phd communications columbia

Applications for 2024 Columbia Summer Session programs are now open!

New part-time hybrid m.s. available, strategic communication.

We develop the next generation of leaders in the global communication field. 

Succeeding in a 24/7 communications world.

Columbia University's Master of Science in Strategic Communication is designed to respond to the urgent need for strategic perspectives, critical thinking, and exceptional communication skills at all levels of the workplace and across all types of organizations.  Taught by distinguished academic faculty and leading practitioners in the field, our offerings provide students with an educational experience that is immediately applicable in the workplace.

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Program Paths Include:

Master of science in strategic communication: executive path.

For experienced (6+ years) communication leaders who wish to enhance their skills and strategic counsel expertise. Students are typically employed full-time while earning this accelerated degree. Coursework is completed in just 16 months, through a combination of primarily online instruction and on-campus intensives twice per semester.

Master of Science in Strategic Communication: Full-Time Path

For early-career communication professionals and career-changers. Students attend courses on Columbia’s New York City campus. The program can be completed in 12 months (three consecutive semesters) or 16 months. (This is the only option for international students requiring a student visa.)

Master of Science in Strategic Communication: Part-Time Path

For working professionals looking for flexibility in their course load. This option allows students to earn the degree in as little as 24 months or up to three years. Classes are primarily online with one on-campus weekend intensive at the start of each of the first two semesters.

Executive Education in Strategic Communication

Designed as a week-long, noncredit option for experienced communication executives who want to learn and practice strategies that respond to the challenges and opportunities in the global marketplace.

Why You Should Apply to Columbia's Strategic Communication Program

• Extraordinary faculty with a passion for teaching , who will help you explore the latest communication theories and practical applications to advance your career.
• A hands-on, interactive, small-class environment in which everyone can learn and thrive.
• Lifelong friendships and connections with your cohort and highly engaged faculty, staff, and alumni.

Featured Faculty, Students & Alumni

“one of the most significant career journeys i’ve had.” q&a: bennie johnson, ceo of the american marketing association, reflects on his career and shares advice ten years after sps. alumni “all i can say is stay tuned” q&a: columbia hbcu alumnus and screenwriter jalen young on his short film that’s streaming on fox soul and other platforms. alumni where are they now three grads from the executive m.s. in strategic communications program tell how columbia helped shape their careers view all program news, strategic communication program convenes symposium on the future of the discipline on january 19, leading figures in the field of strategic communication joined students, faculty, and alums to discuss the urgent need for strong communication in turbulent times. in the media what does it take to be a great strategic communicator kristi hink mills (’13sps, strategic communication) reflects on what she learned from the advisory board roundtable at the 2024 strategic communication winter symposium. (commslede) alumni a journey from opera to strategic communication how an m.s. in strategic communication helped program alum jin han make a successful career pivot. more news application process, curriculum preview, meet the faculty, from the blog, new generations entering the workforce face a clash of communication styles as expectations for workplace behavior change, many organizations are seeking more positive ways to communicate with a new generation of employees. alumni you’ve got 2 minutes a way to quickly—and effectively—brief executives impacts and insights why purposeful leadership starts with self-awareness student karunia (karin) silitonga shares the leadership lessons she learned during the strategic communication winter symposium. view all connect with us.

Learn more about Strategic Communication at Columbia University School of Professional Studies, or contact the program admissions counselor.

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As admissions to our program is highly competitive, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Learn more about the application process, deadlines, and requirements.

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Fully Funded PhD in Communications at Columbia University

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Columbia University’s Journalism School, situated in New York, NY, currently provides a comprehensive and fully funded Ph.D. program in Communications, which has undergone updates to align with the latest educational standards. This program is designed to offer a multidisciplinary perspective on the intricate connections between individuals and media within cultural, social, political, historical, economic, and technological frameworks.

PhD Program Requirements

Prospective applicants to the Ph.D. program at Columbia University’s Journalism School should possess a strong academic background, a demonstrated interest in communications studies, and a commitment to pursuing advanced research in the field. A relevant master’s degree is typically a prerequisite, although exceptional candidates with a bachelor’s degree and substantial research experience may also be considered.

PhD Funding Coverage

Accepted full-time Ph.D. students typically receive a standard financial aid package, which may include:

Tuition Exemptions: Full or partial exemption from tuition fees.

Medical Fee Coverage: Comprehensive coverage of medical fees to support students’ health and well-being.

Stipend: A stipend to cover living expenses and additional costs associated with pursuing a Ph.D.

Assistantship Opportunities: Participation in teaching or research assistantship programs, offering valuable hands-on experience and additional financial support.

Application Requirement

he admission process requires a thorough application package, including but not limited to:

Academic Transcripts: Submission of official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.

Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters of recommendation from academic or professional references attesting to the applicant’s research capabilities and potential.

Statement of Purpose: A well-crafted statement outlining the applicant’s research interests, career goals, and how the Columbia University Ph.D. program aligns with their aspirations.

Writing Sample: A sample of the applicant’s academic or research writing to assess their scholarly abilities.

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV detailing the applicant’s academic and professional achievements.

Application Deadline

December 15, 2024

Application Fee

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Communication Sciences & Disorders

Speech-Language Pathology Program

Our accredited SLP program integrates academic and clinical training. Our students become clinicians who can apply research directly to their field.

Intensive Online Prerequisite Program

We offer an intensive online prerequisite program that meets all the prerequisite requirements to begin the master's speech-language pathology program here at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Develop Clinical Skills

The on-campus Mysak Clinic for Communication Disorders includes specialty clinics for aphasia, pediatric feeding, AAC, and cleft palate.

Travel Internationally

2019 TC CSD master's students at the Hospital Universitario in Neiva, Colombia preparing for surgery/therapy screening day and a 5-day intensive cleft palate speech therapy clinic.

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Tc’s collaboration with smile train is bringing children worldwide needed follow-up to cleft palate surgery.

Upper Airway Dysfunction Lab

Dr. Troche's  UAD Lab  is developing novel treatments for swallowing and cough disorders.

Speech Treatment Camp for Children with CP

Dr. Erika Levy's speech treatment camp for children with CP.

Welcome to the Communication Sciences & Disorders program

Welcome to the Communication Sciences & Disorders program! We offer graduate degrees that focus on the study of all aspects of human communication, and the prevention and treatment of its disorders across the lifespan. The programs offer advanced education and training in the processes of individual human communication (speech, hearing, language, literacy, and bilingualism), disorders of human communication, and swallowing and remedial procedures for such disorders. Graduates are prepared for positions in a variety of professional settings: educational settings, community speech and language centers, rehabilitation centers, hospital clinics, private practices, state departments of education, health departments, federal agencies, and colleges and universities.

• Mission Statement
• Commitment to Diversity
• Accreditation Information
• Student Outcome Data
• Strategic Plan
• Student Resources

Choose Your Degree

Learn more about our degrees using the tabs below.

• I'm interested in the M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
• I am an SLP and am interested in the bilingual extension and advanced certificate in bilingual SLP
• I'm interested in doctoral study

Earn your M.S. and New York State initial or professional certification in Teacher of Speech and Language Disabilities.  Program also leads to optional NYS Education Department License in SLP.

• Master of Science (M.S.) with initial certification (55 credits)*
• Master of Science (M.S.) with initial certification and bilingual extension * (58 credits)
• Master of Science (M.S.) with professional certification  (55 credits)**
• Master of Science (M.S.) without certification  (55 credits)***

*Over 90 percent of our graduate students choose one of the first two options. Only one additional course is required for the bilingual extension certificate.

**This option is only available for those who have completed at least three years working in a NYS school as a speech-language provider.

***Because all students graduate with the course work needed for the NYSED TSLD, few students opt for the master’s in SLP alone. 

The bilingual extension institute is for speech-language pathologists who want advanced training in how to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services for bilingual patients/clients/students. This advanced institute is offered in both online and inperson cohorts.

• Advanced Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology (In-person)  (6 credits)
• Advanced Certificate in Bilingual Speech-Language Pathology (Online)  (6 credits)

Our doctoral program is a research-based degree designed to train doctoral candidates to become productive scholars and educators in their field. Students receive training and experience in all aspects of the research process, including conducting research studies and analyzing data, presenting and writing up research, applying for funding, and personal and professional integration into the international scientific community for their field of study. All of our doctoral faculty have strong research portfolios, and are also certified speech-language pathologists with research interests in diverse populations. 

• Ph.D. in Communication Science and Disorders (75-credits)
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Admissions Information

Application requirements, bilingual extension institute (online) (speech language pathology), bilingual extension institute - in-person (speech language pathology), communication sciences and disorders.

• Communication Sciences and Disorders Initial Cert: Speech & Language Disabilities K-12
• Communication Sciences and Disorders Initial Cert: Speech & Language Disabilities w/ Bilingual Option
• Communication Sciences and Disorders Professional Cert: Speech & Language Disabilities K-12 [Program is no longer accepting applications.]

Fund Your Degree

• Tuition & Fees
• Financial Aid
• Request Info

Advanced Certificate

• Major Code: SPTD-INIT
• Points/Credits: 6
• Entry Terms: Summer Only

Certification

View Public Disclosure Notification

• Bilingual SLP Extension

Application Deadlines

• Spring: N/A
• Summer/Fall (Priority): May 15
• Summer/Fall (Final): May 15

Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments *

• Statement of Purpose
• Application Supplement (included in online application)
• Applicants should have TSSLD or TSHH Certification or be in a program leading toward these certifications
• Applicants who already hold NYSED Bilingual Extension Certificate cannot be recommended for certification again, but are eligible for the Advanced Certificate
• Major Code: SPTB-INIT
• Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
• Summer/Fall (Final): May 15 (Summer), July 1 (Fall)

Master of Science

• Major Code: CSDR
• Points/Credits: 55
• Entry Terms: N/A
• NY State License: Speech Language Pathology
• ASHA Certification: Speech Language Pathologist
• Summer/Fall (Priority): N/A
• Summer/Fall (Final): N/A

* Degree option not available via application for admission. Applicants must apply for Initial or Dual Certification options. With adviser approval, students may be eligible to change to Non-Certification option after enrollment.

• Online Degree Application , including Statement of Purpose and Resume
• Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
• Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
• $75 Application Fee
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
• Major Code: CSDR-INIT
• Entry Terms: Fall Only
• NY State Initial: Speech and Language Disabilities K-12; NY State License: Speech Language Pathology
• Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
• Summer/Fall (Final): January 15
• Prerequisite courses recommended prior to enrollment
• Major Code: CSDR-PROF
• NY State Professional: Speech and Language Disabilities K-12; NY State License: Speech Language Pathology

* *Program is no longer running and therefore not accepting applications.*

• Major Code: CSDB-DUAL
• Points/Credits: 58
• NY State Initial: Speech and Language Disabilities K-12 with Bilingual Option; NY State License: Speech Language Pathology
• Supplemental application required (included in online application)
• Prerequisites required prior to enrollment

Doctor of Philosophy

• Points/Credits: 75
• Summer/Fall (Priority): December 1
• Summer/Fall (Final): December 1
• Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
• Academic Writing Sample

Program Director : Professor Michelle Troche

Teachers College, Columbia University 528 West 121st St., Room 1161 New York, New York 10027-6696

Contact Person: Corey Allen, Department Secretary

Email: csd@tc.columbia.edu

Communications

Columbia University

journalism.columbia.edu

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings is the only global university performance table to judge research-intensive universities across all of their core missions: teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

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The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Communications offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the relationships between people and media in their cultural, social, political, historical, economic and technological contexts.

With the guidance of an interdisciplinary faculty advisory committee, students craft individual courses of study drawing on the university's graduate resources in the humanities, the social and practical sciences, the arts and the professional schools.

Our goal is to connect the strengths of the Columbia journalism tradition with intellectual work in the humanities and human sciences to enhance our understanding of media and journalism in society. Dissertation projects have included "fake news" and political culture; the ordinary person's experience of appearing in the news; the evolution of the photographic pose; fact‐checking and objectivity in the age of digital media; and media, mobilization and political campaigns.

Nearly half of our graduates now hold full-time tenured or tenure‐track teaching positions, while others work in government, industry, consulting, research, policy, finance or the law.

A full time Ph.D. student is generally offered a standard financial aid package that can include tuition exemptions, coverage of medical fees and a stipend. Some service as a teaching or research assistant is required.

A dissertation embodying original research and its defense before an appropriate committee constitute the major requirement of the Ph.D. During the research and writing stage each student must have three approved faculty advisers, including one who serves as the sponsor or primary adviser. The dissertation proposal must be approved by the three advisers by the end of the semester that follows the term in which the comprehensive examinations were taken. The proposal, at least 20 pages, should include:

• A clear statement of the argument or thesis and how it will be developed
• A brief review of the relevant literature, describing the contributions this work will make to the field
• A description of the sources (whether published or human) and research methodologies to be employed
• A work plan indicating what's already been done, what's expected and any research travel, surveys or other tasks to be carried out, with an estimated schedule
• Any additional matter the advisers may require

University and federal regulations require that any project that involves research with human subjects be approved beforehand by the Institutional Review Board(link is external). The regulations generally apply to research methods such as focus groups, surveys, or polls. While one‐on‐one interviews with scholars or experts discussing their specialties probably do not require approval, students are urged to consult with the board if they have any doubt.

When both the student's sponsor and the chair of his or her defense committee have approved the draft as acceptable for defense, it may be distributed to the rest of the committee.

Both logistics and courtesy dictate that the defense be scheduled at least four weeks after the date of the distribution so that committee members have ample time to read the dissertation. The semester in which the student distributes the dissertation is the last term in which she or he must register and pay the m&f fees, even if the defense takes place in the succeeding semester. The last day of the fall semester is the Friday before the beginning of spring term, generally the Friday before the Martin Luther King holiday; the last day of the spring semester is the Friday before the beginning of the fall term, generally the Friday before Labor Day. (There is no summer term or summer registration in the Communications program.)

The Application for the Dissertation Defense (link is external)form will be submitted to the GSAS Dissertation Office by the program director, not by the student, as soon as the five proposed examiners have been finalized. This form must be reviewed and approved by GSAS before the defense may take place. It is best practice to submit this form as soon as the five examiners are chosen, even if the defense has not yet been scheduled. The Dissertation Office must receive this form from the program office at least four weeks before a defense takes place.

The doctoral defense will be conducted by a committee composed of exactly five members. It is the responsibility of the student's sponsor and/or defense chair, not the student, to choose and invite the final two members of the defense committee. GSAS policy states that students should NOT be put in the position of approaching faculty members about serving on their committee.

In recognition of the increasing interdisciplinarity of work being done in many doctoral programs, as of the 2010/2011 academic year, GSAS has broadened the definition of "insider" and "outsider" as applied to defense committees. For the Communications program it will allow a committee that has either one or two outsiders and at least two faculty advisers from the Communications subcommittee. The composition of the final defense committee must therefore fulfill all of the following conditions:

• at least three of the five members, the "insiders," must be from GSAS's list of approved Ph.D. sponsors,(link is external)AND
• at least two of those insiders must be members of the Communications program subcommittee of core faculty advisers, AND
• at least one of the five, the "outsider(s)," must be either 1) a faculty member, clinician or practitioner who holds a position at another university or research institution; or 2) a full‐time faculty member at Columbia University outside the student's own department or program; or 3) a research scientist at Columbia University outside the student's own department or program; or 4) an adjunct professor at Columbia University outside the student's own department or program; or 5) a full‐time faculty member whose appointment is at Barnard College, Jewish Theological Seminary or Union Theological Seminary; or 6) a full‐time faculty member in the student's interdisciplinary program whose field is outside of the student's dissertation field.

If the student's sponsor/primary adviser is not a member of the Communications subcommittee, he or she will be named a co‐sponsor along with an approved sponsor from the Communications program.

For both practical and financial reasons, no committee may include more than one member who will be traveling from outside the Greater New York area, and any travelers must be coming from within the Boston‐Washington corridor. Although all five members of the committee will ideally be physically present at the defense, the Dissertation Office will permit up to two members to participate remotely by audio or video conferencing as long as both the sponsor and the chair are present.

Requirements

• $100 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcript(s)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Proof of English language proficiency (where applicable for non-native speakers of English)
• Personal essay
• Essay on your academic interests
• Academic writing sample
• Scholarships

Tuition and Stipends

Tuition charges are waived for the two or three years of full­-time coursework. The number of years of coursework required depends on the amount of advanced standing credit granted.

A stipend is awarded in each of a student’s first three years. Students must maintain full-­time status (at least 12 points per semester) and make satisfactory academic progress toward their degree to remain eligible for a stipend. Financial aid may be cancelled at any time for failure to maintain a high standard of academic excellence or to comply with the terms of the award. While receiving a stipend, students may not take paid work for more than an average of 10 hours per week (or 20 by petition to the program director).

Each student, whether domestic or international, is responsible for accurately reporting stipend amounts and for making estimated tax payments if appropriate.

Research and Teaching Assistantships

During the first year of coursework no service is required, but in each semester of the second and third years students will be assigned an assistantship that will require research or teaching. International students must hold F­1 visas in order to receive their stipends and assistantships; holders of other types of visas are urged to consult with the International Students and Scholars Office(link is external) to clarify their status.

Outside Awards

Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships and fellowships from outside sources. As an incentive, students will be permitted to retain a combination of external and school funds up to a specified cap that is higher than the standard stipend; for the 2016­-2017 year the cap is $33,335.

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Communication, doctor of juridical science, mathematics program, yale summer session, graduate program in eeb, molecular biophysics and biochemistry graduate program, cell biology graduate study, deadline information.

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• Communication and Public Relation Forum

Columbia Univ. - Communications PhD

By CommCommClub March 3, 2011 in Communication and Public Relation Forum

Recommended Posts

CommCommClub

Just curious as to whether anyone else applied to this program -- and if so, have you heard anything from them?

It's a longshot, but now that this process is winding down I'm eager to hear back from them! I've heard from all of my other schools, but radio silence from Columbia.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

I'm also applying.

But I don't expect to hear from them any time soon. And: They only accept 2 students. So I don't think I have a realistic chance of being accepted...

The website says "Decisions will be posted in mid March"! (I checked about 12 hrs ago, when there wasn't anything; so this message is fairly new)

I was waitlisted for this program last year and found out about my status the second week of March.

So it's going to be just a couple days waiting.... Even though I'm pretty much sure I'll be rejected, I would like to know as soon as possible... just to put that aside and concentrate on my other schools who didn't get back to me yet.

• 2 weeks later...

Thanks for the info, CaitlinCM.

Kathiza, my status was just updated this morning, changed from "Under Review" to "Application Complete." It's weird because "Application Complete" was the status I had before "Under Review," and now I'm back to it. Oh well! I actually called yesterday and spoke to someone who said decisions would be sent out via email after the 15th (today). I have a couple of schools breathing down my neck to make a decision sooner than later, but I refuse to do that until I've heard back from everywhere!

And they have spring break next week - so I'm sure they'll send out everything this week. It's just so nervewrecking to know that my decision e-mail might be processed so slowly and I will only hear from them next week.... I finally want to have all my decisions to be able to decide where I want to go...

Just checked my status... It's also been changed to "Submitted." Must mean that emails are due soon!

Thanks for the info, CaitlinCM. Kathiza, my status was just updated this morning, changed from "Under Review" to "Application Complete." It's weird because "Application Complete" was the status I had before "Under Review," and now I'm back to it. Oh well! I actually called yesterday and spoke to someone who said decisions would be sent out via email after the 15th (today). I have a couple of schools breathing down my neck to make a decision sooner than later, but I refuse to do that until I've heard back from everywhere!

I know this might be a stupid question since I really expect to be rejected, but did they say if they send out funding info together with the admission decision or if admitted students have to wait again for funding info?

I just found my rejection letter online.

The website also says "decisions are posted" - so I guess everyone should find his results by now.

Saw mine last night. I was wait-listed last year and thought my application was much stronger this year, but knew it was a long shot. Only one more school left to hear from!

Also, rejected! Just glad that was the last school I was waiting on. Now I can move forward and actually make a decision.

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Degree Requirements

Committee and qualifying requirements, comprehensive examination and dissertation, admission criteria.

Before registering for courses, the student must confer with their temporary advisor until a permanent advisor is assigned.

The PhD candidate must take at least 48 hours of course work beyond the MA. Students with an MA degree in another discipline may be required by their doctoral program committee to complete additional course work. Course work will include 36 hours within the department. The following courses are required:

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A doctoral program committee approves the student’s course of study and determines if the student has passed the qualifying requirements during the spring semester of the first year. Only after passing the qualifying requirements will the student be admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree in communication.

For a student whose MA program was done at MU, the six-hour comprehensive examination or the MA thesis defense constitutes the qualifying process. The student may proceed beyond the MA degree only upon the recommendation of the MA examining committee.

Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination, including a 30-page literature review, a 15-hour written exam and an oral defense, will cover all areas of studies in the field. During the semester students take comprehensive exams they enroll in.

Dissertation

The doctoral dissertation is written under the direction of the candidate’s advisor. The dissertation and the final oral examination on the dissertation complete the requirements for the PhD in communication. Students take a minimum of six hours of.

Length of Study

Course work and comprehensive exams for the PhD must be completed in five years. The dissertation must be completed within five years of completing comprehensive examinations. Satisfactory rate of progress means making adequate progress to meet these time requirements. Students working at a typical pace should be able to complete the doctorate in 4 years beyond their master’s.

Fall deadline: January 15 Minimum GPA: 3.0 preferred Minimum TOEFL scores:

Minimum GRE scores:

Admission procedures for students who have completed the MA degree elsewhere and wish to become PhD candidates are identical to the departmental requirements outlined for MA candidates. Only those applicants who show evidence of a clear likelihood of successful doctoral work are admitted.

Required Application Materials

To the Graduate School All required Graduate School documents

To the Communication Program

• Departmental Application
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Example of scholarly writing (no more than 25 pages)
• Transcripts
• Statement of Interest

Financial Aid from the Program

Some programs require an extra form or statement from those who wish to be considered for internal assistantships, fellowships or other funding packages. Check the program website or ask the program contact for details.

Admission Contact Information

Martha Crump ( [email protected] ) 108 Switzler Hall; Columbia, MO 65211 (573) 882-4432

Published by the University Registrar, 125 Jesse Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 Phone: 573-882-7881

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A Student’s Journey on the Bridge to PhD Program

Columbia’s bridge to phd program supports eden shaveet in her journey as a public health infodemiologist..

Eden Shaveet

Eden Shaveet is about to ”graduate” as a public health infodemiologist from Columbia Engineering’s Bridge to PhD Program, designed to support students who’ve encountered barriers on their path to a graduate education in STEM. Shaveet, who holds an MS in health informatics and analytics from the Tufts University School of Medicine (TUSM), is the first Bridge Scholar taken on by the Department of Computer Science.

Interest in infodemiology

While at Tufts, she maintained one of the highest GPAs in the TUSM program and won their 2023 Health Informatics and Analytics Academic Achievement award. A faculty member there mentioned “infodemiology” to Shaveet in passing and she was instantly intrigued. While she was already interested in epidemiology and information science, she’d never considered that the two fields could overlap.

Shaveet’s path to graduate school has been far from traditional. She completed secondary school through the Gateway to College program and received her BA with honors in psychology and behavioral health. During clinical internships as an undergraduate, Shaveet found herself gravitating more towards databases and decided to pursue informatics.

Coming to Columbia

Shaveet came to the Bridge to PhD Program in STEM to hone in on her computational skill set. She was already trained as a health informatician, but she recognized that pursuing computer science research and coursework as a bridge scholar would not only enhance her skills as an interdisciplinary informatician but also increase her competitiveness as an applicant for PhD programs in informatics and information science. She knew that the Bridge program catered to people like her -- those who came from nontraditional educational backgrounds or have been historically underrepresented in their fields. Being offered a spot in the program has been one of the most fulfilling training experiences of her life.

“The Bridge to PhD Program is an exceptional program led by exceptional people that cultivates capable and successful academics,” Shaveet said. “I'm lucky to be a part of it.”

Shaveet didn’t arrive at Columbia Engineering with a comprehensive background in computing -- she saw herself as a potential public health practitioner. But during her first hackathon, her team won the first-place Patient Safety award through the Patient Safety Technology Challenge, alongside this reporter’s team, at the 2023 DivHacks Hackathon —an unexpected feat, she admitted. After taking courses in computer science and conducting computational research, Shaveet feels like this is where she is meant to be: “It’s what has kept my attention.”

Using data to explore food-poisoning outbreaks

And now her specialty at Columbia has become just that: public health infodemiology. Her work is focused on using publicly available data from sources such as social media and discussion forums to explore outbreaks of food-borne illnesses. She appreciates that “at Columbia, it’s not just hobbyists” who are interested in this work, but researchers who are integrating it into public health departments, including the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Shaveet is working with Computer Science Professors Luis Gravano and Daniel Hsu on the Adaptive Information Extraction from Social Media for Actionable Inferences in Public Health team. She describes the research as “grounded in the idea that we can augment current methods in public health needs assessments and passive syndromic surveillance using…anywhere people congregate and self-disclose information that we can translate into a health status signal for a population.”

Next up? A PhD

Shaveet applied to a range of PhD programs while finishing up her studies, received several offers, and has recently accepted a place in Cornell’s PhD program in information science with a graduate minor in computer science. She’s not going far -- she’ll be based on the Cornell Tech campus on Roosevelt Island.

Shaveet credits the Bridge program for preparing her in ways that she didn’t expect and that she is very grateful for. “I really didn’t expect to be applying to PhD programs in computer science and informatics!” she said. A major confidence builder has been winning the National Science Foundation (NSF) Computer and Information Science and Engineering Graduate (CSGrad4US) Fellowship, which will fund three years of her PhD anywhere she decides to go.

Richard Hagen, the director of the Bridge to PhD Program, praised Shaveet’s stellar performance in the program: “Eden truly embodies the essence of the Bridge to PhD program at Columbia with her outstanding accomplishments and the prestigious grant she received. I am incredibly proud of her and excited to witness her continued success in higher academia.”

The Bridge to PhD at Columbia

Columbia Engineering’s Bridge to PhD Program features intensive research, academic, and mentoring experiences for post-baccalaureates seeking to strengthen their applications for graduate school and to prepare for the transition to a PhD student. Recent alumni have gone on to PhD programs at Columbia University, the University of Chicago, the University of Wisconsin, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, and Princeton University. Several recent alumni have also received prestigious awards from the NSF, including the Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

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