society at large.

   The AEGIS program is designed for a particular clientele: senior professionals with substantial experience in program development, administration of continuing education, staff development, human resources development and management, adult learning and training. The program is geared to the interests of professionals who help adults learn in a variety of settings: universities and colleges, business and industry, health care institutions, public schools, community organizations, unions, libraries and museums, the armed forces, government agencies, vocational education and staff training programs, consulting organizations, international agencies, proprietary schools and the educational media. Participants share an interest in adult learning and often use their own programs as a focus for graduate study.

   
   
   

2. What is the admissions application deadline for the upcoming AEGIS program?

   —The early deadline is November 1, 2012
   —The final deadline is January 2, 2013

1. What is an Ed.D.?
   
2. What is the Office of Doctoral Studies?
   
3. Where is the Office of Doctoral Studies (ODS)?
   
4. How do I find an advisor?
   
5. How much can I tailor my program?
   
6. What is the grading procedure for the certification exams?
   
7. How many years do I have to complete my dissertation?
   
8. How do I take a leave of absence in the middle of my program?
   

1. What is an Ed.D.?

   The Doctor of Education degree is a research or professional doctorate which emphasizes broad preparation for advanced professional responsibilities through a program based upon extensive study in a specialized branch in the field of education or in a related area of instruction.

   
   
   

2. What is the Office of Doctoral Studies?

   The Office of Doctoral Studies (324 Thorndike Hall, 212-678-4058) is a service for doctorate students. The office and website have a number of informational packets for doctoral students, including program plan requirements, certification exam information, proposal and dissertation style manuals and so on. We encourage newly admitted doctorate students to visit the Office of Doctoral Studies and/or website in order to get these informational packets. The website is: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/doctoral/index.asp?Id=Welcome&Info=Welcome!

   
   
   

3. Where is the Office of Doctoral Studies (ODS)?

   The Office of Doctoral Studies is located at the following address:

   Teachers College, Columbia University
   Box 172, 324 Thorndike Hall
   525 West 120th Street
   New York, N.Y. 10027
   (212) 678-4058
   http://www.tc.columbia.edu/ADMINISTRATION/doctoral/

   
   
   

4. How do I find an advisor?

   When students are admitted to the program, they are assigned an advisor to assist with program planning. Advisor assignments are made on the basis of the information contained in a student's application. To the extent possible, students will be matched with faculty with whom they share some interests. However, once students are enrolled they are free to change advisors, if they find another faculty member with whom they would like to work. This is not an unusual occurrence. Changing advisors requires agreement from both the current and the proposed faculty advisor and is accomplished by obtaining both their signatures on a form obtained from the Doctoral Program Administrator.

   
   
   

5. How much can I tailor my program?

   There are core courses for each program which are required. However, it is important to stress that these requirements are not intended to be strictly prescriptive, nor are they meant to limit students to one area of professional interest. In conjunction with their advisors, students have considerable latitude in tailoring a course of study that will meet their needs and prepare them to develop and carry out a dissertation.

   
   
   

6. What is the grading procedure for the certification exams?

   The exams are sent back to us (which takes about a week), then circulated to reader 1, and then circulated to reader 2. These two people read them "blind" and sometimes a third person reads them if one person fails a question but the other does not. The speed with which they are read depends on each grader’s schedule. However, once we receive them, we aim to have the first person read through the exams within a week and then pass them to the second reader.  All of this takes approximately a month.

   Two people also read the QP (Qualifying Paper). Once we read through them and write up the results for feedback we schedule a meeting with the student. The reading of the QP can take between 1 and 2 months depending on other things going on. We communicate directly with the student in both cases once we have the results.

   
   
   

7. How many years do I have to complete my dissertation?

   Once certified, students normally have between 4 and 6 years to complete their dissertation. This can be dependent on whether students choose to commit to either full-time or part-time status.

   
   
   

8. How do I take a leave of absence in the middle of my program?

   Once certified, if extenuating circumstances force students to take a temporary leave, students are authorized for two semesters of exemptions for personal reasons, or may obtain waivers for documentable reasons out of the student's control. Extensions can be granted only under special circumstances. These must be arranged with student's advisors and with ODS.

1. How can I get a GA (Graduate Assistant) or work study position related to the field?
   
2. Am I able to apply for a GA or work study position in other departments?
   
3. Are there any adult education settings nearby where I can volunteer?
   
4. How do I find out what research is happening in the field of adult education? How do I become a part of it?
   
5. What are the employment opportunities provided by Columbia for graduates of this program?
   
6. Are career/placement services available to students?
   

1. How can I get a GA (Graduate Assistant) or work study position related to the field?

   You can begin by looking at the list of open GA and work study positions listed on the TC employment web site. You can apply for GA and work study positions through this site:
   https://careers.tc.columbia.edu/

   You can contact your faculty advisor and let him or her know that you are interested in a GA or work study position and find out if any are being offered in the program.

   You might also identify particular professors you are interested in working with and reach out to them individually to see if they have any GA or work study positions available.

    

2. Am I able to apply for a GA or work study position in other departments?

   You can apply for any open position at Teachers College. Check the listing of openings on the human resources website: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/administration/hr/

    

3. Are there any adult education settings nearby where I can volunteer?

   It is important to start by thinking about what kind of adult education settings you would be interested in volunteering. Adult education is a very broad field and encompasses a wide range of settings, including for-profit companies, not-for-profit organizations, government agencies, and higher education.

   • Some important questions to consider are:
   • What populations of adults are you interested in working with?
   • What settings are you most interested in working at?
   • What kind of work would you like to be doing?
   • How much time do you have available?
   • How long of a commitment are you willing to make?

   Once you have answered some of these questions, you can begin to look for specific settings that might meet your preferences.

   You might start by looking at the career services web site to see if there are any internship postings from organizations that might fit your interests: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/careerServices/

   Sign up for the career services list serve and be on the lookout for job fairs where you can meet organizations that might have volunteer opportunities.

   You can also meet with someone at career services to talk about your interests and find out if they know of organizations or agencies that could be a good fit.

   You can also speak with your academic advisor, faculty, or other students in our program about organizations they know of that might be in-line with what you are looking for.

    

4. How do I find out what research is happening in the field of adult education? How do I become a part of it?

   Start by looking at the faculty in our program to see their research interests: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/o&l/adulted/faculty.asp
   If they are doing research in an area you interested in, contact them and see if you can talk with them more about the work they are doing or find out if they know of research you can be involved with.

   You can search for Graduate Assistant positions listed on the TC employment web site here:
   https://careers.tc.columbia.edu/

   You should also familiarize yourself with the library web site: http://library.tc.columbia.edu/ Try searching ERIC database for articles related to your interests and look at journals such as Adult Education Quarterly or publication from the Teachers College Record: http://www.tcrecord.org/

   If there is a research topic you are interested in, you might consider starting your own research project. Seek out faculty with similar interests and find out if they might be willing to help you

    

5. What are the employment opportunities provided by Columbia for graduates of this program?

   You can begin by looking at the career services web site to see if there are any job postings from organizations that might fit your interests: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/careerServices/

   Sign up for the career services listserve and be on the lookout for job fairs and resume drops.

   You can also meet with someone at career services to talk about your interests and get help on your resume and job search.

   You can also speak with your academic advisor, faculty, or other students in our program about alumni from our program you could connect with or organizations they know of that are might in-line with your interests.

    

6. Are career/placement services available to students?

   Teachers College's Office of Career Services offers consultation and placement services, as well as workshops on job search strategies and skills. In addition, Career Services works with student interest groups to organize job fairs and provide other career- related networking opportunities. For more information, please visit the Career Services website at http://www.tc.columbia.edu/careerservices/index.asp.

    

1. How much does it cost to study at Teachers College?
   
2. Who do I contact about financial aid?
   
3. Who do I contact about scholarships?
   
4. Who do I contact regarding assistantships, work-study programs, or various employment opportunities at Teachers College?
   

1. How much does it cost to study at Teachers College?

   The 2011-2012 the tuition rate is $1,231 per credit. In addition, the college fee per term is $388. These amounts do not include any additional services students may need such as health insurance. Up to date information on tuition and fees is available at the TC Student Accounts website: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/controller/students/

    

2. Who do I contact about financial aid?

   Please contact the Office of Financial Aid: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/studentaid. We recommend that admitted students inform their academic advisor about special financial need in case the program becomes aware of new support.

    

3. Who do I contact about scholarships?

   Please contact the Office of Financial Aid: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/studentaid. We also recommend that admitted students inform their academic advisor of their interest in receiving scholarships.

    

4. Who do I contact regarding assistantships, work-study programs, or various employment opportunities at Teachers College?

   Contact one of the following offices:

   Financial Aid: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/studentaid
   Human Resources: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/administration/hr/
   Career Services: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/careerservices/index.asp
   

    

    

1. What classes should I take?
   
2. Who are the "good" professors?
   
3. When should I start my program plan?
   
4. How do I transfer credits? Who decides which ones can transfer?
   
5. How can I transfer from the M.A. to Ed.D. program?
   
6. When should I work on the research project for the MA or Ed.M?
   
7. Is ORLD 5057 a required course?
   

1. What classes should I take?

   This depends on a number of factors. First, it is helpful to consider what you would like to take. What topics are you interested in exploring? What subjects do you find engaging or exciting? There are many options and it helps to have a sense of what you are most interested in.

   Second, it is important to know the course requirements for your degree. Please see the "Degree Requirements" on the left menu bar for the requirements for your degree program.
   
   You can also use these worksheets to help identify and organize the courses you need to take for your degree:

   Masters Students:
   http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/8574_MAProgWorksheet10-24-08.pdf

   Masters of Education Students: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/8575_EdMProgWorksheet10-24-08.pdf

   Doctoral Students:
   http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/8576_EdDProgWorksheet10-24-08.pdf

   Third, take a look at what courses are offered in the program, here: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/o&l/adulted/courses.asp

   You can also click on the link at the top of the page to see what courses are being offered for the current semester.

   The program secretary will send a list of recommended courses prior to the beginning of the upcoming semester.  This is also a helpful guide for choosing courses.

   Fourth, look through the TC catalog to find courses outside of the program in which you might be interested:
   http://catalog.tc.columbia.edu/tc/

   To find courses offered in the current or upcoming semester look here:
   http://www.tc.columbia.edu/tc-schedule/schdsearch.cgi

   Once you have identified some courses you are interested in, and which fulfill your degree requirements; it is also important to speak with your advisor about courses he or she would recommend, in addition to those you have chosen.

   You can also seek out other students in the program and ask them about courses they have taken and what they might recommend.

    

2. Who are the “good” professors?

   This depends on personal preference and learning styles. You can assume that every professor in the program is very knowledgeable in their area of study and is a very competent instructor. At the same time, each student has different needs, preferences, and learning styles. To find out who might be a “good” professor for you, take time to learn more about the faculty in our program.

   You can begin by looking at the faculty page to learn more about their research interests and backgrounds: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/o&l/adulted/faculty.asp

   The best evidence is your own experience, so once you have identified a professor you are interested in working with, you might contact them directly about meeting or sitting in on one of their classes.

   You can also take time to speak with other students about their experience with a particular professor in the program and get their recommendation.

   In addition, you can look at web sites such as: http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ to get anonymous student reviews of some of the professors in our program.

    

3. When should I start my program plan?

   It is important to start thinking about your program plan early. You should read through the program requirements for your degree.  Please see the "Degree Requirements" on the left menu bar for the requirements for your degree program.
   
   
    
   You can also use these worksheets to help plan your course work:

   Masters Students:
   http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/8574_MAProgWorksheet10-24-08.pdf
   

   Masters of Education Students: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/8575_EdMProgWorksheet10-24-08.pdf
   

   Doctoral Students:
   http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/8576_EdDProgWorksheet10-24-08.pdf

   Doctoral students should read through the requirements outlined on the Office of Doctoral Studies web site here:
   Doctor of Education Requirements

   The certification requirements for doctoral students can be read here:
   http://www.tc.columbia.edu/ADMINISTRATION/doctoral/index.asp?Id=Doctor+of+Education+Requirements&Info=Ed.D.+Certification

   In terms of program plan the Office of Doctoral studies web site says, “The student should submit the Program Plan as early as possible, but no later than the term in which 60 points of graduate study (including transferred credits) have been completed.”

   The forms necessary for completing the program plan and statement of total program can be found here:
   http://www.tc.columbia.edu/ADMINISTRATION/doctoral/index.asp?Id=Forms+%26+Brochures&Info=Ed.D.+Student+Forms

   Once you have read through the requirements and outlined your program plan, it is important to meet with you advisor and get their input and feedback. Once you both have agreed on your program plan they will sign off and it can be submitted.

   If you have already submitted your program plan and you need to make changes, use the form here: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/8741_Change_of_Program_Plan.pdf

    

4. How do I transfer credits? Who decides which ones can transfer?

   Only Ed.D. students and Ed.M. can transfer credits toward their degree. M.A. students cannot transfer credits. Transferring credits from a previous graduate degree program requires several steps.

   • Begin by looking at the description of how to transfer credit here:
     http://catalog.tc.columbia.edu/tc/catalogdetail/policiesproceduresdocuments/
     You can read through the policies and procedures for transfer credits here:
     http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/7940_Policies_Procedures_Spring2008.pdf
   • The next step is to complete the transfer of credit form and return it to the admissions office:
     http://www.tc.columbia.edu/i/a/document/7941_Request_for_Allocation.pdf
   • A list of approved courses will be sent to the program secretary and forwarded to you. This will indicate which courses have the potential to be transferred. Note: These courses have not been applied to your degree, they are only the courses which could possibly be approved for transfer.
   • You need to compare this list of potential transfer courses with the required course outlined in your degree requirements (please see "Degree Requirements" on the left menu bar). 
   • It is important to think about which courses might count toward your required credits and which courses might count toward elective credits. If you are hoping to have some courses count toward your required credits you should be able to make a good case for why they fulfill a required course area. You can review course descriptions here: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/o&l/adulted/courses.asp and here: http://catalog.tc.columbia.edu/tc/ to find out more about required courses.
   • The next step is to meet with your academic advisor and discuss which of the courses may be transferred toward your degree. Your advisor will decide which courses will count toward your required credits and which will count toward your elective credits.
   • Once your advisor signs off on the list of approved courses it will be sent back to the admissions office for final approval. You will receive a letter from admissions indicating which courses have been approved for transfer.

    

5. How can I transfer from the M.A. to Ed.D. program?

   To transfer from the M.A. to the Ed.D. program you will need to complete the application for the Ed.D. program. Details on completing the application can be found here: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/admissions/

   Note: the deadline for submitting you application is currently: January 2nd

    

6. When should I work on the research project for the MA or Ed.M?

   If you want to graduate in May, you will need to begin planning your Ed.M. research-based project in the fall; which must be finished in addition to coursework in order to graduate. You will need to work with a faculty member on an outline and topic and then proceed with the work.

    

7. Is ORLD 5057 a required course?

   ORLD 5057 is not required but strongly recommended for doctoral students. It is a course designed to help doctoral students review, expand and integrate what they have learned about learning theory in preparation for the certification exam. Ed.D. Students typically take the course, and some Ed.M. and MA students as well (along with students from other departments).

    

1. Where are Adult Learning and Leadership students from?
   
2. What is the average age of new students?
   
3. What is the racial/ethnic composition of new students?
   

1. Where are Adult Learning and Leadership students from?

   Adult Learning and Leadership students come from all over the United States, as well as from many other countries. The majority of our students are from the metropolitan New York area. To learn more, check out the map of where our students are from: Students' Map.

    

2. What is the average age of new students?

   On average, our M.A. students from previous years were in their twenties. Our entering Ed.M. and Ed.D. students tend to be in their late twenties and early thirties and above when starting the program. However, the age range across all the degree levels is quite wide.

    

3. What is the racial/ethnic composition of new students?

   The racial/ethnic composition of every incoming class varies from year to year, but we strive consistently for a broad range of diversity in our community: race and ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, religion, and many other features of background. For example, the incoming class of 2011-2012 was comprised of approximately 30% students of color, 45% White, 5% foreign and 20% other or students who chose not to respond.

    

1. What kinds of activities are available outside the classroom?
   
2. What is the atmosphere like within the program?
   
3. What kinds of student activities/organizations are there?
   
4. What facilities and services are available to help support students' academic success and personal experience?
   

1. What kinds of activities are available outside the classroom?

   The program in Adult Learning and Leadership hosts a number of events for students to promote learning outside the classroom and foster a sense of community within the program. Every semester, we offer professional development and social opportunities. Programming and professional development events are announced via our program website (http://www.tc.edu/o%26l/adulted/events.asp) and through our program listserv. All admitted students are added to our program listserv.

   Students are encouraged to join student chapters of professional associations as well as enroll under national memberships for organizations. A list of some of the professional associations associated with the field of Adult Learning and Leadership can be found on our website: http://www.tc.edu/o%26l/adulted/index.asp?Id=Student+Resources&Info=Professional+Associations. In addition, students are encouraged to attend and participate in professional conferences as well as take advantage of opportunities within Columbia University and the New York City area.

    

2. What is the atmosphere like within the program?

   The atmosphere within the Adult Learning and Leadership program can be described as collaborative, friendly, and relatively informal. Oftentimes, students work in groups on assignments and projects or get together socially.

    

3. What kinds of student activities/organizations are there?

   There are about 25 student organizations at Teachers College, representing various aspects of the school's diverse student body. In addition, the Office of Student Activities and Programs organizes a range of activities on a regular basis, including workshops, social events, and networking opportunities. For more information, please visit the Student Activities website: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/studentactivities/

    

4. What facilities and services are available to help support students' academic success and personal experience?

Computing Services
Information on the computing services workshops, locations, and services are available online: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/cis/

Fitness Center
Teachers College has a recently renovated pool for student use. Additionally, Teachers College students have access to the gym at Columbia University. Information is located at: http://www.gocolumbialions.com/

International Student Services
Information is located at: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/~international/

Library
Informational workshops on library structure, library renovations, research skills, and technology is available via the library's website: http://lweb.tc.columbia.edu. Teacher College students also have full access to the Columbia University and Barnard College library system.

Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Information is available via the website: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/administration/ossd/

Office of the President for Diversity and Community
Information is available at: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/ADMINISTRATION/diversity/

Office of the Registrar
Information is available at: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/administration/registrar/

Student Handbook
Information for new and current students about TC and its policies is available at: http://www.tc.edu/administration/student-handbook/