Teachers College at Columbia University Reviews of Master's in Education

"Had I known that Teachers College is condescendingly as an affiliate and not a real Columbia school, I would not have attended this school. The School is so fake it feels completely detached from Columbia. TC students are treated as a second class citizens, pitied on by School, staff, and everyone around at Columbia knowing the situation although they won't say that to your face; plus not being recognized as a real Columbia alum despite having the Columbia diploma and having to pay extra-phenomenal tuition with little rebate and horrible, low quality classes. Teachers College is so desperate to take money from its students that it offers health, nutrition and psychology programs- at the graduate school of education--- some of which are sub-par with those from community colleges or CUNY equivalents and certainly a far cry from the real Columbia Departments at Columbia. The clinical psychology program, by the way, is offered at Columbia, in the Columbia Psychiatry Department and is part of Columbia Medical School where students are recognized as Columbia students. Those admitted to TC clinical psychology program, are either those not accepted into the real Columbia Medical School/Psychology Department at Columbia (totally different from Teachers College), or just simply do not know. Teachers College is not a real Columbia School as Columbia College of Chicago is certainly not a Columbia School, althought both have "Columbia" in their names."

"I found out today that although "Columbia University" is included in the name of the School, Teachers College is an affiliate school, and does not have the same status as a Columbia graduate school. Researching further, on Columbia Alumni Association website, it is stated clearly that "Please note that we cannot provide alumni online access to certificate holders, alumni of affiliate schools, current students, faculty, or staff." , or "Unfortunately, this business card service is currently unavailable to alumni of Barnard College, Teachers College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary," or in Alumni Access Page, "Please note we are currently not permitted to offer access to alumni of affiliate schools (Teachers College, Barnard College, Union Theological Seminary, Jewish Theological Seminary, and affiliate programs)." This clearly means that Teachers College are not Columbia alumni. That explains why Teachers College students do not receive Columbia ID cards. Yet, the School lied to students by saying that it is the Columbia School, when even on Columbia's website, Teachers College is listed as an "affiliate school," and not a "Columbia graduate school" as many others. I wonder what happens if current students and Alumni sue the School for defrauding them by lying about what they do not have to sell."

"Teachers College is not Columbia. Period. If you question, ask them their email address. They do not have access to LionMail like Columbia students. Even after graduation, all Teachers College grads have is the Columbia diploma. Columbia Alumni emails are not granted to Teachers College alumni, while other services are granted "upon request" (i.e. begging the Columbia Alumni Office), while they are supposed to be automatically granted as they are advertised. This is how you feel while a student too--- the School tries very hard to brand themselves as the "Graduate School of Education" of Columbia, even though they were doing their own course and Teachers College students are excluded from Columbia University's services and have to "request" to join anything Columbia. Sad, because some graduate programs are truly good and selective, such as mine, but Teachers College is so big and accepts so many (if not everyone) applying to their massive programs, it cheapens the whole School."

"Very disappointed. Not really Columbia, but afraid to take away the Columbia tag lest they lose students.Teachers College is a completely separate corporate with a few administrative resources shared with Columbia to make the students- their clients- feel that they belong to Columbia--- while classes are huge & of poor quality of instruction. Some professors and PhD students, used as lecturers and TAs, are afraid to even talk and lecture in classes. So often nowadays, especially in this department, you will meet ESL speakers not able to communicate their ideas in English. It hard speaking a second language for sure, but if you attend a graduate school of education in the US (not an engineering school or science), you are supposed to speak English more than others. Or you will meet social warriors--- all you hear about is "justice and equality" nowadays--- from not very intellectually-minded individuals from the faculty and staff without a well-reasoned sense of what is right and just. All to promote the quota of diversity and inclusion. The School is not about education anymore, but indoctrination and marketing playing on the image of "Columbia." Feels like a third-rated state-school at the price of a prestigious private school when all they try to teach is "affordability" and "access to education" to students. I got out, and fortunately could do the majority of my classes in another department, which was caring and had talented, competitive students and faculty, but for a few classes that were required in this department, I saw a completely different story."

"This school has an incredible community culture. In my time there, students were championing causes they disagreed with, including Susan Furman's association with Pearson. I found that the people who put the most into their education typically got the most out of it; it's not worth it if you're not willing to work, but if you are, it's life-changing."

"Awesome experience with great opportunities for learning."

"The pros of my graduate program is the opportunity to gain experience working with cutting edge technology in studio classes before testing it out as future art teachers. A con of the program is the workload for full time students."

"TC is an excellent program with a tremendous amount of resources. The price tag may scare off some, but seeking out faculty in the department where you wish to study is a great way to gain access to the robust financial aid offerings they have. If you make it clear you will go and they want you, they will put a lot of money toward you. Also, like any graduate program it is pay-per-credit, so you can plan according to your aid award. The programs are mostly all designed for students who work full time jobs, meaning many classes are offered in the evenings. Make sure this is the case for all of your required classes, though. They also offer robust Summer programs for those already working as educators full time to take advantage of when schools are closed. This is an excellent school and excellent program, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about the education field."

"As a current graduate student there are aspects of my experience that are great, and others that have take away from the experience as a whole. For instance, the college has an incredible student body which is extremely talented and diverse. The resources are incredible and group work that is expected mimics real-world experiences. On the other hand, it is very expensive and there are not many chances for financial assistance."

"Overall speaking, I really like my program: Adult Learning and Leadership. Study here looks like study in a harmonious learning community. All the students voice can be heard and opinions will be respected. Professors built up a safe learning environment and respect individual's difference. They won't judge you based on their own knowledge, as they believe people are unique based on their own grow-up background and believed life values."

"The program attracts many talented and experienced professionals. You will learn a lot from teachers and peers. Some professors are leaders in their field. Teachers College is building its prestige as not only the premier school of education, but also a school of international affairs with a focus on education. The school can make this information be known to more applicants in social policy, instead of letting them look at SIPA and realize that most of their courses will be taken at Teachers College."

"Pros: Network, rigor, and experience gained from program, scholarships available Cons: Affordability of living cost in surrounding areas"

"Teacher's College is a place to spark inspiration in new teachers as well as provide a place for critical analysis of the educational system. My program is set up as a 2 year program but should really be a 3 year program. Instructors are very knowledgeable in their content area. Great school!"