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columbia video network
Columbia Video Network 540 S. W. Mudd, MC 4719 500 West 120th Street New York, NY 10027 Phone: 212-854-6447 E-mail: info@cvn.columbia.edu www.cvn.columbia.edu Background Continuing a tradition of nearly 250 years of academic excellence and innovation, Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science established the Columbia Video Network (CVN) in 1986 to meet a growing need within the engineering community for a graduate distance education program. Classes and degrees offered through CVN are fully accredited; the degrees are granted by Columbia University. Classes available through CVN are taught on campus by Columbia University faculty in multimedia classrooms. Faculty and students meet in classrooms equipped with cameras, electronic writing tablets, and SMART™ boards. The recorded lectures are fully downloadable for study at home, office, or on the road. CVN students take the same classes, have the same homework assignments, take the same exams, and earn the same degrees as on-campus students in Master of Science (M.S.) or Professional Degree (P.D.) programs. Course Offerings and Degree Programs CVN makes select SEAS graduate courses available to off-campus students in autumn (September– December) and spring (January–May) terms. CVN administrators work closely with faculty representatives from each department to select the classes that best fit the needs of new and continuing engineering 2011– 2012
students around the world. During the summer semester (and occasionally the autumn and spring terms), CVN makes prerecorded courses available. SEAS currently offers M.S. degrees in the following disciplines through CVN: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Applied mathematics Applied physics Biomedical engineering Chemical engineering Civil engineering Computer science Earth and environmental engineering Electrical engineering Operations research Methods in finance Engineering management systems Materials science and engineering Mechanical engineering
For students who wish to do advance work beyond the M.S., but do not wish to emphasize research, Professional Degrees are also available in the following areas: computer science, electrical engineering, industrial engineering/operations research, and mechanical engineering. Student Registration Students who have earned an undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics, or related field can apply to take classes for credit or audit without first enrolling in a degree program at the University or taking the GRE or TOEFL exams by registering as nondegree students. CVN also offers Certificates of Professional Achievement programs in various fields, which may lead to study in a related M.S. or P.D. program. Although you need not be admitted to a degree program to begin taking classes through CVN, you should apply as soon as possible if you would like to earn a degree from Columbia University; up to 15 credits taken as a CVN
nondegree student may be counted toward a degree when applying through CVN, subject to the approval of the student’s departmental adviser. Earning credit as a nondegree student does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program. Only CVN students may transfer up to 6 credits from another university toward an M.S. or P.D., subject to the approval of the student’s adviser and the department. Columbia University students admitted to an on-campus program are not eligible to take CVN courses. Program Benefits The CVN program allows working professionals to enroll in courses and earn graduate engineering degrees without leaving their communities, their families, or their jobs. The key component of CVN is flexibility without compromise to the high-caliber teaching, resources, and standards inherent in The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. CVN students are a part of the Columbia community and may take classes on campus. To further enhance the sense of community, CVN has developed a completely automated online Student Center. It provides a place where CVN students and faculty can communicate. Homework and exams are submitted and graded there, and course notes and other reference materials are available for downloading. Professors and teaching assistants are available via e-mail or phone to address academic questions. CVN’s administrative staff is available to assist with registration procedures, technical queries, and academic advising so working professionals can devote their energies to their studies, their families, and their careers.