The Barnard MasterScholar Program is a highly selective interdisciplinary summer research program, built for high school students who seek a meaningful, engaging, and rigorous pre-college academic experience. The longstanding relationship between Barnard College and Columbia University offers students a unique learning environment, with the chance to enjoy campus life and academics at both a renowned women's liberal arts college and an Ivy League university.
Designed to give students a head start on college-level research, the Barnard MasterScholar Program is built around interdisciplinary studies: students choose from multiple subject areas spanning STEM, the arts, and the humanities, combining them into an innovative research topic that explores the intersections between these fields. The accompanying coursework features small, seminar-style classes taught by Barnard and Columbia professors, expert guest lecturers, and advising and support from a dedicated staff of teaching assistants.
Upon completion of the program, students will have produced and presented an independent research project and will receive a program completion certificate. But what students will remember most will be their experiences: exploring their academic passions, getting a taste of campus life in the heart of New York City, and making lasting connections with like-minded peers.
Program Highlights:
- Interdisciplinary Courses and Research Topics
- Drawing on Barnard's abundant academic resources, the program's focus on interdisciplinary studies allows students to examine their research topics from a wide variety of perspectives. Under the guidance of professors and teaching assistants, students enhance skills ranging from research methodology to data analysis, critical thinking, and academic writing.
- Experience Life on Campus
- Students admitted to the program will enjoy the same housing, dining, academic, and residential facilities available to undergraduate students — including libraries, multi-story fitness centers, campus medical resources, school clubs, and summer activities programs. Undergraduate teaching assistants will also help students acclimate to campus life, providing a welcoming introduction to the college experience.
- Comprehensive Outcomes
- At the end of the program, students will present their research outcomes to their peers and professors in the form of a project showcase. A student's research project, completed under the guidance of the program's professors and teaching assistants, can serve as the basis for an academic research paper or even a longer-term research study in the future. After meeting graduation requirements, students also receive a program completion certificate.
Curriculum:
- CORE Course
- Every week, students receive 3-5 hours of in-class instruction taught by Barnard College faculty. The CORE Course is influenced by Barnard's robust offerings in its academic programs for first-year students. Regardless of its subject area, each CORE Course will consist of an intimate, writing-intensive course that introduces students to the intellectual life of the college, and equips them with critical reading, discussion, and writing skills that cross disciplinary boundaries.
- Coaching Sessions
- Each afternoon, students attend study sessions led by teaching assistants (TAs). Each day features a different theme:
- Writing Fellows Sessions: TA-led, seminar-style group discussions focused on building writing skills
- Speaking Fellows Sessions: TA-led, seminar-style group discussions focused on practicing public speaking
- Research Fellows Sessions: TA-led, seminar-style group discussions focused on enhancing research skills
- Study Halls: guided self-study, with support from TAs, focused on students' independent research projects
- Coffee Chats
- Once per week, students have the opportunity to meet with guest lecturers for "Coffee Chats." This format allows students to engage in discussion with guest speakers, facilitating a collaborative and intimate learning environment. Students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and explore new avenues of knowledge.
- Project Showcase
- At the end of the program, students present their interdisciplinary research projects in the form of a Project Showcase: the culmination of the program's focus on research, writing, and public speaking, and excellent preparation for university research presentations.
- Junior Junction
- Admissions officers from Barnard College and Columbia University host official information sessions, offering insights into academic programs, student life, and the latest admissions policies at their institutions. Students gain first-hand knowledge of what a world-class university looks for in its ideal candidates.
Extracurricular Activities Include:
- Welcome Ceremony & Icebreaker Activities
- Barnard & Columbia Campus Tours
- Weekend Outings (may require extra fees)
- Optional: Fitness Classes at Columbia University
- Optional: Columbia Student Club Activities & Summer Events
Program Dates: July 20th - August 9th, 2025
Program Fees: $12,500
Program Fees Cover: Tuition fees, teaching facility usage, international student travel health insurance, airport pick-up and drop-off, housing, meal plan, management fees, and student services fees
Program Fees Do Not Cover: Round-trip transportation expenses to and from New York City, all expenses associated with visa processing (if applicable), weekend activity fees, personal expenses during weekend outings, and Barnard international student registration fee (if applicable)
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