Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about our M.A. Program
About Visiting Campus, Information Sessions, and Getting More Information
About Tuition, Financial Aid, and Graduate Housing
About the Academic Program
How long does it take to complete the MA program?
The program can be completed in three semesters plus a summer or four semesters if you are enrolled full-time. Part-time enrollment is permitted and will, of course, take longer.
Is this program accredited?
This M.A. program, like all academic programs at NYU, is approved by New York State. There is no accreditation body relevant to this program so accreditation is not available or required.
How many students are enrolled in the MA program?
Our program is small and selective with approximately 25 full- and part-time students.
Can I transfer credits from other institutions and have them count towards the required number of credits for this program, waive any course requirements, or get credit for past coursework?
Course requirements may be waived based on the applicant's undergraduate or other graduate coursework and at the discretion of advisors in the MA program in Sociology of Education. Waiving will allow students greater flexibility in pursuing coursework relevant to their specific interests. Six credits of advanced standing/transfer credit may be applied toward the MA degree. Any advanced standing/transfer credit is permitted at the discretion of program advisors.
To receive approval for advanced standing/transfer credit, you need to submit a catalogue description of the course, including a syllabus, and have a grade of B or better. Coursework must have been completed no more than five years prior to the application for credit transferral. Only graduate-level courses may count towards the degree. No undergraduate credits may transfer, although some requirements may be waived based on the applicant's undergraduate coursework, with an advisor's approval, allowing other electives to be taken.
Can I work full time and still take classes?
Yes, you may work full time and still take classes although some flexibility with hours of work will be necessary to fit in a few of the classes, which may be offered late in the afternoon.
Must I complete an M.A. thesis? Is there an alternative final project?
Yes, all students must undertake and complete a master's thesis. This is an important component of the Sociology of Education master's curriculum. Our faculty work closely with each student from the beginning of their studies to help them identify their thesis topic and guide their course selection to support their thesis research. The process of researching and writing the thesis builds skills and expertise for both professional work and advanced doctoral study.
Does the program provide opportunities for internships or other types of hands-on experience?
You can participate in an internship, although one is not required. Because most of our classes are offered in the late afternoons and evenings, an internship is most likely to fit student schedules during the mornings and during the summer.
Are all courses offered each semester?
Not all courses will be offered each semester; however, courses are scheduled such that full-time and part-time students will be able to complete the program within three or four semesters for full-time students.
Do you offer online courses?
We do not currently or plan to offer courses online.
Do you offer summer courses?
We do not offer exclusively summer graduate programs, but some of our courses are occasionally offered in summer. With careful planning in conjunction with their advisor, students could fulfill certain program requirements during the summers.
Do any summer abroad courses relate directly to this program?
Steinhardt offers several study abroad programs in education that may interest you:
- Education and Diversity: Comparative Perspectives , Accra, Ghana
- Educational and Social Reform , Pretoria, South Africa
- Global Perspectives in Higher Education , Israel (offered in India in 2010)
Do you offer job placement assistance after graduation?
NYU's Wasserman Career Center provides assistance to all graduate students and alumni from NYU Steinhardt.
About Visiting Campus, Information Sessions, and Getting More Information
I am planning to visit campus and would like to attend a class. When is the best time for me to do this?
Typically, most of our classes are offered in the late afternoon or early evening, Mondays through Thursdays. If you would like to attend a class, please email us .
When can I attend an information session?
Please check our Graduate Admissions web site regularly for upcoming information sessions dates and times.
I cannot attend the information session. Can I still meet with an advisor or faculty member to discuss the program?
Yes, please send us an email to request a phone or in-person appointment with an advisor or faculty member.
I live far away and cannot meet with an advisor or faculty member in person. Can I make a phone appointment?
Yes, please send us an email to request a phone appointment with an advisor or faculty member.
Can you mail an information packet on the program to my home address?
We do not send materials via mail. Detailed information about the MA degree can be found on this web site, including course requirements and faculty biographies. After reviewing the website, if you have additional questions, please email us .
To receive general updates about NYU Steinhardt, join our monthly eNewsletter mailing list using our online inquiry form . Our Future Student eNewsletter provides you with the latest information on special events, program developments, faculty research, financial aid opportunities and deadlines.
About Admissions
What is the deadline for applying to the M.A. program in Sociology of Education?
We accept applications from students interested in either full- or part-time study for entry in the Fall only. The application deadline is February 1.
What are the qualifications for admissions?
Successful applicants present a strong academic record from an accredited college or university; a major or prior academic work in sociology or a related field, such as education, politics, psychology, anthropology, or ethnic studies; strong writing and analytical skills; and interest in or prior work or volunteer experience with schools and/or youth programs.
Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required for the MA program.
What is the GPA requirement?
Successful candidates for admission will demonstrate a strong record of academic achievement either at the undergraduate level or from previous graduate level coursework from accredited institutions. Students with anomalies in their academic records should consider addressing this in their personal statement.
What are the TOEFL requirements for international students?
Although we do not have a required TOEFL score, successful applicants score 100 or above on the Internet-based test or 600 or above on the paper-based test.
I do not have a background in education or sociology - am I still eligible to apply to this program?
Yes, absolutely. The program imparts methodological and theoretical knowledge, and gives students the opportunity to gain specialized knowledge in their area of interest. Undergraduates from a variety of backgrounds and majors are encouraged to apply.
Are you looking for students with life experience or for those who have recently completed an undergraduate degree?
We welcome students from both types of background. Typically, our students have spent at least a year working full time after college before they begin our program, but this is not always the case.
Do I need to submit letters of recommendation?
Yes, please submit two letters from professors or former employers from the last five years. At least one, but preferably both letters should be from professors or others who can speak to your academic strengths, to your potential to undertake rigorous academic work at an advanced level, if possible, to your interests in education and sociology.
Can I apply online?
Yes, we prefer you apply online. The online application is available on the Steinhardt Office of Graduate Admissions website .
What supplementary materials are required in the application?
Two letters of recommendation and a personal statement on why you want to study the sociology of education.
Is an interview required for admission?
No, an interview is not required for admission.
Where do I send supplementary materials, such as letters of recommendation and transcripts?
Letters of recommendation are submitted through the online application.
Send transcripts and all other materials directly to the admissions office:
Office of Graduate Admissions
NYU Steinhardt
82 Washington Square East, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10003-6680
steinhardt.gradadmissions@nyu.edu
When will I receive a decision from NYU?
Decisions are typically mailed out from Graduate Admissions beginning in late March and early April for Fall applications. If you have not received a response within this time frame, please contact the Graduate Admissions Office directly at (212) 998 - 5030 or Steinhardt.gradadmissions@nyu.edu .
I live overseas and snail mail is inconsistent. Can the admissions decision be emailed to me?
Contact the Admissions office directly at (212) 998 - 5030 or Steinhardt.gradadmissions@nyu.edu to process this request.
About Tuition, Financial Aid, and Graduate Housing
What is the cost of tuition for this program?
Students may complete the 40-credit program on a full- or part-time basis. Tuition and fees are posted on the Graduate Admissions web site on a per-credit basis and for typical full-time and part-time programs of study for the current or upcoming academic year. Expect tuition and fees to increase annually by 3-6%. You'll also find estimated expenses for housing, books and supplies, transportation, and health insurance. The Graduate Admissions site offers detailed information on applying for scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Information on scholarships is listed on the Steinhardt Graduate Admissions website under financial aid . All applicants who are interested in being considered for school-based scholarships must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by going to www.fafsa.ed.gov and submitting it electronically to NYU. Detailed instructions can be found on the Graduate Admissions financial aid web pages.
The deadline for submitting the form to NYU is February 1 for the Fall term. Please note that the earliest time you can access the form is January 1.
Do you offer scholarships for part-time students?
NYU Steinhardt is committed to assisting graduate applicants in the process of financing their education. One way we do this is by offering partial tuition scholarships (such as the Centennial Scholarship for new part-time master's students) based on merit and financial need. Other forms of aid, such as loans, college work-study, and student employment can help part-time students complete their advanced degrees. For more information, visit the Steinhardt financial aid website .
Is funding available for international students?
NYU Steinhardt encourages international applicants to investigate scholarship support offered by their home country to support their studies at NYU. Master's applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and eligible for federal financial aid may receive consideration for school-based financial aid. Non-U.S. citizens may be eligible for non-NYU sources of funding. More information may be found online .
What kind of housing do you provide?
On-campus housing at NYU is limited. Most graduate students live off-campus. On the bright side, rents in the New York City have experienced a downturn recently. Graduate Admissions serves as the liaison office to NYU Housing and can respond to general questions about graduate student housing and the application process.