Admission to M.A., Ed.D., and Ph.D. programs is highly competitive. Prospective applicants are encouraged to fully explore the program requirements before applying.
Complete graduate application instructions can be obtained here.
Ph.D. Program in Higher and Postsecondary Education
Qualified candidates are encouraged to learn more about the program through an informal discussion before applying. Please contact the Admissions Coordinator to schedule an appointment in person or on the phone.
For the Ph.D. program, selection is based on the following criteria:
- Outstanding academic record
- Masters degree in Higher Education or related field
- Recent GRE scores
- Evidence of significant professional experience in higher education or related profession
- Candidate's statement of purpose and academic and professional references
Although these are general criteria, the Admissions Committee considers each candidate’s entire application. Top candidates will be invited to an in-person interview in early February.
Ed.D. Program in Higher and Postsecondary Education
Qualified candidates are encouraged to learn more about the program through an informal discussion before applying. Please contact the Admissions Coordinator to schedule an appointment in person or on the phone.
For the Ed.D program, selection is based on the following criteria:
- track record of increasing levels of professional responsibility
- masters degree relevant to the intended area of professional practice
- current professional position in a suitable setting closely linked to the specialization they intend to pursue
- appropriate goals
- strong recommendations from those in a position to judge effectiveness in current practice and promise for the future
- evidence of academic promise including past performance, writing samples, interviews and GRE scores
M.A. Program in Higher Education/Student Personnel Administration
For the M.A. program, selection is based on the following criteria:
- A completed baccalaureate degree with outstanding academic achievement
- Evidence of significant undergraduate leadership experience. (Professional experience is preferred, but not required for admission to the M.A. program.)
- Academic and Professional references
Although these are general criteria, the Admissions Committee considers each candidate’s entire application, with particular attention given to the candidate’s purpose statement and academic and professional references. The GRE is not required for application to the M.A. program. Prospective students who have questions about the M.A. program or the admissions process are encouraged to contact the Admissions Coordinator for further information.
Applicants for Full-Time Study
A one-year internship is required for all full-time students; however it is recommended that students work at their sites for two years. Therefore, acceptance to the program has two phases. First, selected candidates for admission will be invited to attend the Recruitment Event held in March. During Recruitment, candidates will be interviewed for a variety of internships at NYU and at local area colleges and universities. Candidates must obtain an approved internship to obtain formal admission to the M.A. program.
There are internship sites on the NYU campus as well as on other college campuses throughout the metropolitan area. Examples of internships held by current and previous M.A. students can be found on the program description page.
In mid-February, top candidates will receive a letter from the Admissions Coordinator stating that they have been selected to participate in the Recruitment Event. Interviews for internships occur during Recruitment Weekend.
Applicants for Part-Time Study
Part-time applicants must hold a full-time time job related to higher education while taking classes part-time.
Application Deadlines
Apply Early! Here is the timeline:
Ph.D./Ed.D. in Higher & Postsecondary Education (Full-Time & Part-Time)
- Admission deadline for Fall ‘10: December 15, 2009
Masters in Higher Education/Student Personnel Administration Program
Full-Time
- Fall ’10 Admission deadline: January 6**, 2010
Part-Time
- Spring ’10 Admission deadline: November 1, 2009
- Fall '10 Admission Deadline: February 1, 2010
Masters in Business Education (Full-Time & Part-Time)
- Spring ’10 Admission deadline: November 1, 2009
- Fall '10 Admission Deadline: February 1, 2010
Please note: January 6th 2010 is the final deadline for application to the full-time Higher Education/Student Personnel Program for a Fall 2010 start date.
All applicants are encouraged to visit the Steinhardt School of Education's Graduate Admissions site for instructions on how to apply.
If you have additional questions about the M.A., Ed.D., or Ph.D. program, please contact the Admissions Coordinator at steinhardt.highered@nyu.edu