The Second-Majors Program

Fulfill the requirements for a Columbia major without having to complete an entire second degree.

The Second-Majors Program (SMP) permits qualified college graduates to complete most of the Arts and Sciences undergraduate majors available at Columbia.

This program is designed for students:

• who seek to enter a new field at the graduate level
• who wish, for personal growth, to complete a major in a new field or to revisit a field studied many years earlier

The program does not lead to the award of a degree.

Points may transfer from your previous coursework.

Up to 12 points taken at other accredited institutions, or taken as electives in your first B.A. program, whether at Columbia or elsewhere, may be transferred toward the major at Columbia with the written approval of the appropriate academic department.

In order to successfully complete the program, students must:

1. Complete four Columbia courses toward the major with an average of at least B-.
2. Receive certification as a qualified major candidate from the appropriate academic department. (Those not certified are not permitted to continue in the SMP.)
3. Complete the remaining courses required for the major with an average of at least B-. (This requirement varies according to the major. For the specific requirements for each major, consult the School of General Studies and/or Columbia College.)

Those completing the program are awarded an official University statement attesting to successful completion of the major. In addition, SMP students receive regular University transcripts showing their courses and grades.

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