This page explains how students may request placement based on prior mathematics coursework or evaluation of coursework taken at another institution for possible transfer credit.
Columbia College and General Studies students:
- Use the forms and contact information on this page.
School of Engineering and Applied Science students:
- Placement and transfer-credit requests are handled by SEAS. Incoming students should review the First-Year/Sophomore Technical Requirements page. Transfer students should consult their SEAS advising dean and follow the school’s course-equivalence approval process. Do not use the Columbia College and General Studies forms below.
Barnard students:
- Placement and transfer-credit requests are handled by Barnard. Please consult the Barnard Mathematics Department and your Barnard adviser for instructions. For calculus placement, see Barnard’s calculus placement information. Questions may be directed to Lindsay Piechnik. Do not use the Columbia College and General Studies forms below.
How to Submit a Request
Columbia College and General Studies students requesting placement or evaluation of mathematics coursework taken at another institution should use the appropriate form or contact below. For information about calculus course content, placement, and examination credit, please review the Calculus Classes and Placement page before submitting a calculus request.
| Columbia Course | How to Submit a Request |
|---|---|
| Calculus courses MATH UN1101, UN1102, UN1201, UN1202, and UN1205 |
Complete the Calculus Placement and Credit Evaluation Form. Questions may be directed to the Calculus Director, George Dragomir. |
| Selected 2000-level courses MATH UN2000, UN2010, UN2015, and UN2030 |
Complete the 2000-Level Mathematics Placement and Transfer Credit Form. Questions may be directed to the Calculus Director, George Dragomir. |
| MATH UN2500 and courses numbered 3xxx or above | Contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Julien Dubedat. |
Before submitting a request, please have the following documents available:
- an unofficial transcript showing the course, academic term, and final grade
- a complete course syllabus, not only a catalog description, including the topics covered, textbook information, chapters or sections covered, course schedule, and methods of assessment.
Placement and Transfer Credit
Placement and transfer credit are separate determinations, but are done through the same form. Prior coursework may allow you to place into a higher-level course without receiving academic credit.
If a course you place out of is required for your major or program, you may need to complete an additional course to replace the missing credits. Replacement-course requirements vary by program. Consult your academic adviser and/or the Director of Undergraduate Studies in your major or program for guidance.
A Mathematics Department evaluation does not by itself guarantee that transfer credit will be awarded by your school, applied toward your degree requirements, or accepted toward the requirements of another major or program. Final approval and any necessary updates to your student record are handled by your school or advising office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit a placement or transfer-credit request?
Use the appropriate form or contact:
- For calculus courses MATH UN1101, UN1102, UN1201, UN1202, and UN1205, complete the Calculus Placement and Credit Evaluation Form.
- For MATH UN2000, UN2010, UN2015, and UN2030, complete the 2000-Level Mathematics Placement and Transfer Credit Form.
- For MATH UN2500 and courses numbered 3xxx or above, contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Julien Dubedat.
Questions about the calculus or 2000-level forms may be directed to the Calculus Director, George Dragomir.
What do I need to submit with a transfer-credit request?
Your request should include:
- your intended major or academic program
- a complete course syllabus, not only a catalog description, including the topics covered, teaching format, assessment methods, textbook information, and chapters or sections covered
- an unofficial transcript showing the course, academic term, and final grade.
The online forms will indicate which documents are required and allow you to upload them as PDF files.
Is there a minimum grade required for transfer credit?
For most courses, a minimum grade of C is required for placement or transfer-credit consideration. Some courses, schools, majors, or academic programs may require a higher grade. Consult your academic adviser or the Director of Undergraduate Studies in your major or program regarding any additional grade requirements.
Can I transfer an online course?
Online courses are generally not eligible for transfer credit, except for courses taken during the COVID-19 pandemic under approved special circumstances. When completing the appropriate request form, provide accurate information about the course’s instructional and examination formats.
Can I transfer a college-level course taken while I was in high school?
College-level courses completed before high-school graduation generally do not earn Columbia transfer credit. Such coursework may, however, be considered for placement. Submit the coursework through the appropriate placement and transfer-credit form and indicate that it was completed while you were in high school.
Can the Mathematics Department award transfer credit for Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, or Applied Physics courses?
No. The Mathematics Department evaluates placement and transfer credit only for MATH courses that it offers. Courses offered by other departments must be evaluated by the corresponding department, even if they contain substantial mathematical material. Requests involving courses primarily in statistics, data analysis, statistical computing, computer science, engineering, or applied physics should be submitted to the department that offers the corresponding Columbia course.
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