Registration

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 Two-Year 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.

Students in the Social Enterprise Administration (SEA) Management Fellows Program or Accelerated Policy Program have slightly different requirements in their first year. For more details, go to sample study plans for Two-Year Program students in our Student Handbook.

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.

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, there is an add/drop period when you can switch certain courses via the online registration system in Student Services Online, space permitting.

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 CUSSW 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 on 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–Friday. (After 5:00 p.m., appointments available by request.) Go to online appointment system.