Teachers College at Columbia University Reviews

"I like that the program is centered in NYC and provides many career development options with its central location. But, hardly any institutional scholarships are awarded."

"The networking opportunities, the job value, and the overall amazing research projects make my experience all the worthwhile. While it is expensive and transportation/ area is not the best, the overall gains outweigh the cons."

"Love the diversity of students, the opportunities to work with professors who are at the front of their field, and the chance to engage with the public schools of New York."

"Being in the city is a massive pro as you can easily outreach to internships and other experiential learning just by pushing yourself out there. The only con is you might feel slightly time constrained with the course load. This however is mediated by simply choosing courses smartly as to not overwhelm yourself!"

"Great name, reputation and extended opportunities with other departments and the greater university. Morningside Heights is a beautiful, historic neighborhood. Expensive."

"The Masters in Psychological Counseling at Teachers College, Columbia University has an excellent faculty with remarkable credentials, research experience, and largely, instructional expertise. The program's emphasis on multicultural competence in the fields of mental health and school counseling is one of its most impressive aspects. While many programs boast a couple of courses focused on multiculturalism and diversity, Teachers College weaves these themes into each and every course, which produces, in my estimation, a much better rounded, multiculturally competent practitioner. The experiential courses, in particular, are magnificent, including Group Therapy, Foundations in Psychological Counseling, and the Racial Cultural Counseling Laboratory. As far as cons go, the program does not do much to support their students financially. I will also say that most professors know very little about what is required to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York since most of them are PhD-level psychologists. Incoming students should attend as many panels and workshops in regards to licensure as they can in both their first and second years to ensure that they are up to speed on that process."

"I love my social experience. However, I find that I don't connect with any professors. They just give off vibes that they are to busy/important. Don't get me wrong they are super nice, but not approachable at least for a shy person like myself. Also it is very expensive to go to TC and there aren't many benefits except getting a degree from an ivy league school. The material we learn and the fieldwork opportunities are great. I do value the education I am receiving here."

"Teachers College has an institutional ideology that many members of the faculty share, and alternative views aren't always welcome. There are of course, some members of the staff who are very open to new concepts and ideas."

"Teachers College is a wonderful graduate school with small classes, caring faculty, and a diverse student population. I feel challenged but also very welcomed here. However, cost is a large issue at TC. Tuition is incredibly expensive, and it's only exasperated by the surrounding NYC real estate. My cost of living in the NYC is more than double what it was at the public university I attended for my undergraduate degree."

"I love this program, and this school. Everyone is very passionate and driven, and it's fun to have classes where professors expect a lot from you."

"The quality of education is outstanding, but the workload is very intensive."

"The pros of the speech-language pathology program include its excellent professors who are knowledgeable, great role models, and helpful advisors along our career paths. The con includes the work, which may seem overbearing at times. However, after the end of every semester we feel that the work was worth it because the preparation and knowledge is reflected in our clinical work."

"The masters program in clinical psychology at Teachers College can be an incredible program for students who choose to take advantage of the opportunities available. In my first semester alone, I feel that I have gained skills exponentially and have refined my research interests. Unfortunately, there are some students within my cohort who choose not to take advantage of available opportunities. While this does not weaken or devalue my personal education, it is disappointing. Overall, I love the program and can attest to it's great quality, assuming one is willing to take the lead on their education."

"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."

"Teachers College is a great school with great faculty and diverse students. The only con to the program is its limited scholarship and financial aide. Students in the graduate program are not given much aide despite financial need."

"Most of the professors are quite approachable and are willing to help. Tenured Faculty have a lot of research experience, but do not seem to have a very firm grasp of teaching realities at times. There's a institutional mindset that many of the faculty share, and you may feel uncomfortable if your views are divergent from theirs. The school is fairly parsimonious with financial aid."

"I feel my graduate program is all consuming which is the con but it's also an integrity program that allows students to apply theory in the context of the classroom which is the con."

"Teachers College, an affiliate of Columbia, offers a world class education in a city that is teeming with diversity and new experiences. For this reason, an education here is a worthwhile one. Lessons happen both inside and outside of the classroom and being able to have discussions with people from all walks of life is very eye opening. The network is unbeatable however, a large downside to the school are the loans and financial situation of many students. If this could be remedied then more students could enjoy attending without the worries of financial constraints."

"Pros: allows working professionals to be challenged by renown faculty and intelligent students on issues involving Adult Learning & Leadership to pursue a doctorate degree Cons: living in the city of NY can be expensive so students must plan accordingly"

"The professors at Teachers College are the best in their field. There are innovative and exciting research projects going on all around, truly making a mark in the world of education. Teachers College also makes a concerted effort to promote equity in all endeavors, which has resulted in some profound changes in opportunities for students all across the nation. It, however, is an incredibly expensive school, with very little opportunity for scholarships. Since Teachers College does not have access to Columbia University's endowments, the prestige must come without the perks of many of the other private ivies. Another con of Teachers College is the sheer size of the student body. While this can create a less supportive environment, it also spurs vigorous competition, which can greatly benefit its students, so is paradoxically also a pro."