Computer Technology and Applications
Questions?
First, read through the frequently asked questions below.
Chances are good that your question will be answered.
You may also wish to attend a CTA
Open House. During these sessions, program coordinators,
instructors, and advisers explain the curriculum and the requirements
for each area of specialization.
Frequently Answered Questions About the CTA Program
What is the application deadline for the summer 2001 term?
- April 27, 2001
- Applying early is recommended as there is limited space and qualified applicants
are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A sizable number of qualified applicants deferred from the current term
will receive priority consideration.
- Bottom line: if you are serious about starting the program in the coming
semester, complete your application as soon as possible.
How do I apply to the program?
Select here for instructions on how to
apply.
When is the placement examination?
- A series of placement exams is scheduled for each application cycle.
- Seating is by advance reservation; contact the Admissions and Student Affairs Office to sign up.
- We recommend taking the earliest exam possible.
- Applicants must submit at minimum an application form and the CTA application
fee in order to take a CTA placement exam.
What does the placement exam consist of? Should I study for it?
The exam is in two parts:
- multiple-choice questions covering general computer knowledge
slanted toward your chosen track of study
- a programming aptitude battery (logic test)
There is no need to study for the test. It is designed to give us a picture
of what you already may or may not know.
Further, since it is NOT an entrance examination, but rather a diagnostic placement
test, an applicant's test scores carry only limited weight in the decisions
of the CTA Admissions Committee.
When do summer classes begin?
Select here for the calendar.
Can I take courses without going for the full 8-course certificate?
Some courses are available to qualified auditors depending on space.
Select here for complete
information about auditing CTA courses.
If I already know I need the course QC4105 Foundations of Information Technology
in order to prepare for taking courses towards a certificate, what do I do?
- Apply as normal. Even if you only want this course at this time, you still
must formally apply to the program.
- Check off the "yes" box in section 6 of your application form regarding
QC4105.
- Please be aware that QC4105 must be taken alone. The only exception to
this is for students who elect to also register in QC4103 Business Applications
Software: The Microsoft Office during the term they take QC4105.
- Select here for more information about
QC4105.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Select here for complete information.
I do not have a college degree. Am I still eligible for CTA admission?
Yes. But if you do not hold an associate degree or higher you must apply to
CTA Program II.
What is the difference between the CTA Program and CTA Program II?
- There is no difference in the curriculum required for certification.
- CTA Program II applicants follow a slightly different application procedure.
- Additionally, CTA Program II students
are required to take a five-week course, QC4106 Managing the Academic Experience,
during their first term of CTA study.
I am a Columbia University employee. Do my tuition exemption privileges
apply to the program?
A limited number of Columbia University employees are accepted into the program
on a tuition-exempt basis each term. Select
here for detailed information or contact Human Resources, (212) 870-3074,
[email protected].
Will I need a computer?
- Yes. If you are serious about studying information technology at this level,
you should plan on purchasing your own computer. It is possible to get through
QC4105 without a computer, but after that you will find it is an essential
tool.
- Select here for recommended minimum
equipment requirements.
- CTA strongly advises that you consider purchasing a portable laptop.
What about job placement?
- Students who go through the program according the schedule and maintain
good grades (B and above) seldom have trouble getting entry-level or better
jobs in the industry.
- We have recently noticed a remarkable number of students in their final
(fourth) terms being hired prior to graduation.
- Jobs are not guaranteed, but the program maintains relationships with major
companies and recruiters.
- In addition to a résumé book service, there is a day-long
job search workshop available to late-term students, as well as a number
of industry-specific seminars and panels relating to opportunities in the
field through the course of study.
How do I pay my tuition?
You will receive a bill three to four weeks after you register. Pay it by the
deadline date or you may accrue finance charges.
When is the next Open House?
Select here for a schedule.
When and where are CTA classes held?
- Most classes are held in buildings on the University's Morningside Heights
campus and at our new facility at 100 William Street in Manhattan's financial
district.
- Classes normally meet on weekday evenings from 6:10 to 9:10 PM, including
Fridays. Some classes are held on Saturdays.
How large are the classes?
- Certain first- and second-term courses common to more than one study track
will be lecture-style classes accommodating 75 students or more.
- Later-term classes are much smaller, and laboratory-based classes are usually
between 15 and 20 students, often less.
Are there any discounts for corporate enrollments?
Yes. If three or more people from the same company are accepted into the program,
and the company is paying for the program, there is a corporate discount on
the final four courses (third and fourth term).
For more details about corporate enrollments, contact James
Gilligan, Assistant Director of Corporate Training, (212)
854-6336.
As a foreign student, can I obtain a U.S. student visa if I enroll in the
CTA Program?
No. CTA is a part-time program and does not carry academic credit. Enrolling
will not qualify you for a student visa.
My degree(s) is (are) from a foreign university and it is difficult to get
transcripts. Will this affect my chances?
- Submit your application as soon as possible.
- Once we receive it, we will send you further information by mail regarding
documentation of overseas degrees.
What if I want to take a class outside my designated track of study?
- You need to obtain special permission from the Director of CTA, and possibly
from the class instructor as well.
- Remember, classes outside your designated track of study do not normally
count toward your certificate.
Where can I get a copy of the syllabus for a CTA class?
- Only from the instructor of the class.
- Syllabi are usually handed out during the first class session.
- Due to the constantly evolving nature of the curriculum, course syllabi
are generally not available prior to the start of the subsequent term.
The class I want/need to take is full. What do I do?
- If there is an additional section or sections available, you must register
for one of them.
- If no additional sections are available, attend the first class session
and discuss obtaining a seat with the instructor.
How do I find out about the CTA seminars for the summer term?
The seminar schedule is usually announced the fourth week of classes or earlier.
It will be posted and distributed by e-mail.
What is the Advanced Information Technology Management Program (AITM)? Is
it related to the CTA Program?
AITM is a separate program geared toward experienced computer professionals
seeking high level management positions in the IT industry. It is not part of
the CTA Program.
 AITM
Web Site
I have questions that have not yet been answered. What should I do?
Contact the Student Services Center.
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