FAQ

We have a new name!

Due to overlap with Epic, the medical record corporation, we changed our official name. Our new name is episummer@columbia. This new name reflects our current focus of increasing the number of on-line courses to accommodate working professionals and those from out of the area.

Do I have to apply to episummer@columbia?

You do not have to apply for any of the classes in the episummer@columbia program, but you should check the prerequisites to make sure you have adequate background for a course. Please note: if you are seeking to participate in the scholarship program, you will have to submit an application.

How much do episummer@columbiaa courses cost?

Synchronous courses

  • 4-hour course: $250
  • 8-hour course: $500
  • 12-hour course: $700
  • 16-hour course: $900
  • 20-hour course: $1000

Asynchronous courses

  • 5-hour course: $250
  • 20-hour course: $1000
  • 30-hour course: $1400
  • 40-hour course: $1800

Participants registering prior to April 1 will receive a 10% discount. Discounts are taken at checkout. For any courses that offer CME credits, an additional $100.00 will be added to the course cost.

Can I take an episummer@columbia course online?

Yes. Our month-long distance learning courses are available anywhere in the world and our asynchronous courses can be taken at your own pace.

Can I get a discount for episummer@columbia courses?

Participants registering prior to April 1 will receive a 10% discount. Discounts are taken at checkout.

How can I pay for episummer@columbia?

You can pay for episummer@columbia with an approved credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express). Large institutional registrations can be made directly by contacting us.

Are there requirements I have to fulfill to take a course?

Each course lists a recommended background for participants on its course page. For many but not all of the courses, it will help to have a background in introductory epidemiology and biostatistics. Please contact the episummer@columbia director or course instructor if you still have questions as to whether you are qualified. It is not necessary to have a degree in public health to take an episummer@columbia course.

How many courses can I take in the episummer@columbia program?

You can take as many courses as your schedule allows. Each week we offer several synchronous courses in multiple formats, including week-long courses that meet for 4 hours per day as well as 1, 2 and 3-day short courses lasting 4-8 hours. Please refer to the course schedule for more information on dates/times of course offering. Digital courses are fully online.

What is your average class size?

Class size will vary from 10 to 50 participants depending on the level of interest and the instructional format. The average class size is 20.

Can I receive academic credit for my participation in the episummer@columbia courses?

episummer@columbia participants will not receive academic credit. How can I get proof of completing a course?

Within two weeks of the end of episummer@columbia, we provide a letter of course completion to each participant who has completed the course. Individuals who register but do not attend the full course will not receive letters of completion.

Can I receive tuition reimbursement if I'm a Columbia faculty member, student, or staff?

Columbia tuition reimbursements for episummer@columbia are not offered. We have made an effort to keep our courses affordable for all participants. Discounts are available for registrations placed prior to April 1, and scholarships are available for selected courses.

Are CME credits available for any of the courses?

Yes, we currently have one course approved for CME credits: Scientific Communication for Leaders.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes. episummer@columbia is able to offer a limited number of full scholarships for selected courses. Visit our Scholarships page for more details.

Can I apply for more than one of the selected scholarship courses?

No. Your application should detail why that particular course is important to your scholarly/career aims.

If I am awarded a scholarship for one or more of the selected courses, can I still register for other courses offered?

Yes.

Can I transfer my scholarship to another course if I change my mind?

No. You will be evaluated for a scholarship based on the relevance of that particular course to you.

Are Columbia University faculty, staff and students eligible for scholarships?

Yes.

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

A full refund will be provided for course registrations cancelled before May 15.

Is there a full degree program available that provides training similar to episummer@columbia for health professionals?

The Department of Epidemiology at Columbia’s Mailman School of Public Health offers an executive master of science in epidemiology on a schedule that is tailored for working health professionals as well as MPH, MS, PhD, and DrPH training. Learn more about our executive degree or all of our degree programs.

Registration for episummer 2024 is open!

Courses