See our M.A. Program FAQ's for more general information about the program.
What is your department's philosophy?
The MA program in the Department of Politics does not embrace any particular philosophy or approach to the study of political science. We offer courses in a wide variety of fields in the discipline of politics. Our principal goal is the training of individuals who will embark on professional careers in a variety of sectors (government, private sector, civil society, education, advocacy, business) as well as including the pursuit of a Ph.D. degree.
How can I get an application?
New York University no longer mails hardcopy application bulletins. The application and all applicable information are available online from Graduate Enrollment Services at www.nyu.edu/gsas/Admissions/.
What are the requirements for admission?
To apply for admission to our Master's program you should hold a BA degree (or the equivalent). In addition to the required forms, you should submit three academic letters of recommendation, one original academic transcript from each school you have previously attended, a statement of purpose, a writing sample, results from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and, for international students, results from the TOEFL* or TOEFLC* (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
Do you have a minimum GPA?
No. Many schools do not calculate GPAs and when they do various methods are used. So, although we expect students to have a 3.0 GPA, we do not impose it as a set minimum. However, our applicant pool is academically strong and very competitive.
How should I apply?
We request that applicants submit most of their documents online, including letters of recommendation, the personal statement, writing samples, and resume. The only credentials that must be mailed separately are academic transcripts and any submissions that are not word-processed documents (e.g., videotapes, artwork, photocopies of articles, etc.). Students applying on-line should also note that all supporting documentation must be submitted before the January 4the deadline.
When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is the January 4th prior to the Fall semester you are applying for. In the case where January 4th falls on a weekend day, then the deadline will fall on the Monday immediately following. While applicants are guaranteed consideration when submissions are received by January 4th, if spaces are still available, applications received after that date will be considered on a rolling basis.
Is there anything else I need to know about the application process?
It is very important that each component of the application that cannot be submitted online be sent in one package. Your physical application will be sent to various offices, and it is possible that any credentials that are sent separate from your application may not make it into your file in time for review. For this reason, when possible, have the application components sent to you in a sealed envelope and, without opening the documents, include it in your submission.
Must my Bachelor's degree be in Political Science in order to apply?
No. However, the MA program does expect that prospective students have had sufficient exposure to the field for them to develop a clear statement of purpose for applying to our MA program.
How important are letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are very important to us. You should choose individuals who are best able to evaluate your past performance and your ability to undertake this course of study. Choose references that are in the best position to give the admissions committee relevant information.
Must all my letters of recommendation be written by professors?
The Graduate School requires that at least one letter be from an academic. Usually, but not always, the best people to get these letters from are academics. However, if you have been out of school for a number of years, you may want letters from non-academics, but please remember that they are not always in a good position to tell the MA Admissions Committee what we need to know.
I wish to apply as a non-degree student. Is that possible?
Applicants may apply as non-degree students, but they still must meet all the admissions requirements and deadlines set for applicants pursuing a degree. We admit
non-degree students in the following concentrations: American Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, Political Economy and International Relations.
What must I include in my statement of purpose?
The statement of purpose should be a clear and concise statement of what you want to accomplish while enrolled in the MA program. One or two pages should suffice. Be succinct and clear about your goals and objectives. Explain how our program could help you achieve your goals.
Do you require a Writing Sample?
A writing sample is required. It could be a paper for an undergraduate class or a publication. It should demonstrate your ability to analyze a topic insightfully and it should be written in the English language. The writing sample should not exceed 3000 words and it should be double spaced. A good paper will improve the chances of admission, while those that lack insight or are poorly written can be quite damaging.
Can the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) be waived?
The GRE is required for all students. Please note that GRE scores are valid for only five years. Should your GRE scores expire before the application deadline for the year you are applying, you must retake the GRE and submit the new scores. For information on the GRE please visit the official website at www.gre.org.
Can the TOEFL be waived for international students?
In most cases, the TOEFL will not be waived for international students. International students can waive the TOEFL or TOEFLC only if the first language of instruction at the institution at which they received their degree was English, or if the official language of they country in which they reside is English. The TOEFL or TOEFLC cannot be waived under any other circumstance.
My GRE or TOEFL scores are old and ETS will not send them. Will they still fulfill the application requirement?
We require official ETS scores. An application is not considered complete unless we receive official ETS scores. The MA Admissions Committee may choose not to review incomplete applications.
What is your Institutional Code for GRE and TOEFL?
Our Institutional Code 2596. It is used for both the TOEFL and GRE.
Can the Master's program be done on a part-time basis?
Yes, the Master's program in Politics can be completed on a part-time basis. Part-time students usually take one to two courses per semester. Part-time students usually finish in 2 to 3 years.
What is the typical amount of time it takes to complete the Masters degree?
Students can complete the Master's program in as little as 9 months, though this is a very intensive route. On average, students take three semesters to complete the program. There is a time limit of 5 years for students to complete the program.
How can I find out if your faculty does research in my area of interest?
Visit our faculty pages. Additionally, review the biographies of our adjunct faculty.
Are new MA students assigned faculty advisors?
Yes. When a student enrolls, the department assigns a faculty advisor. The advisor and student are typically matched according to their field of interest. Faculty advisors may be changed during the academic year if fields of interest change.
How can the language requirement be satisfied?
The language requirement must be satisfied post admission. Any language coursework completed prior to admission will not satisfy this requirement. There are three ways to satisfy the language requirement: students can take a language proficiency exam; students can take a departmental statistics course; or students can take an undergraduate, second semester, intermediate language course and earn a grade of B or better.
Can the language requirement be waived?
Students can petition to waive the language requirement only if a student is a foreign national whose first language is not English, or when a student has conducted field research in a language that is not English and had proper documentation to prove this. Students who petition to waive the language requirement via field research must produce supporting documentation from the institution where their research was supervised.
Are applicants expected to have taken coursework in mathematics and statistics?
No, students are not required to have taken courses in quantitative methods. In fact, the department offers introductory courses in quantitative methods that introduce first-year students to methodological tools that they can later use in their chosen fields of study. Opportunities to pursue advanced work in quantitative methods exist both within and outside the department (e.g., taking courses in the Stern School and in the economics department).
How much is tuition?
For current tuition rates and fees please visit the New York University Bursar's office at www.nyu.edu/bursar/tuition.
Is there funding available for Master's students?
In general there is no funding available from New York University for Master's students. Students are encouraged to obtain funding from external sources. For more information on funding resources please visit the Financial Aid Department at www.nyu.edu/financial.aid.
The only instance in which a Master's student is eligible for funding is through the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP). To be eligible for the TIP, a student must have been awarded an external scholarship, fellowship, or grant. For more information on TIP please visit www.nyu.edu/gsas/admissions/financial_gsas.
Is there an open house or information session I can attend?
The Graduate School of Arts and Science hosts one open-house per year, usually in November. This year's Master's College Open House will be held on Monday, November 5. For more information please contact the Office of the Master's College at gsas.masterscollege@nyu.edu.
What is the average age of applicants?
Applicant ages vary.
Can I meet with faculty or sit in on a class?
This is entirely up to the discretion of the specific faculty member. To arrange a meeting, please contact the MA Program Office at politics.masters@nyu.edu
Is an accepted student allowed to defer admission?
Deferrals are handled on an individual basis. Requests must be approved by the Department of Politics. The maximum deferral granted is for a single year. Funding may not be deferred.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Admitted students can transfer up to 9 credits into the Master's program. Eligible courses must have a grade of "B" or better and must be relevant to political science. Transferred courses cannot be substituted for departmental core courses.
What do your graduates do after obtaining their degrees?
Graduates of our MA Program are engaged in a wide range of careers in academia, government and industry. See our Career Section.
I have other questions. Whom should I contact?
You should write to politics.masters@nyu.edu with any inquiry you have. This email address reaches multiple persons involved in the management of the MA program. You will receive an answer within one business day.
