Leave of Absence

Leave of Absence

Students who have completed their first semester and wish to suspend their studies must apply for a leave of absence (LOA) by completing the LOA form and meeting with the PhD/MS Office prior to the semester during which they will take an LOA. In addition to a voluntary LOA, students may request a medical LOA or be placed on an involuntary LOA. A medical LOA may have other implications, which will be discussed in the meeting. Columbia Business School is aligned with the University’s Voluntary Leave of Absence Policy and Involuntary Leave of Absence Policy.  

All LOAs must be requested by 5 pm ET on the business day prior to the semester start date. All MS students in good academic standing have up to five (5) years from their date of matriculation to complete the program. Students in the PhD Program in good academic standing have up to nine (9) years from their date of matriculation to complete.  

A leave of absence cannot be taken prior to the completion of the first semester of the program. Students in their first semester may be able to withdraw from a semester in progress; for details . Students must start the program at the entry point to which they were admitted. In the event students cannot begin the program at the entry point to which they were admitted, they should contact Admissions. Students may not come back from an LOA during the summer semester unless all first-semester core classes are complete.