Teachers College, on West 120th Street in Morningside Heights, is Columbia University's graduate school of education, health and psychology. It was founded in 1887, and John Dewey taught there. It admits graduate students only. International students most often come for TESOL, international and comparative education, psychology and nutrition.
New York, New York, United States
Official website: tc.columbia.edu
1887
Graduate school of Columbia University
Graduate school of education, health and psychology
Morningside Heights, Manhattan
$55,000 – $65,000
Full-time master's students, per-credit tuition annualised
$25,000 – $32,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on tc.columbia.edu before you apply.
MA TESOL
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 105
MA International and Comparative Education
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 105
MA Psychology in Education
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 105
MS Applied Physiology and Nutrition
Masters DegreeDuration
18 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 105
EdM Curriculum and Teaching
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.5, TOEFL: 105
One of the oldest and largest graduate schools of education in the US.
TESOL and international education programmes with alumni in many countries.
Classes across 120th Street from Columbia's main campus.
Graduates become teachers, school leaders, psychologists, researchers and education policy staff.
Many work for international organisations, NGOs and education ministries after graduating.
F-1 graduates can use OPT; check whether your programme is STEM-designated.
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Winter deadlines
Undergrad
No UG intake
Postgrad
Selected programmes
TC's red-brick buildings line West 120th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. The college has some apartments nearby for students, but places are limited.
Morningside Heights has Riverside Park on one side and Harlem to the north and east. The 1 train runs down Broadway to Midtown in about 20 minutes. Rent is expensive, so most students share.
Form I-20 issued by Teachers College, Columbia University
Proof of funds for one academic year
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Completed DS-160 online application
US embassy or consulate interview
Passport valid six months beyond stay
Teachers College sets priority and final deadlines for each programme, mostly between December and spring for fall entry. Programmes with rolling review still fill, so international students should apply by the priority date to leave time for the I-20.
Most programmes start in fall (September). Some also admit for spring (January) or summer.
International students come in on an F-1 visa. The I-20 comes from Teachers College, Columbia University after you confirm your place and show you can cover a year of costs; you then pay the SEVIS fee, fill in the DS-160 and book your consulate interview.
TESOL, international and comparative education, psychology, nutrition and curriculum and teaching are popular. You need a bachelor's degree, a statement of purpose, recommendations and strong English, usually TOEFL 105 or IELTS 7.5. Most master's programmes do not require the GRE.
Teachers College gives scholarships to some master's students, usually partial tuition awards based on merit and need. Doctoral students are more likely to receive funding packages. Ask your programme about departmental awards.
