To apply online, click here.

Degree Programs: Full-Time/Part-Time: Free-Standing M.A.

For the M.A. in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, students must take a combination of courses in art history, religion, history, philosophy, literature or other relevant fields offered by departments in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students concentrate in one area while also exploring other aspects of the life, thought, and culture of the Middle Ages or the Renaissance. Through this interdisciplinary approach, students gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the medieval period and the renaissance. The program concludes with a thesis on a limited topic within the student’s area of concentration.

For more information about the program go here.

Special Admission Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed below, all students must submit official transcripts showing courses and grades per school attended, a statement of academic purpose, and two letters of recommendation.

The statement of academic purpose allows the university to evaluate your ability to succeed academically and the reasons you wish to undertake the degree.  It should describe your academic interests and plans for graduate study at Columbia; mention relevant coursework, professional experience or other activity; and explain clearly the relation of your studies to your plans upon receiving the M.A.

The writing sample should be a short paper 15-20 in length or a similarly-sized coherent excerpt from a longer paper that you have written for a course. Alternatively, you may provide a focused essay written in an academic style that examines an article, book, exhibit or event relevant to your field of interest. **Please note that the requirement on the GSAS application requires a writing sample of 10-15 pages, but we expect one of 15-20 pages.

If you have recently received an academic degree or have recent academic experience, letters of recommendation from faculty are preferred. If you have not been enrolled in an academic program in recent years, professional recommendations are acceptable.

All international students whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English must submit scores of the TOEFL or IELTS exams.  For more information, refer to the GSAS admissions policy for international students.

DEGREE: Free-Standing Master’s
Deadline for Spring 2017 Admission November 4, 2016
Deadline for Fall 2017 Admission February 17, 2017
Resume/CV yes
Writing Sample yes
GRE General yes
GRE Subject no
Miscellaneous none

Cost of Attendance

Information on the cost of attendance can be found here. Information on the Federal Work Study Program can be found here. Information on On Campus Employment can be found here.