Last month, Barnard announced a suite of pathways for our students to obtain a bachelor’s degree from Barnard and a Columbia University graduate degree in five years.
The “4+1 Pathways for Accelerated Graduate Study” enhance the depth of our existing partnerships with Columbia University, and include degree programs at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS), the Mailman School of Public Health (MSPH), Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), and Columbia’s Graduate School of Arts and
Sciences.
Students can apply to these accelerated graduate programs in their junior year, enabling them to tailor the remainder of their studies to finish with both a BA from Barnard College and master’s degree from Columbia University one year ahead of the time it typically takes to obtain both degrees. Application deadlines, which vary by pathway, can be found by contacting the Beyond Barnard office. Most of the 4+1 pathways employ an express admissions process, with guaranteed entry with a 3.5 GPA, faculty recommendations, and waiving the GRE.
“The accelerated pathways help lower long-standing barriers for women and minorities in these important areas by opening streamlined entry points for advanced study. I am excited to see how our Barnard students will use this program to jump start their work and make their mark in the world,” said Barnard President Sian Leah Beilock.
The two newest 4+1 Pathways in SEAS and Public Health join existing Pathways in SIPA, and Arts and Sciences. The latest additions extend advanced degrees to Barnard students interested in STEM fields, and mirror an emerging trend among our recent graduates. In the College’s Class of 2018, 35 percent were
math and science majors—an 11 percent increase from ten years ago—compared to about 21 percent nationally. Furthermore, one-third of minority students at Barnard were STEM majors, a significant jump from the national average of 23 percent.
Students should plan on attending an introductory information session this spring for the unique 4+1 Pathway they may be interested in pursuing. Each introductory session will be led by faculty advisors, who will be available to provide an overview of the program and its requirements, the admission process, and to advise students. Information on these sessions and Barnard’s complete guide to navigating the 4+1 Pathways can be found on the Beyond Barnard website.