The Combined Plan Program
at Columbia University
To be considered in our competitive review process, we recommend that an applicant
successfully meets all of the following requirements:
Full-time enrollment at an aliate institution for at least the past three years
An overall GPA in accordance with the agreement that your institution has reached with
Columbia. We recommend that students have a minumum overall GPA of 3.30. For students
attending aliates with agreements prior to 2017, an overall GPA of 3.30 or higher is required.
For students attending aliates with agreements in 2017 or later, a GPA of 3.50 or higher is
required. Please speak to your campus liaison to confirm which GPA is required for your institution.
Minimum pre-engineering GPA of 3.30, inclusive of all science and mathematics prerequisite
coursework. Additionally, a minimum grade of B (3.0) must be obtained on the first attempt in
all science and mathematics prerequisite coursework.
Successful completion of both the foundational and major-specific prerequisite coursework by
the end of the spring semester of application
Successful completion of the degree and major requirements of the aliate institution by the
end of the spring semester of application
Favorable recommendation letters: one each from the Combined Plan liaison, a science
instructor and a math instructor
Proficiency in English as directed by Columbia on our website
The Combined Plan Program is founded on articulation agreements
between Columbia University and nearly 100 ailiate institutions
nationwide.
A student should successfully complete the equivalents of the following Columbia courses
at their home institution. Liaisons at each school are responsible for determining which
classes fulfill these Columbia prerequisite courses and will advise students accordingly.
Mathematics
Calculus I, II and Multivariable Calculus for Engineers and
Applied Scientists (Math UN1101, MATH UN1102, and APMA
E2000)
Physics
Introduction to Mechanics and Thermodynamics (PHYS
UN1401)
Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism and Optics (PHYS
UN1402)
Chemistry
General Chemistry I Lecture (CHEM UN1403)
Lab Requirement (choose one of the following two)
Introduction to Experimental Physics Lab (PHYS UN1493/4) or
General Chemistry Lab (CHEM UN1500)
Note that some majors require a speciic lab in either
chemistry or physics, or both.
Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in C/
C++, Java (COMS W1004), Python (ENGI E1006) or MATLAB
(COMS W1005)
Note that some majors require a speciic programming
language.
Humanities and Social Sciences
27 non-technical credit hours including Principles of
Economics (ECON UN1105) and University Writing (ENGL
CC1010)
Non-technical credit hours should help a student to learn
perspectives and principles of the humanities and social
sciences through discussion, debate and writing. Please
note that non-technical electives are subject to the review
of Undergraduate Admissions. Examples of these courses
can be found on our website (https://bulletin.engineering.
Columbia.edu/b-elective-nontechnical-courses).
Foundational Courses Required of All Majors
Major-Speciic Coursework
Courses noted with a * may be taken either before or during enrollment at Columbia.
Applied Mathematics
Mathematics
Ordinary Dierential Equations (MATH UN2030)
Physics
Introduction to Classical and Quantum Waves (PHYS UN1403)
Additional
Introduction to Experimental Physics Lab (PHYS UN1493/4)
Students may take a lab other than Physics lab: Astronomy,
Astrophysics, Biology or Chemistry.
Choose one of the following three:
General Chemistry I Lecture (CHEM UN1403) or
Environmental Biology I: Elements to Organisms (EEEB UN2001)
or
Introductory Biology I: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular
Biology (BIOL UN2005)
The department strongly recommends Python
Applied Physics
Mathematics
Ordinary Dierential Equations (MATH UN2030)
Physics
Introduction to Classical and Quantum Waves (PHYS UN1403)
Introduction to Experimental Physics Lab (PHYS UN1493/4)
Additional
Choose one of the following three:
General Chemistry I Lecture (CHEM UN1403) or
Environmental Biology I: Elements to Organisms (EEEB UN2001)
or
Introductory Biology I: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular
Biology (BIOL UN2005)
The department strongly recommends Python
Biomedical Engineering
Mathematics
Introduction to Applied Mathematics: Ordinary Dierential
Equations and Linear Algebra (APMA E2101)
Or, students must take both an ODE and a Linear Algebra
course.
Physics
Introduction to Classical and Quantum Waves (PHYS UN1403)
Chemistry
General Chemistry II Lecture (CHEM UN1404)
General Chemistry Lab (CHEM UN1500)
Computer Science
Introduction to Computing for Engineers and Applied
Scientists in Python (ENGI E1006)
Additional
Introductory Biology I: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular
Biology (BIOL UN2005)
Introductory Biology II: Cell Biology, Development and
Physiology (BIOL UN2006)
*Introduction to Electrical Engineering (ELEN E1201)
Chemical Engineering
Mathematics
Choose one of the following two:
Ordinary Dierential Equations (UN2030) or
Introduction to Applied Mathematics: Ordinary Dierential
Equations and Linear Algebra (APMA E2101)
Physics
Introduction to Experimental Physics Lab (PHYS UN1493/4)
(Chemical Engineering requirements cont. on next page)
Prerequisite Coursework
Note that some majors may require additional speciic courses replacing or adding to the
following requirements, detailed in the major-speciic course lists.
Chemical Engineering Cont.
Chemistry
General Chemistry II Lecture (CHEM UN1404)
General Chemistry Lab (CHEM UN1500)
Organic Chemistry I Lecture (CHEM UN2443)
*Organic Chemistry I Lab (CHEM UN2495)
*Organic Chemistry II Lab (CHEM UN2496)
Computer Science
Introduction to Computing for Engineers and Applied Scientists
in Python (ENGI E1006)
The department strongly recommends Python, but will accept
C/C++, Java or MATLAB on a case by case basis.
Civil Engineering
Mathematics
Introduction to Applied Mathematics: Ordinary Dierential
Equations and Linear Algebra (APMA E2101)
Or, students must take both an ODE and a Linear Algebra
course.
Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in MATLAB
(COMS W1005)
The department strongly recommends MATLAB over other
languages, though it will accept any language.
Additional
Earth: Origin, Evolution, Processes and Future (EESC UN1011) or
an equivalent introductory course in Geology/Geosciences
*Mechanics (ENME E3105)
Computer Engineering
Mathematics
Introduction to Applied Mathematics: Ordinary Dierential
Equations and Linear Algebra (APMA E2101)
Or, students must take both an ODE and a Linear Algebra
course.
Computer Science
Discrete Mathematics (COMS W3203)
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java
(COMS W1004)
Please note that suicient knowledge of computer
programming is needed in order to take Data Structures in
Java (COMS W3134).
Additional
Introduction to Electrical Engineering (ELEN E1201)
Computer Science
Computer Science
Discrete Mathematics (COMS W3203)
Choose one of the following two:
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java
(COMS W1004) or
Honors Introduction to Computer Science in Java (COMS
W1007)
Choose one of the following two:
Data Structures in Java (COMS W3134) or
Data Structures and Algorithms (COMS W3137)
The department strongly recommends Java, though it will
accept other languages as long as a Data Structures course in
that language has also been completed.
Earth and Environmental Engineering
Mathematics
Introduction to Applied Mathematics: Ordinary Dierential
Equations and Linear Algebra (APMA E2101)
Or, students must take both an ODE and a Linear Algebra
course.
*Introduction to Probability & Statistics (STAT GU4001)
The course must have calculus, including multivariable
integration, as a prerequisite.
Chemistry
General Chemistry II Lecture (CHEM UN1404)
General Chemistry Lab (CHEM UN1500)
Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python
(ENGI E1006)
The department requires Python for the introductory
Computer Science requirement. Only students attending
ailiates that do not oer Python may substitute another
language.
Additional
*A Better Planet by Design (EAEE E2100)
Choose one of the following two:
*Earth’s Environmental Systems: The Climate System (EESC
UN2100) or
*Earth’s Environmental Systems: The Solid Earth System (EESC
UN2200)
Choose one of the following three:
Organic Chemistry I Lecture (CHEM UN2443)
Introduction to Classical and Quantum Waves (PHYS UN1403) or
Introductory Biology I: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular
Biology (BIOL UN2005)
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics
Introduction to Applied Mathematics: Ordinary Dierential
Equations and Linear Algebra (APMA E2101)
Or, students must take both an ODE and a Linear Algebra
course.
Physics
Introduction to Classical and Quantum Waves (PHYS UN1403)
Computer Science
Suicient knowledge of computer programming is needed in
order to take Data Structures with C/C++ (COMS W3136) or
Data Structures in Java (COMS W3134).
Additional
Introduction to Electrical Engineering (ELEN E1201)
Engineering Mechanics
Mathematics
Ordinary Dierential Equations (MATH UN2030)
Or, students must take both an ODE and a Linear Algebra
course.
Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in
MATLAB (COMS W1005)
The department strongly recommends MATLAB over other
languages, though it will accept any language.
Additional
*Mechanics (ENME E3105)
Industrial Engineering, Engineering Management Systems or
Operations Research
Mathematics
Choose one of the following two:
Linear Algebra (MATH UN2010) or
Applied Mathematics I: Linear Algebra (APMA E3101)
Choose one of the following two:
Probability for Engineers (IEOR E3658) or
Probability Theory (STAT GU4203)
Choose one of the following two:
Applied Statistical Models in Operations Research (IEOR E4307)
or
Statistical Inference (STAT GU4204)
(Industrial Engineering, Engineering Management Systems or
Operations Research requirements cont. on next page)
Major-Speciic Coursework
Courses noted with a * may be taken either before or during enrollment at Columbia.
Major-Speciic Coursework
Courses noted with a * may be taken either before or during enrollment at Columbia.
Mechanical Engineering
Mathematics
Linear Algebra (APMA E3101 or MATH V2010)
and Ordinary Dierential Equations (MATH UN2030 or Math
UN3027)
or
Introduction to Applied Mathematics: Ordinary Dierential
Equations and Linear Algebra (APMA E2101)
The department strongly recommends taking ODE and
Linear Algebra separately.
Computer Science
Foundations of Data Science (ORCA E2500)
Students must take a substantial equivalent to ORCA
E2500 before coming to Columbia. Only students
attending ailiates that do not oer an equivalent may take
the course at Columbia.
Choose one of the following three:
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java
(COMS 1004) or MATLAB (COMS105)
or Python (ENGI E1006).
Additional
*Introduction to Electrical Engineering (ELEN E1201)
*Mechanics (ENME E3105)
Choose one of the following three:
Introduction to Classical and Quantum Waves (PHYS
UN1403) or
Environmental Biology I: Elements to Organisms (EEEB
UN2001) or
Introductory Biology I: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular
Biology (BIOL UN2005)
Industrial Engineering, Engineering Management Systems
or Operations Research Cont.
Computer Science (choose one language pair)
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Java
(COMS W1004) and Data Structures in Java (COMS W3134)
or
Introduction to Computing for Engineers and Applied
Scientists in Python (ENGI E1006) and Essential Data
Structures in C/C++ (COMS W3136)
The department strongly recommends Java over C/C++ with
Python.
Materials Science and Engineering
Mathematics
Introduction to Applied Mathematics: Ordinary Dierential
Equations and Linear Algebra (APMA E2101)
Or, students must take both an ODE and a Linear Algebra
course.
Physics
Introduction to Classical and Quantum Waves (PHYS UN1403)
Chemistry
Choose one of the following three:
General Chemistry I Lecture (CHEM UN1403) or
General Chemistry II Lecture (CHEM UN1404) or
Intensive Organic Chemistry I (CHEM UN045)
Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in
Python (ENGI E1006)
The program strongly recommends Python.
Additional
Choose one of the following three:
Introduction to Experimental Physics Lab (PHYS UN1493/4) or
General Chemistry Lab (CHEM UN1500) or
Physical and Analytical Chemistry Lab (CHEM UN3085)
This curriculum guide is only applicable to students who began college in Fall 2019. Students who began college in a dierent term are
subject to dierent admissions policies and a dierent curriculum guide. Courses listed are accurate as of October 2019.
Columbia University
212 Hamilton Hall, MC 2807
1130 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10027
Undergraduate Admissions
2128542522
[email protected]
undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/apply/combinedplan
Housing at Columbia
Housing is guaranteed for Combined Plan students in their irst year only; there is no guarantee that on-campus
housing will be available in their second year. O-Campus Housing Assistance at Columbia can assist students in
their search for housing in the New York metropolitan area.
Financial Aid Policies
Financial aid is available for Combined Plan students. Applicants should note:
• Columbia awards no merit scholarships; all inancial aid is need-based only.
• Admission to the Combined Plan program is need-blind; inancial need does not aect one’s chances of
admissio n.
• We do not guarantee that we can meet 100% of demonstrated inancial need for all Combined Plan students.
• Very limited inancial aid is available for international students.
• Candidates are not guaranteed the same inancial aid package that they may have received at their home
institutions.
All prerequisite coursework must appear on the home institution’s transcript. Columbia requires all oicial transcripts, and
liaisons must approve all coursework not taken at the ailiate institution. We will accept AP/IB or other advanced credit from
high school as well as placement exams if the credit or exam clearly appears on the home institution’s transcript and is approved
by the liaison. Columbia reserves the right to have the student demonstrate this knowledge and/or retake this course.
The overall GPA will be calculated by Columbia using all postsecondary courses for which a student has received credit on the
home institution’s transcript. The pre-engineering GPA will be calculated by Columbia using all of the prerequisite coursework
listed, with the exception of the courses fulilling the lab requirement and humanities and social science requirements.
Please note, the applicant must declare an engineering major at the time of application to Columbia. Change of major is not
guaranteed and is unlikely after a decision is rendered.
Due to the sequential nature of the engineering major coursework, prerequisite coursework cannot be taken while
at Columbia and must be completed by the spring semester of application. Courses noted with * are excluded from this
requirement, as they may be taken once at Columbia. Students may present course syllabi to request placement out of these
courses once at Columbia.
Major requirements comprise the sequence of courses required to complete a major or primary course of study from the
home institution. Degree requirements are courses, as listed in the home institution’s course catalog, that are required to
obtain a degree from the home institution. A student does not need to complete the full number of course credits required
for the degree (e.g., the full 128 credits), as the home institution will accept course credits from Columbia to complete this
degree. Subsequently, 32 candidates cannot receive their degree from the home institution until the two years at Columbia are
successfully completed.
Important Policies about Prerequisite Coursework