4+1 Pathway: Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
BA / MA
Columbia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (QMSS)
If you are interested in the 4+1 Pathway with QMSS, please complete this form to receive important programming updates from our office.
The Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences (QMSS) 4+1 Pathway invites Barnard students interested in quantitative research techniques and strategies to apply for admission in their junior year or the first semester of their senior year.
QMSS 4+1 Pathway Frequently Asked Questions
At its academic core, the QMSS program draws on seven research disciplines: Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Computer Science, and Statistics. QMSS students can select one of four focus areas: Data Science, Economics, Experiments, or Flexible Focus. Further information about the QMSS courses, resources, and program are available on the QMSS website.
Barnard students can apply in January of their junior year or in November of their senior year. Please refer to the QMSS BA/MA page for specific deadlines. Applicants who receive provisional acceptance begin taking QMSS courses in their final semester(s) at Barnard. After graduating from Barnard, they matriculate into the QMSS program for their fifth year.
You can find the application link on the QMSS BA/MA page (here). Applicants should not use the general QMSS application link from the GSAS website or elsewhere.
There are no required courses to apply for the 4+1 Pathway with QMSS. However, students should have some exposure to statistics or higher-level analysis. In reviewing your application, the admissions team will be looking for an indication that you have experience with (and interest in!) working with quantitative data.
You may 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. If you have questions about completing your QMSS coursework through the 4+1 pathway, you can refer to the checklists linked on this page. Admitted students can also schedule individual academic advising appointments with the QMSS faculty or administrators.
Students can take up to three courses at QMSS (9 -12 credits) in their senior year. Courses counted toward the QMSS masters cannot be counted toward the Barnard BA. Once matriculated at QMSS, students request to transfer any credits earned during the senior year from Barnard to QMSS.
Navigating an Application to the QMSS Accelerated 4+1 Pathway
Students intending on applying to the Accelerated 4+1 Pathway at QMSS can follow the below timeline when thinking about their application.
Attend a QMSS 4+1 Pathway Overview Session
Explore the QMSS 4+1 Pathways with faculty advisors. Sessions will provide an overview of the eligibility and application requirements for the QMSS 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.
Stay Informed
Follow Beyond Barnard for updates, announcements, events, and resources surrounding 4+1. If you are interested in the 4+1 Pathway with QMSS, 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.