Advanced Standing FAQ

Have questions about Financial Aid? Answers here

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

Overview

What is the Advanced Standing Program?

Advanced Standing students receive up to 27 transfer credits, which enables them to matriculate as second-year students and earn their degrees in one year (three terms). They complete a minimum of 33 credits at Columbia (21 through coursework and 12 through practicum learning). As an Advanced Standing student, you will begin your studies with an intensive six-week program that begins in mid July. During that session you will take T0006 Child Abuse Reporting Education, T6012 Advanced Standing Practicum Seminar, T6505 Intro to Statistics (can be waived through previous coursework or exam), and T7105 Advance Integrative Seminar. The purpose of these courses is to extend and deepen the direct practice knowledge and skills to which you were introduced in your BSW program, and to begin reflectively analyzing, from an anti-oppressive framework, how you will practice through the lens of the social work specialization you have chosen–Advanced Clinical Practice, Integrated Practice and Programming, Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship, or Policy Practice.

When Fall term arrives, you will move on to the second-year sequence of practice courses and complete your coursework and practicum learning requirements in just two semesters, usually taking three or four classes per term. Your practicum placement will be for two terms (Fall and Spring), and you will spend three days a week at the agency. Before your placement is made, you will work with the Office of Practicum Learning to choose a a practicum site that supports your chosen area of specialization and field of practice.

NOTES:

  • When evaluating transfer credits, the School is looking for equivalent coursework to T660A-B Human Behavior and the Social Environment I & II, T6501 Social Work Research, T6801 Social Welfare Policy, T7100 Foundations of Social Work Practice, T7103 Advocacy in Social Work Practice, T6010 Practicum Learning [two terms worth no more than 6 credits], and an elective. Taking more courses may be required if a student does not receive 27 transfer credits from his/her undergraduate coursework or if he/she decides to pursue certain minors.
  • BSW graduates from Canadian institutions will not receive credit for T6801 Social Welfare Policy. To be eligible for the program, Advanced Standing students must have earned a B or better in all of their undergraduate social work classes.
  • Advanced Standing students are not permitted to pursue dual degrees.
  • Advanced Standing students may pursue some minor programs (not the Law minor) if they are willing to register for additional credits beyond the required minimum of 33.
  • Students in the Advanced Standing Program may not be employed by their Practicum Learning agency.
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Financial Aid

What is the cost per year?

Tuition and fees for 2017-18 (Summer, Fall and Spring) total an estimated $60,815.  Of that, tuition for the August Summer Session is $9,024. Click here for information about summer fees. Tuition for Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 will be an estimated $22,586 each term. This is a flat-rate cost that allows you register for up to 19.5 credits per term at a cost equivalent to 15 credits.

For an explanation and breakdown of other fees, go to Cost of Attendance.

How do 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 package?

We usually begin processing financial aid packages in March, 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 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. 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 directly to see if they are eligible for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.

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:

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 receive the money I need to cover my daily expenses?

Generally you will receive your funds during the first two weeks of classes. 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 PLUS Loan Request Form or apply for a private 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 make an appointment with our Office of Financial Aid so that we can assess your situation and need for funding.

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

When does my program start?

Your program begins with a required six-week summer session that starts in mid July, please review the Academic Calendar for exact dates. During that session you will take T0006 Child Abuse Reporting Education, T6012 Advanced Standing Practicum Seminar, T6505 Intro to Statistics (can be waived through previous coursework or exam), and T7105 Advance Integrative Seminar. The purpose of these courses is to extend and deepen the direct practice knowledge and skills to which you were introduced in your BSW program, and to begin reflectively analyzing, from an anti-oppressive framework, how you will practice through the lens of the social work specialization you have chosen–Advanced Clinical Practice, Integrated Practice and Programming, Leadership, Management, and Entrepreneurship, or Policy Practice.

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 are the required courses for my program?

Your required courses vary based on your method area of specialization and field of practice. These requirements can be found in the Student Handbook
.

What are the credit requirements for the Advanced Standing Program?


To earn a Master’s in Social Work at CSSW, you must complete a minimum of 60 credits. The School will accept a maximum of 27 transfer credits from your BSW program, which means that you must complete a minimum of 33 credits during your tenure at CSSW. The amount of transfer credits you have been granted was outlined in your acceptance letter. If you received fewer than 27, it could be due to several factors: you earned below a B in the course; the course was taken more than five years ago; you earned your BSW from a Canadian institution (see Note); or your BSW program did not require you to take a course equivalent to one of our first-year required courses. Please keep in mind that since the school has a 60-credit minimum for degree completion, you may end up enrolling in 36 or 39 credits at CSSW, rather than the standard 33, in order to fulfill your requirements. NOTE: Students with a BSW from a Canadian institution can transfer a maximum of 24 credits because of not having taken the equivalent of T6801 U.S. Social Welfare Policy and will be registered for that course in the Fall.

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

All of your courses—including their requirements, syllabi, grading policies, and online readings—are 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.

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.


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

How is my practicum placement determined?

Our Field Education Department carefully reviews your Field Placement Form, résumé, previous field experience and evaluation to select the best possible placement for you that matches your selected method area within your chosen field of practice. A Field Department staff member will contact you over the summer to set up a confirmational interview for this placement site and provide you with relevant information to help prepare you for the interview and what to expect.

When will I be notified of my practicum placement?

You should receive your field placement assignment during your August Advanced Standing session.

What will I be doing at my practicum placement?

Tasks at your placement will vary depending on your method and field of practice, type of agency, and population with whom you will be working. For information on possible assignments, education plans, as well as the learning objectives for various method specializations, go to our Practicum Learning Manual (PDF: 123 pages)

Once I’ve received my practicum placement assignment, if I have questions about it, who can I talk to?

Please contact the Office of Practicum Learning by first reaching out to the Field Department staff member who notified you of your placement and has been working with you to set it up. You also may contact the Office of Practicum Learning at swfieldeducation@columbia.edu.

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:

What is my practicum instructor’s role?

Your practicum instructor is the agency employee responsible for overseeing your training at your practicum placement. He or she is there to support your learning in practicum, 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 practicum 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 Practicum Learning. Under some circumstances, he or she may choose to override the recommendation of the agency practicum instructor. 

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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. You will receive an e-mail once the information has been posted online. 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?

Your advisor is a social work professional who is employed by CUSSW to serve as your educational support in both the classroom and practicum. You may consult with your advisor about issues concerning your courses or program requirements. If you have to miss class, it is always a good idea to keep your advisor in the loop. In addition, your advisor assesses your performance in practicum. He or she meets with your practicum instructor and also reviews that person’s evaluation of your work at the end of the term. In preparation for your second year, your advisor helps you decide on your method specialization and field of practice.

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:
E-mail: swadvising@columbia.edu
Counseling: By appointment. Go to online appointment system.
See also: Office of Advising Staff Listings

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 one of the administrative staff in the Office of Advising. Go to staff listings.

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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 Advanced Standing students:

  1. Business
  2. International Social Welfare
  3. Public Policy and Administration
As an Advanced Standing student, you are not able to pursue the Law Minor as the requirements must be completed in two years. If you decide to pursue a minor, you must declare your intention on your Registration Form, and then plan to register for the appropriate classes to fulfill the minor requirements. For more information about our minors, go to the Student Handbook.

Can I apply for a dual-degree program?

Dual-degree programs require a minimum of 42-45 credits of coursework and a minimum of three semesters of full-time residency at each school. Since your program is only 10 months long and requires only a minimum of 33 credits, you are not eligible to pursue a dual-degree program.

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 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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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.