While deciding which program at TC is right for you, it is important to consider your long-term career goals, potential research interests, and what you are most passionate about. What are your strengths? What weaknesses do you want to improve? How will earning a graduate degree help you achieve your future aspirations?
At TC, there are over 120 programs in Education, Psychology, and Health. I recommend that you begin by browsing the Academic Programs to get a better idea of what is offered.
You can use the filter tool to narrow down your search by degree type, certification, or a specific area of interest. This is a great way to identify which programs meet your needs and learn more about the program’s history, objectives, and potential career options upon graduation.
If you are seeking certification or licensure after completing your program, this can help you identify which programs are right for you.
Below, I have explained some key things to consider when choosing a program.
Research Interest
It can be helpful to review the faculty in your program of interest. If you want to be involved in research, you can determine if there is a similar interest that you have in common with them. You can view each program’s faculty list by visiting the related program webpage.
Online or In Person
Do you want to pursue a graduate degree or certificate program that is fully online? If so, please visit the program search webpage to learn more about the programs TC has to offer. Earning your degree in the comfort of your home can be great, especially if you live in another state but love the programs at TC.
Full-Time, Part-Time, or Non-Degree
Many programs are flexible and will offer you the option to be either a part-time or a full-time student. However, some programs may require you to be enrolled as a full-time student.
Several students enjoy the option to enroll as part-time students, especially if they work and are unable to take on the full-time course load. Please keep in mind that students who are pursuing their master’s degree part-time at TC must do so within five years of beginning the program.
There is also an opportunity to attend TC as a non-degree student, which can be beneficial for those who are interested in taking graduate-level courses without committing to a specific degree program. If you are applying as a non-degree student, there are specific application instructions; please click here for more information.
—–
Once you determine which program is right for you, it is important to understand the requirements and application deadlines!
The Office of Admission offers program-specific and general admission virtual information sessions to help with the application process. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit the Admission Events webpage.
You are welcome to request one-on-one appointments with an admission counselor to learn more about your program, which may help you decide what program you would like to apply for. Our Admission staff is composed of representatives who work with specific departments at Teachers College. Please visit our Admission Staff website to find the admission contact information for each department.
Take the opportunity to meet with a current student in the program you are interested in. You should reach out to the admission staff based on your department of interest to inquire further about connecting with a current student. I also recommend that you check out our current Student Ambassadors! If any of them are in the program you’re interested in, you’re welcome to schedule an appointment to meet virtually through their Calendly. If there is someone specific you would like to meet with, you’re welcome to reach out to them at tcstudent@tc.columbia.edu and include their name in the subject line. They can then send you their availability to schedule a meeting with you! You can also schedule an appointment to talk more generally about TC, student life, involvement on campus, and balancing academia and extracurricular activities.
By: Tyra Vanriel