Continuing Education Programs

The Continuing Education portfolio at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies expands access to world-class learning through a wide range of academic and enrichment programs that serve diverse learners across the globe. Our offerings include high-quality English language instruction through the American Language Program, nationally recognized journalism training and student media support through the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, rigorous academic and experiential learning opportunities for high-achieving high school students in our Pre-College Programs, and extensive pathways for undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate learners to engage with Columbia coursework through Summer Sessions and Visiting Programs. Together, these programs advance academic excellence, promote college readiness, foster global engagement, and provide meaningful access to Columbia’s educational resources for thousands of students each year. 

The American Language Program provides English language instruction and support for multilingual students. This includes:

  • Summer pre-matriculation courses for incoming SPS MS students
  • Part-time academic year courses for matriculated undergraduate and graduate students
  • Year-round intensive courses for students studying English full-time.
  • English tutoring for SPS students

The ALP also advises and supports, as needed, programs and departments on English proficiency requirements, and creates and conducts custom workshops and courses.

Further Information & Helpful Resources

ALP website

Contact: [email protected]

The Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) was founded in 1925 for the purpose of bringing together student journalists and their faculty advisers from different schools around the country to exchange ideas, support each other, and to engage in shared learning. The association is self-funded, but owned and operated by Columbia University and administered through the Columbia University Pre-College Program at SPS.

CSPA serves student media in the following ways: through its events and programs, it provides guidance on journalism standards; it unites students through programs and events, providing opportunities to connect; it conducts an awards program to recognize and distinguish exemplary work; and most importantly, supports and trains the next generation of journalists for the important work of maintaining a free press.

Further Information & Helpful Resources

Overview

Events and Programs

The Student Experience

Membership

Awards Programs

About CSPA

Contact: [email protected]

The Pre-College team supports instruction and curriculum for the Academic Year and Summer Pre-College Programs, which serves high-achieving domestic  and international High School students. We offer over 280 non-credit summer courses and manage academic inquiries and requests to ensure operational efficiency and success for our students.  Through our syllabus review process and collaboration with the TIPS team, we ensure the Pre-College Program delivers high-quality curricular offerings that align with SPS.

Further Information & Helpful Resources

Link to Staff Bios

Link to Academic Support Kiosk

Contact: [email protected]

This team collaborates closely with Arts & Sciences (A&S) to oversee a portfolio of non-degree programs that advance the School’s academic mission and extend access to Columbia’s curriculum. We support A&S faculty and academic departments, facilitate cross-school coordination, and ensure successful program execution across Summer Session, Visiting Student Programs, and Certificate Programs.

  • The Summer Session serves matriculated CU undergraduate and graduate students, as well as visiting students from outside Columbia. Each year, our team administers more than 300 course sections and supports nearly 2,000 student enrollments by coordinating with over 30 A&S academic departments and managing three summer-only CPAs. While our office oversees administration and operations, pedagogy and syllabus development remain with A&S departments and are approved by the CC-GS Committee on Instruction.
  • The Visiting Student Programs are offered year-round (fall, spring, and summer) and provide pathways for visiting undergraduates, graduates, and post-baccalaureate students to enroll in courses throughout Columbia for a semester. Our team manages admissions coordination, course access, cross-unit partnerships, and policy alignment to ensure a consistent experience across terms.
  • Our Certificate Programs, developed in partnership with A&S, currently include four offerings: Psychology, Quantitative Studies for Finance (QSF), Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Biology (E3B), and Classics.

 

Further Information & Helpful Resources

Summer Session 

Visiting Students

Psychology Certificate

QSF Certificate

E3B Certificate

Classics Certificate