Columbia Summer Session offers students the unique opportunity to foster academic, cultural, and career experiences as they advance their studies in the classroom, on campus, and around New York City. Guided by Columbia faculty, students mix with peers from around the world for co-curricular and social events, city excursions, and outings to cultural institutions, the theater, and sporting events.
At Columbia, students are invited to participate in a variety of co-curricular activities, designed to spark academic curiosity and exploratory learning. Series and events provide access to the renowned faculty and engaging courses available during the Columbia Summer Session.
The Columbia University Summer Session offers curated educational, social, and cultural experiences to connect students with each other and University faculty, as well as organized visits to New York City landmarks and institutions. Students are encouraged to attend special lectures, activities and social events on campus, as well as participate in city-wide excursions to Broadway, historic sites, and cruises, among others. From New York City's landmark cultural sites—to historic sites like the Statue of Liberty, and 1,000+ art galleries, 300+ films, 40+ theaters, the city is a global hub for go-getters who learn by doing. Your Columbia ID gives you access to perks around the city.
Choosing a career path can sometimes be confusing, but the right tools and guidance can help provide clarity. Unique to the Columbia Summer Session is the Summer Career Design Workshop. Students receive robust and practical career coaching, from individualized instruction on interview and résumé writing, to advice on building your own personal brand, including social media guidance and time with a professional photographer for a polished LinkedIn headshot.
Feel the energy of the city as you experience its diverse cultural offerings that supplement on-campus learning. Explore your creative side and expand your understanding of art, music, and theater, as you take in Broadway and theater performances and visit institutions of culture around the city. Classical music, opera, contemporary concerts, and the city's vast array of museums await.
Explore your interest in finance and economics while gaining access to industry experts in one of the world’s financial hubs. Courses in economics, corporate finance, marketing, management, accounting, and entrepreneurship will equip you with better understanding of what drives industries.
Put theory to practice with the guidance of Columbia faculty and gain access to state-of-the-art facilities. Courses in STEM, psychology, chemistry, physics, and other disciplines help students advance their academic goals, or allow them to explore new courses of study to find new pathways for learning.
Study and analyze the political, economic, and social systems that impact nations and people around the world.
We offer three immersive graduate-level Certification of Professional Achievement programs: Critical Issues in International Relations, Human Rights, and United Nations Studies.

College junior Queenie Liu jumped on her plans to earn a Ph.D. by taking a psychology course during the Columbia University Summer Session.
German Graduate student Nicolas Bellingkrodt enrolled in the Columbia University Summer Session to take four courses while abroad.
Canadian postbaccalaureate student Gisela Lizbeth Medina Tovar explains how the program catalyzed her deep interest in sociology.
High school student Naisha Kumar enrolled in the Columbia Pre-College Program to ease her transition into college life later.

Columbia Summer Session is a gateway to new experiences. Learn more about your options as an international student and find information on visas and the ISSO.
The health and safety of our community is the University’s highest priority. All Columbia affiliates are required to follow University guidance on health protocols, found here.