College Advising Center FAQ
Confusing? We have a whole page dedicated to the Graduation Audit Process.
Return to Questions
What are the LAS codes?
You can find information on the Liberal Arts & Sciences Core here. Also, check out our Registration Tools section for a list of requirements and recommended courses.
LAS Core Codes
FY - First Year Seminar
EN - Writing and Rhetoric
HL - Humanities Literature
HI - History
SC - Science
SL - Science with Lab
MA - Math
SS - Social Science ( S1, S2,S3,S4,S5,S6,S7,S8,S9,SG)
HU - Humanities
SP - Oral Communications
Diversity Requirements
GA - Global Awareness
PL - United States Pluralism
College-Wide Requirements
WI - Writing Intensive
Return to Questions
Is there a placement test for foreign language classes?
Some courses do require a language placement test. You can find out by clicking the "View" button under "Reqs." You must complete before registering for the foreign language class.
Return to Questions
Do I need to take FIT or FOCA?
The answer depends on when you started your career at Columbia.
If you started in Fall 2005 or after:
The FIT (Fluency In Technology) exam is no longer a requirement for graduation as of May 2009. Official document from Academic Affairs coming soon.
What courses are considered Advanced Writing?
If you placed out of Writing & Rhetoric I in the New Student Assessment, then you will need to take an advanced writing course besides Writing & Rhetoric II to fulfill your English requirement. Students needing an advanced writing course are allowed to take ANY 2000 or 3000 level English Department course, with the exception of the Poetry Workshop courses. If you have questions about advanced writing courses, contact your college advisor.
NOTE: This is not the same thing as Writing Intensive. You are required to take one writing intensive course at Columbia to graduate. Writing Intensive courses have a "WI" code in the OASIS course catalog.
What math class should I take?
Use this grid (along with your assessment/ACT scores) to find out which math class is best for you.
http://www.colum.edu/academics/science_and_mathematics/Choosing_a_Math_Course.php
