BA Sustainable Development at Columbia University

Programme overview

The BA Sustainable Development is offered at Columbia University.

Faculty: Columbia College | Department: Sustainable Development | Study mode: full-time | Location: New York, NY, United States

What you will study

The Earth Institute—in collaboration with Columbia College, the School of General Studies, the School of International and Public Affairs, and the Departments of Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology; and Earth and Environmental Engineering—offers a major and a special concentration in sustainable development. The major in sustainable development requires a minimum of 15 courses and a practicum as follows .

Career pathways

After declaring the major, students are assigned an academic adviser from within the Earth Institute, who advises on class selection and career development.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is to Columbia College (not programme-specific); majors are declared after admission to the College.

USD 72,800 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for Columbia College and Columbia Engineering, one rate for all undergraduates and not stated per major. Excludes fees ($4,160), housing, food and books. Source

First-year entry is for Fall 2027; applications are accepted for full-time enrolment at Columbia College or Columbia Engineering. Transfer admission is for the fall semester only.

First-year applications for Fall 2027 open August 1. Early Decision deadline is November 1 (financial aid application November 15, decisions mid-December). Regular Decision deadline is January 1 (financial aid February 15, decisions late March, reply by May 1). Apply through the Common Application, the Coalition Application on Scoir or QuestBridge. The application fee is $85, paid online by electronic check or credit card, with fee waivers available. SAT or ACT submission is optional for applicants entering Fall 2027; scores will be required from the 2027-2028 admissions cycle.

Transfer applications for Fall 2027 are due March 1, through the Coalition Application on Scoir. The application fee is $85. Test scores are optional for Fall 2027 entry.

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