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Change of Status

Students must submit change-of-status requests online via the corresponding Change of Status Form. Requests are reviewed by your department and CVN in seven to ten business days.

Change of status forms include Advanced Standing, Degree Concentration Change, Degree Level Change, Leave of Absence, Readmission, Withdrawal, MS Petition for Program Extension, Doctoral Program Extension Request, Certification Letter, and Petition to Walk.

For information on program requirements, review your program on the Fields of Study page. You can also search for your program using the search feature on this website.

FAQs

How long does it take to complete a degree?

You have 2 years to complete the Certification, 5 years to complete the MS, and 7 years to complete the DES. While enrolled in these programs, you are required to maintain continuous enrollment or a minimum of 2 classes per year, one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester. You may take more than one course during each semester and take courses during the summer but you are not required to. On average, students take 3.5 years to complete the degree, however, we encourage each student to take courses at a pace that suits their schedule.

Am I eligible for the Columbia University health plan?

Columbia Video Network (CVN) students are not eligible for the Columbia University health plan.

Am I eligible for Columbia University housing?

Columbia Video Network (CVN) students are not eligible for Columbia University housing.

What are the immunization requirements for CVN students?

Students who will remain fully remote for the duration of their program are not obligated to submit any proof of vaccination to Columbia Health.

Please see our Campus Visits and Immunization Requirements policy page for more information.

What is the tuition deposit?

Applicants who have been accepted for admission will be required to submit a tuition deposit payment to hold their place in the new incoming class. The tuition deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable. Therefore, if an admitted applicant pays the deposit, but fails to enroll for the particular program and term of the admission offer, the deposit will not be returned. After the end of the add/drop registration period, tuition deposits paid will be credited to the enrolled student's account. More information will be provided upon admission in the admission notification and follow-up messages.

Do I need to take ENGIE4000 Professional Development and Leadership?

ENGIE4000 Professional Development and Leadership is not required for CVN students.

Can I start as a certification student and then apply to an MS program?

Since Columbia University's policy prohibits the double counting of coursework between programs, Certification students admitted to and enrolled in the Master of Science program will forgo their Certification in order to allow these courses to count towards their Master of Science. Only six of the twelve credits earned from the certificate may be applied toward an MS. Instead, consider enrolling in one or two non-degree courses before applying to the MS.

After taking two courses (or six credits) as a certificate student, please reach out to the CVN team to confirm if you would like to continue pursuing your certificate or if you are thinking of applying to the MS program.

Please note, once you receive your certificate you will not be able to transfer any of your coursework to the MS program.

Where can I change my status as a student?

Students must submit change-of-status requests online via the corresponding Change of Status Form. Requests are reviewed by your department and CVN in seven to ten business days. Change of status forms include Advanced Standing, Degree Concentration Change, Degree Level Change, Leave of Absence, Readmission, Withdrawal, MS Petition for Program Extension, Doctoral Program Extension Request, Certification Letter, and Petition to Walk.

I'm done! How do I graduate?

First, check in with your advisor. Together with your advisor, make sure that you've met your program requirements, and provide your advisor with the approvals you've secured for any deviations/exceptions/substitutions to your course of study. Please note that Deans and advisors are the final authority on whether graduation requirements have been met.

Second, candidates preparing for graduation should submit a completed application for degree to the Registrar’s Office. Be sure to indicate which conferral you prefer (degrees are conferred in October, February, and May only).

Third, submit a graduation checklist to your department, check your department's website for additional information.

Finally, if you are eligible and interested in joining Commencement activities, be sure to watch Columbia University's Commencement page for updates and instructions. Commencement is held in May of each year for degrees conferred that May as well as the two previous conferrals (February of the same year and October of the previous year).

How will I receive my diploma after I graduate?

When you graduate (either in October, February, or May/June), your diploma will be ordered and mailed by the printer after the conferral date. It will take a few weeks to complete the process so it’s important that the address you have listed on SSOL is accurate.

If you need to update your address, you may do so through Student Services Online (SSOL) anytime until 5 p.m. on the Monday before graduation—please be sure to select the DP (Diploma) address option.

Please check out the Registrar's website for degree application for more information.