16-month FAQ

Have questions about Refunds/Additional Funds? Answers here

Have questions about Registration? Answers here

Have questions about Practicum Learning? Answers here

Have questions about Advising? Answers here

Have questions about Minors/Dual Degree Programs? Answers here

Financial Aid

What is the cost per year?

Cost of attendance for our residential campus can be found here. Cost of attendance for our online campus can be found here.

What types of financial aid are available?

Financial aid awards typically include a mix of institutional/merit scholarships, Federal Work-Study, federal loans, and other types of loans. Though you will not be eligible for work-study in your first year, you will be given priority for consideration in your second year, based on qualifying FAFSA data. NOTE: Those who have served in the military should find out if they are eligible for veterans educational benefits by completing the checklist linked from Columbia University’s Veteran Affairs site. Likewise, those who have completed a term of service with AmeriCorps should contact AmeriCorps directlyto see if they are eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.

How can I apply for financial aid?

Your first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once we receive your FAFSA data, we can begin the evaluation process for determining your financial aid award package.

When will I find out about my financial aid package?

We usually begin processing financial aid packages in mid-October, and notifications are sent out thereafter. You will receive an e-mail at the address used for your admissions application.

What if I’m not satisfied with my package?

You may appeal for more scholarship money to the Director of Admissions at cssw-admit@columbia.edu. (If you have received a higher scholarship offer from another graduate school of social work, a copy of that offer should be included in your appeal.) All other appeals, including those for work-study, should be e-mailed to swfinaid@columbia.edu. Please be mindful that while we do our best to provide need-based awards to all eligible students, our scholarship and work-study funding is limited.

Scholarship appeals are generally responded to within two weeks. Work-study appeals will initially be reviewed in late summer and will continue to be reviewed throughout the academic year; you will be notified via email if we are able to grant your appeal.

What types of loans can I apply for?

All students who complete a FAFSA are eligible to receive the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Once you accept the loan, you must complete an entrance interview, sign a master promissory note, and fill out a loan request form. The funds will then be disbursed automatically to your student account at the beginning of each term. NOTE: The Department of Education charges a 1.068% origination fee on this loan, which will be deducted prior to the funds being disbursed.

In addition to the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you may choose to borrow either a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan or a private educational loan. The maximum amount you may borrow for either loan is listed under the Alternative Eligibility fund in your award letter.

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a fixed interest loan program that enables graduate students to borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education to help pay for their educational expenses. This loan, which is based on credit-worthiness, requires a separate entrance interview, master promissory note, and loan request form. For more information, go to Questions and Answers About Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate and Professional Students. If you are approved for a PLUS loan, the funds will be disbursed automatically to your student account at the beginning of the term. NOTE: The Department of Education charges a 4.272% origination fee on this loan, which will be deducted prior to the funds being disbursed.

If you have any questions about the process, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid at swfinaid@columbia.edu or 212-851-2293; or make an appointment to speak to one of us.

What if I’m denied the PLUS loan or a private loan?

If you are denied the PLUS Loan, we strongly encourage you to request a copy of your credit report and clear up any delinquencies of 90 days or more, or challenge any discrepancies you find on that report. You should then appeal to the Department of Education, providing documentation that those discrepancies or issues have been resolved. In our experience, most students who do this succeed in having their initial denial overturned. Another option is to reapply for the PLUS Loan with a credit-worthy co-signer or endorser. If neither of these options works, we suggest that you reach out to our Office of Financial Aid. A financial aid officer will ask you to compile and submit a monthly budget listing all of your basic living expenses (rent, food, utilities, personal expenses, etc.). This additional information will allow the financial aid office to calculate the assistance you still need and how much CSSW can cover.

How do I pay for Columbia housing?

Your charges for Columbia housing may be billed to your student account each term, or else you may be asked to sign a contract stipulating the amount of monthly rent you owe to the University. We advise you to discuss the terms of your rental agreement with University Apartment Housing (UAH) prior to signing the contract.

What if I have additional questions on my financial aid package, scholarships, loans, or related matters?

For help with additional financial aid questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at:
E-mail: swfinaid@columbia.edu
Telephone: 212-851-2293
Counseling:

  • By appointment: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. (After 5:00 p.m., appointments available by request.) Go to online appointment system.
  • Walk-in: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

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Refunds/Additional Funds

When will I get the money I need to cover my daily expenses?

Generally you will receive this money during the first two weeks of school. Refunds are determined based on any credit remaining after all expected funding has been applied to your student account to cover your tuition, fees and other charges that may be on your account. The University will issue a refund either via direct deposit—you can select this option online (it requires entering your personal banking information)—or a paper check. Refunds are initially processed during the first two weeks of school, and then processed throughout the year whenever credit balances appear. NOTE: New students should come to school with enough money to see them through the first 2-3 weeks. For various reasons, some students may not receive a refund until week 3 or 4 of classes. Most students will receive their refunds near the end of the second week of classes.

What if I need more money?

If you need more money at any point during the year and have remaining “alternative eligibility” in your financial aid, you must submit another Grad PLUS Loan Request Form or apply for a private educational loan to borrow up to the total amount of that remaining “alternative eligibility.” If you have maxed out on your aid and received all for which you are currently eligible, please submit a Budget Appeal Form and supporting documentation to swfinaid@columbia.edu

Can I contact the Office of Financial Aid if I need assistance?

If you have further questions about refunds or additional funds, you are welcome to contact the Office of Financial Aid at:
E-mail: swfinaid@columbia.edu
Telephone: 212-851-2293
Counseling:

  • By appointment: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. (After 5:00 p.m., appointments available by request.) Go to online appointment system.
  • Walk-in: Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)

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Registration

What is the difference between the 16-Month Program and the Two-Year Program?

There is no difference in the graduation requirements for the 16-Month and Two-Year Programs. The difference between the two programs lies in the time it takes to complete these requirements. As a 16-Month Student, you begin your program in January, continue with field and coursework throughout the summer, and then complete your second-year requirements in the subsequent Fall and Spring terms.

How do I register for classes?

All student register for courses during their designated registration time via Student Services Online (SSOL), the University’s Web-based registration system. NOTE: Our Office of Student Services will provide a detailed how-to guide as well as reminders of the self-registration process prior to the registration periods.

What classes will I take in my first year?

For the first term, all 16-Month Program students are registered for:

  • T660A Human Behavior and the Social Environment-A
  • T6501 Social Work Research
  • T6801 Social Welfare Policy
  • T7100 Foundations of Social Work Practice
  • T6010 Practicum Learning.

In the second term, you are required to register for:

  • T660B Human Behavior and the Social Environment-B
  • T7102 Direct Practice II
  • T7103 Advocacy in SW Practice
  • T6010 Practicum Learning.

Go to sample study plans for 16-Month Program students in the Student Handbook.

What will my schedule look like in the summer?

Summer term is essentially the same as the second term for a Two-Year Program student who began in the Fall. You will register for Field Education, T660B HBSE B, T7102 Direct Practice, and T7103 Advocacy in SW Practice. There are a limited number of electives offered in the summer in which you may enroll assuming that they fit your overall program plan. As in the Spring term, you will be in classes on Wednesday and Thursdays, and in field on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Summer term begins at the end of May and continues for 10 weeks, through the end of July.

I’ve already taken some social work courses. How do I receive transfer credit?

The School will allow you to transfer a maximum of nine credits, of which no more than six can be for elective courses. You can receive credits for prior courses if they were taken at another accredited school of social work within the past five years and you earned at least a B. You are required to submit a form listing those courses for review. For more details, Transfer Credit Policy Statement (PDF: 2 pages).

Where can I find detailed course descriptions and course requirements for my classes?

By the time orientation week begins, all of your courses—including their requirements, syllabi, grading policies, and online readings—should be posted on CourseWorks.

How do I change my classes?

During the first two weeks of classes each term, space permitting, there is an add/drop period when you can switch certain courses via the online registration system in Student Services Online. NOTE: Since your T7100 Foundations of SW Practice course is linked to your practicum placement and advisor assignment, this course can only be changed via a request to the Office of Advising (send an e-mail to swadvising@columbia.edu).

I would like to take classes at another Columbia graduate school. How do I do that?

You are able to enroll in classes at other Columbia University schools to count either as elective credits (related and pre-approved graduate-level courses only) or as “extra” courses that are covered under the School’s flat-rate billing program, which allows you to register for a maximum of 19.5 credits per term in the Fall and Spring. NOTE: Our flat-rate tuition plan does not cover classes taken at Teacher’s College, Jewish Theological Seminary, or Union Theological Seminary. If you choose to register for a course at one of those schools, you will be charged tuition in addition to your flat-rate cost.

As each Columbia graduate school has its own cross-registration policies and procedures, our Office of Student Services compiles a document every term with links to classes at other schools that are open to CSSW students along with detailed instructions for registration, with links to necessary forms. This information is e-mailed to all students during the registration period and can also be found online.

Are my instructors evaluated? If so, where can I find copies of their evaluations?

Instructor evaluations are available in a binder in the Social Work Library (2nd floor) and the Student Union Office (4th floor). We would also encourage you to reach out to your second-year colleagues for feedback about instructors’ teaching styles, classroom expectations, and areas of specialization.

How do I verify that I’m taking all the required courses and sufficient credits to obtain my degree at the end of this year?

Program requirements are listed in the Student Handbook, which can be used as a checklist for completing your degree requirements. We suggest that you also get in the habit of checking your Degree Audit Report on Student Services Online (SSOL). Additionally, you are welcome to reach out to the Offices of Student Services and Advising to verify that you’re on track. NOTE: The Office of Enrollment and Student Services monitors students’ enrollment and registration and, where possible, will alert you if any problems are identified, but it is your responsibility to complete your degree requirements.

Which classes count for the New York State LCSW?

I want to complete the required LCSW licensing coursework, even though I’m not a Clinical Method student. Is that possible?

If you are interested in completing the clinical licensing coursework requirements for New York State prior to graduating, it is possible to do so, even if you have not chosen to specialize in Advanced Clinical Social Work Practice. This is particularly easy for an Integrated Practice and Programming (AGPP) student, who can simply ensure that all nine credits of electives are approved clinical electives. Social Enterprise Administration (SEA) and Policy students, on the other hand, will need to take more than the 60 credits required to complete their degree requirements. NOTE: For clinical licensing requirements for states other than New York, go to the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)’s List of Member Statutes and Regulations.

What if I have additional questions about class listings, course registration, or related matters?

For help with additional questions about registration-related matters, please contact the Office of Student Affairs and Enrollment at:
E-mail: swstudentaffairs@columbia.edu
Telephone: 212-851-2436; 212-851-2367
Counseling:

  • By appointment: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. (After 5:00 p.m., appointments available by request.) Go to online appointment system.
  • Walk-in: Wednesdays, 10 a.m – 6 p.m.
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Practicum Learning

When do I receive my practicum placement?

You will receive your field placement assignment during Orientation Week. (You will be notified before orientation only if your placement requires special tests—e.g., fingerprinting or medical clearance.)

What will I be doing at my practicum placement?

You will be doing direct practice work with individuals, families, groups or a combination thereof. While gaining this hands-on experience, you will be learning and practicing skills including engagement, contracting, assessment, and termination. In some cases, there will be opportunities to learn intervention techniques. Please review the Practicum Learning Manual to familiarize yourself with possible assignments, education plans, process recordings, and the learning objectives for your first-year placement.

What is my practicum instructor’s role?

Your field instructor is the agency employee responsible for overseeing your training at your field placement. He or she is there to support your learning in the field, to answer questions you may have about interactions with clients and agency employees, and to help you develop direct practice skills. At the end of the term, your field instructor evaluates your work at the agency for your advisor and recommends whether you should receive a pass or fail grade. NOTE: Your advisor is the final arbiter of the grade you receive for field education. Under some circumstances, he or she may choose to override the recommendation of the agency field instructor.

If I have questions about my practicum placement, who can I talk to?

Please reach out to your advisor or the Office of Advising (send an e-mail to swadvising@columbia.edu). Your e-mail should detail your questions and concerns.

How does the Office of Practicum Learning determine my placement in the second year?

At the mandatory practicum Placement Fair held in February of your first year, you will have opportunities to meet with agency representatives and listen to panel discussions from instructors who teach in the four method specialization areas and seven fields of practice. You will also have access, online and in hard copy, to a Placement Planning book, which provides instructions regarding placement selection, an overview of the various methods and fields of practice, and an annotated list of placement sites. practicum Department staff will work very closely with you throughout this process and if need be will grant you additional time to consider your options before deciding on your top six placement choices. Most students receive one of their choices. (In rare cases, practicum Department staff may develop a new placement they think would be a great fit for a particular student, but they will approach the student first before moving forward.) NOTE: One of the best sources of information about your second-year placement are students who are now completing their second year. Opportunities will be provided for you to reach out to them as well during the selection process.

What if I have additional questions about my practicum placement or related matters?

For help with additional field-related matters, please contact the Office of Practicum Learning at:
E-mail: swfield_education@columbia.edu
Telephone: 212-851-2307
See also: Practicum Learning staff list.

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Advising

When will I find out who my advisor is?

Your advisor’s name and contact information will be viewable on Student Services Online by the end of orientation week. NOTE: If you have questions about your academic program, class scheduling or registration prior to orientation, please contact the Office of Student Affairs by sending an e-mail to swstudentaffairs@columbia.edu.

What is my advisor’s role?

The Office of Advising assigns each Advisor to a cohort of approximately 20 students. The advisor is your primary resource of advising, both academic and practicum, and any life issues that may impact graduate school performance. You can expect mentorship from a seasoned practitioner, a visit to your practicum site, one-one-one meetings to discuss practicum and academic challenges and successes and email/phone contacted as needed. Over the academic year, you will attend monthly advising seminars with your cohort for professional social work practice development and to create a bonded supportive group of fellow students.

When will I have Advising Seminars? Are they mandatory?

You will attend Advising Seminars once a month. The sessions are mandatory. Meeting dates will be emailed to all students, and also will be listed in Courseworks/Canvas for your field course.

What if my advisor is not available: is there someone else at the School I can speak to?

If you’re not able to reach your advisor, you should contact the Office of Advising at swadvising@columbia.edu.

What if I have additional questions about academic planning, practicum-related concerns, or personal issues that could affect my performance in practicum and class?

For help with additional questions on advising-related matters, please contact the Office of Advising at:

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Minors/Dual Degree Programs

What minors do you offer, and how do I sign up?

The School offers three minors for 16-Month students:

  1. Business
  2. International Social Welfare
  3. Public Policy and Administration

As a 16-Month student you are not eligible to pursue the Law minor as it requires two years of course requirements, including a first-term course that is only offered in the Fall. For more information on minors, go to the Student Handbook.

I am interested in finding out more about dual-degree programs.

Typically, a dual-degree program reduces the requirements for doing two full-time programs by approximately one academic year because fewer credits are needed for each of the two degrees. If you are interested in pursuing a dual degree with another Columbia graduate school, you must apply separately to the school in question during your first year at CSSW. You will also need to discuss your academic plan for completing requirements at both schools.with the Manager of Enrollment and Student Services, Cheiku Camara (cbc2117@columbia.edu). Click here for more information on our dual-degree program.

To update your student record once you have been accepted into the other school, please notify our Office of Student Affairs at swstudentaffairs@columbia.edu.

Which CSSW office should I contact if I have questions about minors or dual degrees?

If you have further questions about minors and dual degrees, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at:
E-mail: swstudentaffairs@columbia.edu

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Still have questions?

If your questions haven’t been answered, we urge you to enter them into our online form. Once your form is submitted, we will direct it to the appropriate department. Our goal is to answer any questions submitted by current students within 24 hours.