Teachers College at Columbia University Reviews

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

"As a part of the Columbia community and Manhattan, the opportunities are unbeatable. The college is very focused on helping students make connections and prepare for their futures post-graduation."

"I am proud to be at Teachers College. The pros are that the standards are very high and its very important that I meet the standards. Because of the high expectations I feel that i've risen to do the best that I can do. The only con would be that the costs of the school are very high."

"The professors are amazing and provide an amazing experience to learn."

"Great professors, great school reputation. Very expensive."

"Great school with intense programs fully developed to motivate and enhance the future of their students."

"I truly love the my program at the Teachers College, Columbia University. My education has been incredible and my time spent here in New York City has been the best time of my life. However, I do wish that life in New York City was more affordable and that more scholarships/grants were provided through financial aid."

"The smaller the department, the better. There are some very progressive professors and some very conservative ones. Find those with whom you would like to work, those who share in your research interests including theory, practice and methodology."

"Columbia Teachers College has some of the best faculty, acadmic prowess, and network of emerging leaders that I could possibly imagine in a graduate school. I know that I will be the best teacher possible in great thanks to this teacher education program. The area Columbia University is in New York City isn't ideal for convenience to taking full advantage of Manhattan and NYC in general. Because everyone at Columbia Teachers College is so driven and motivated, the social scene in the area doesn't flourish. Overall, though, I am at Teachers College for the amazing degree and education."

"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!"

"The professors are excellent—all of them have years of experience and are well-known in their respective fields. They make time for their students, even if they are not their assigned advisors. The student body is diverse, talented, dedicated, and kind. Opportunities to socialize, network, and study together are made available on a daily basis. Courses are rigorous, informative, and offer students a good sense of what life will be like in-the-field. Excellent workshop and resources to prepare for field work interviewing, etc. Also, the Career Services department offers multiple workshops and resume coaching opportunities for students as they prepare for interviews."

"I completed my MA in Developmental Psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, last year. The faculty and quality of education were extremely impressive, and I was particularly pleased with my academic advisor with whom I am still in touch. I felt the level of support provided to me was very strong and I highly recommend this program for these reasons. In addition, the Upper West Side of New York is a wonderful and safe area to live and work, and as a TC student you will have great access to many cultural and social events in the city. The only real downfall is that student funding is almost nonexistent, and the financial burden is a lot to carry. Living expenses are also very heavy, and I will say that -- while in every other regard TC was absolutely wonderful -- student debt is now a major issue for me. My graduate school experience, however, could not have been better."

"The Public Health program at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health is both challenging and engaging. Last fall, the school started a new core curriculm for first year students. It introduces students to concepts important to public health in an order that culminates in a greater understanding of what it means to be in public health toward the end of the semester. The core curriculm was challenging, but it gave me a comprehensive understanding of the field to work with as I delve mroe into my specialized area from the spring semester forward."

"I think the students and faculty are the most positive aspect of this school. Students challenge each other's assumptions, while teachers are very approachable and helpful. The studies in general are very enjoyable and I feel I am learning a lot. The workload is fair and the career services office is outstanding. They help in every way they can. It's a very expensive school, though, and it offers little financial aid. In spite of my being a female minority with an outstanding undergrad GPA, I received only loans and work-study. Going into the educational field overseas, I doubt any job would quickly make up for all the money I have to pay for my studies at TC."

"The network that Columbia University provides is unmatched, especially when coupled with being located in the heart of New York City. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to receive Financial Aid and the expensive cost of living in New York City makes this especially hard to cope with."

"Teachers College offers a wide variety of challenging classes. Classes are based a great deal on discussion, and help students to build their knowledge, and challenge old ideas. I'd highly recommend TC to anyone."

"The pros were the location, availability of classes to finish my program in a timely fashion and the connection from the classroom to the real world. The con was the cost but the value is worth it."

"Academically rigorous programs but little financial support is provided and program is costly."

"I attend Columbia University School of Social Work. The facility, which is off the main campus, is small but great. It provides for a comfortable family like envoirnment. Academics are competitive. The program offers a variety of Social Work fields of practice. Students may take courses that teach clinical Social Work or Social Enterprise Administration. Aside from a few bus lines, mass transportation is not easily accessible."

"The professors are available and willing to help with your career development. There isn't a large social network within or between programs, but there are endless things to do in the city of New York. The quality and content of the classes are good and the professors are great! They are knowledgeable and prestigious."