4+1 Pathway: Harriman Institute
BA / MA
Columbia Harriman Institute Program
If you are interested in the 4+1 Pathways with Harriman, please complete this form to receive important programming updates from our office.
Barnard students in their junior year may apply for the BA/MA of Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies.
Harriman 4+1 Pathway Frequently Asked Questions
Barnard students typically apply in the spring of their junior year, though it is also possible to apply in the fall of senior year. Please see the Harriman website for updated deadlines. Barnard 4+1 applicants should submit a 10-15 page writing sample, personal statement, resume/CV, and 3 letters of recommendation (up to 5 letters will be accepted). The requirement to submit GRE scores is waived for 4+1 applicants, but the 3.5 GPA requirement still applies.
There are no specific courses required for admission into the Harriman 4+1 Pathway, however students must demonstrate advanced knowledge of a regional language. Harriman MA candidates must exhibit proficiency equivalent to three years of an East European or a Eurasian language in order to graduate. In addition to the language requirement, applicants must be able to demonstrate an academic interest in Russian, Eurasian, and Eastern European Studies and have a GPA of 3.5. Applicants from all majors and areas of study who meet these requirements are welcome to apply.
The Barnard faculty liaison for the 4+1 Pathway with the Harriman Institute is Alex Cooley. You should contact the faculty liaison if you have questions about meeting your Barnard undergraduate degree requirements or major requirements while participating in the 4+1 pathway. Professor Cooley has also previously served as the director of the Harriman Institute, so he may be able to answer any program-specific questions you may have as well. Students accepted into the program must discuss graduate course selection (course 4000-level and above) with the Program Director (DGS) before beginning their coursework.
Navigating an Application to the Harriman Accelerated 4+1 Pathway
Students intending on applying to the Accelerated 4+1 Pathway at Harriman can follow the below timeline when thinking about their application.

Attend a Harriman Institute 4+1 Pathway Overview Session
Explore the Harriman Institute 4+1 Pathways with faculty advisors. Sessions will provide an overview of the eligibility and application requirements for the Harriman Institute 4+1 Pathways. Students must attend a pathway-specific overview session in order to move forward with an individual session.
Make an Appointment with Beyond Barnard
In this appointment, students will discuss specific application deadlines and receive support with application materials. Students will be matched with a faculty advisor for academic guidance, course planning, and sequencing.
Make an Appointment with a 4+1 Faculty Advisor
In this appointment, students will meet with the faculty advisor dedicated to supporting the specific pathway of interest. Students will utilize this meeting to map out a course plan in line with the eligibility requirements for the 4+1 program of interest.
Stay Informed
Follow Beyond Barnard for updates, announcements, events, and resources surrounding 4+1. If you are interested in the 4+1 Pathways with Harriman, please complete this form to receive important programming updates from our office.
Submitting Your Application
Application deadlines vary by pathway. Students should verify submission deadlines with Beyond Barnard. Students should meet with the faculty advisor to verify course approvals and Beyond Barnard to review application materials before submission.
Once Enrolled
Beyond Barnard supports 4+1 pathway students throughout their matriculation in the graduate program. Students are encouraged to utilize Beyond Barnard services throughout their studies.