Columbia University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines foundational liberal arts and sciences with progressive clinical nursing coursework and supervised clinical experiences. Early years focus on anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, lifespan development, and statistics; core nursing courses introduce health assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology and fundamentals of nursing practice. Later years build clinical competence with courses and clinical placements in adult medical‑surgical nursing, maternal and child health, paediatric care, mental health/psychiatric nursing, community and public health, and care of older adults.

Across the programme students study nursing research methods, evidence‑based practice, leadership and health policy. Streams or elective pathways allow focused preparation in Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and advanced Clinical Nursing skills. Teaching methods include classroom seminars, high‑fidelity simulation, interdisciplinary team learning and multiple supervised clinical placements in affiliated hospitals and community agencies, designed to prepare graduates for professional licensure and practice.

• Foundational sciences and liberal arts
• Health assessment and clinical skills
• Pharmacology and pathophysiology
• Adult, maternal/child, paediatric and mental health nursing
• Community and public health nursing
• Nursing research, statistics and evidence‑based practice
• Nursing leadership, management and health policy
• Clinical placements and simulation‑based training

Entry requirements

Admissions look for academic readiness in science and mathematics alongside strong communication and interpersonal skills. Typical requirements include a high school diploma (or equivalent) with competitive grades, coursework in biology and chemistry, and a record of extracurricular or volunteer experience that demonstrates commitment to healthcare or community service. Applicants must submit academic transcripts, personal statement or statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation. International applicants are required to demonstrate English language proficiency.

Successful applicants should also be prepared to meet professional clearances required for clinical placements (for example immunisations, background check and health documentation) and to complete any required pre‑matriculation training such as basic life support certification.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to sit for the registered nurse licensure examination and to begin practice in hospitals, community health agencies, clinics and long‑term care settings. Career paths include staff registered nurse roles across specialties, charge nurse and unit management positions, roles in community and public health, clinical education, case management and quality improvement. Those focusing on Nursing Research may move into clinical research coordination, outcomes research or further academic study. The Nursing Administration pathway prepares graduates for leadership roles in healthcare management and operations.

Many graduates continue to postgraduate study — for example master's programmes (MSN), clinical nurse specialist or nurse practitioner tracks, doctoral research degrees (PhD/DNP) — to pursue advanced clinical practice, leadership or research careers.

Why study at Columbia University

Columbia offers nursing education embedded in a major research university with strong interdisciplinary links to medicine, public health, social work and engineering. Students benefit from clinical placements at leading New York hospitals and healthcare organisations, access to research centres and faculty engaged in clinical and translational research, and modern simulation and skills‑lab facilities.

The programme emphasises evidence‑based practice, leadership and a commitment to urban and community health, preparing graduates to work in diverse clinical settings. Columbia’s location in New York City provides wide clinical exposure, opportunities for interprofessional collaboration, and connections to health policy and global health initiatives.