About the school

Originally dedicated to the fields of metallurgy and mining in 1864, Columbia University – Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science has come a long way through interdisciplinary collaborations, research, and innovation. From biomedical, chemical, and civil engineering to computer science, applied physics, industrial engineering, and environmental engineering, the school offers you options in both conventional and cutting-edge fields. At the graduate level, you can choose to pursue a master’s, dual, joint, doctoral, or executive degree. Integrated and combined programmes are also on offer. 5,512 students enrolled at the school in 2022. With 247 experienced faculty members, the school promises to prepare you for complex, real-life challenges and accomplish technological and social transformation.

Where is the school located?

The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science is located in dynamic New York city and close to well-known cultural and financial hubs.

Life at The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science

At Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, you can participate in multiple student organisations or groups based on your interests and goals. There are groups devoted to diversity, academic and social support, leadership, entrepreneurship, women in engineering, and specific programmes too. You can not only make friends from different countries and cultures, but also broaden your knowledge base and sharpen your professional skills. Becoming a part of the Engineering Graduate Student Council can help you network better with faculty and alumni members. Living in New York also means you will have the chance to explore interesting museums, world-famous buildings, verdant parks, and popular restaurants.

Accommodations are available both on campus and in neighbourhoods such as Manhattan Valley, Manhattanville, Morningside Heights, and Bronx. These include apartments of different sizes, dormitory-style suites, as well as studios. You can opt for private housing or shared ones based on your budget and preferences. All accommodations are well-furnished and you can expect assistance with the search and application process, move-in, and policies. Special housing options for students with disabilities are also available. There is an International House too, which offers a mentally stimulating and multicultural environment for bright students. If you get the chance to live here, you can apply for prestigious grants and fellowships, attend guest lectures and seminars, and participate in exciting trips and cultural performances. Multiple dining halls, retail locations, and vending machines take care of your meal-related needs at the school. From tasty snacks to healthy vegetarian dishes to refreshing beverages, you can get it all and even on the go. Arrangements are possible for dietary restrictions or allergies as well. You can choose from a variety of meal plans based on your requirements and budget.

Additional benefits of studying at The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science

The school boasts an efficient Professional Development & Leadership team that helps you build a strong network for a bright career, improves your communication skills, and teaches you how to ace important interviews. Multiple sessions are conducted in leadership, technical, cultural, and life management areas, to ensure your holistic development. You learn how to craft impressive and convincing resumes, cover letters, emails, and the art of leveraging social media for better job search. You get access to advanced tools and applications to derive insights about employment trends and decide which professional path is apt for you. The school also has advanced research centres and institutes equipped with the latest technological solutions if you wish to collaborate with professors and build a promising academic career. You can work in exciting fields such as nanotechnology, human genome, sustainability, cybersecurity, financial engineering, and more.

Admissions criteria

It is advisable to research well and plan in advance when you are applying to Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. You must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution for starters. Multiple applications are not allowed and you need to stick to the deadlines closely. Also remember that different programmes might have different requirements, so you need to check the website for specifics. You can get in touch with the Office of Graduate Admissions before going ahead in case of doubts or queries.

Usually, you will need to include the following types of information in your application:

• Completed online application form
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Unofficial transcripts from colleges and universities you attended in the past (both in native language and English translation)
• GRE: Optional
• Personal statement (250 to 1,000 words recommended)
• Resume (covering research activities, employment, academic honours, community service, publications, extracurricular activities, awards etc.)
• Publications (email from advisor or professor required to confirm your involvement)
• Video interview (3 minutes to record answers to 3 questions)
• Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL (100)/IELTS (7)/PTE (69)/Duolingo (135)
• Costs which are not consistent throughout school admissions information online include:
• Tuition
• International student fee
• Health insurance
• Health service fee
• Document fee
• Facilities fee
• Student activities fee
• Room and board
• Books and supplies
• Personal expenses
• Transportation

If you need more details on the admission process or financial assistance, please consult the school’s website.

Job placements

The Graduate Career Placement centre at the school helps you secure internships, on-campus jobs, research opportunities, as well as employment after graduation. It hosts career fairs, workshops, networking events, and teaches you negotiation skills as well. With the help of a Career Placement Coach, you can increase your resume’s visibility, connect with potential employers directly, and land the perfect position.

Based on recent statistics, more than 90% of students secure jobs or choose to pursue higher studies after graduating. The mean starting salary ranges between $85,000 and $90,000, while the highest compensation package can go beyond $100,000.

Most students are hired in industries such as internet and software, management consulting, investment banking, research, and so on. Apple, Amazon, Bloomberg, Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, Oliver Wyman, Google, McKinsey, and Goldman Sachs are among the top employers.