This program will prepare you to understand human development across the lifespan as well as the psychological, cultural, and socio-ecological factors that influence the contexts and systems in which people develop. You will learn to produce and critically assess research to inform the design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs.
Degree Name: Human Development Research and Policy
Academic Plan Code: HDSI
Degree: MA
Credits: 30
Academic Load: Full-time
Application Deadlines
Spring: n/a
Summer: n/a
Fall: February 1
Program Information
Program Website | hdrp-steinhardt@nyu.edu
How to Apply
These instructions and requirements are for all applicants. If you are not a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States, please read the special instructions for international applicants.
Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.
1. Prepare Your Application
Résumé/CV
You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.
Statement of Purpose - Short Answer Questions
In the Statement of Purpose section of the online application please provide your short-answers to the following (four) questions:
1) What is one life experience that has shaped your interest in and approach to the study of human development? Explain in no more than 250 words. Do not just describe the experience; discuss how it has shaped why and how you want to pursue a career in this field.
2) How have your prior education and work experience prepared you to pursue an MA in Human Development Research and Policy? Explain in no more than 250 words. Do not just list your most relevant credentials; discuss how the two or three most relevant experiences have influenced your interests and provided you with the requisite skills to succeed.
3) Why did you choose NYU-Steinhardt’s MA in Human Development Research and Policy? Explain in no more than 250 words. Do not just express your interest in the field; identify the aspects of this program that most appealed to you as specifically as possible.
4) What do you plan to do after you graduate from the MA program in Human Development Research and Policy? Explain in no more than 250 words. Tell us about the kind of jobs or work that you would like to do and the types of organizations where you would like to be based. If you have an interest in pursuing graduate school further (e.g., PhD programs), specify the field in which you are interested and discuss why. If you are pursuing the MA to explore different options, discuss the options you are considering and what you find appealing in each of them.
Letters of Recommendation
Submit two letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline. Read detailed instructions.
Writing Sample
Required. As part of your application, you are required to submit a writing sample (e.g., research article, policy report, undergraduate or graduate paper, op-ed, or blog post). It should demonstrate your writing and analytic skills. The sample should be no more than 20 pages and it does not need to display knowledge of psychology or human development and social intervention.
Transcripts
Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary school you have attended or are attending. Make sure to request them in advance of the deadline.
If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.
GRE
Optional. The Admissions Committee acknowledges there are several ways to demonstrate graduate school readiness. This may include, but not limited to, professional or academic experience or by submitting the test results from the GRE. Therefore, the GRE is optional for applicants to Human Development Research and Policy.
Proficiency in English
See testing requirements.
2. Apply
Application
After you fill in and upload the required information, you can submit your completed application. Your application must be completed, dated, electronically signed, and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EST of the stated deadline.
Application Fee
You will be prompted to pay a $75 application fee, payable by major credit card only. After submitting your payment, you will see your application status change from “saved” to “submitted.” Please print this screen for your records, as it confirms that your application has been successfully sent to our school. If you have problems submitting your payment, please contact the Office of Graduate Admissions. Learn more about our fee waiver policy.
Mailing Additional Items
If any remaining application materials need to be mailed to our office, mail the materials together in a single mailing using this document cover sheet. Items received without the cover sheet take longer to process and match to your application. Please do not mail your materials in binders or folders. Any mailed materials must be received by, not postmarked by, the stated deadline. Only completed applications will be considered and reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt of mailed materials.
Application Policies
Application deadlines are "in-office" deadlines, not postmark deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure that all materials are in the Office of Graduate Admissions by the appropriate deadline, and we reserve the right to return any application that arrives after the deadline. Only completed applications will be considered. Should a deadline fall on a weekend, the in-office deadline will be the next business day. We advise you to apply early.
Please check the online system to confirm that you have successfully submitted your application. Due to the volume of applications and related materials received, the Office of Graduate Admissions will only contact you if your application was successfully submitted and is deemed incomplete because of missing required materials. Otherwise, you will hear from us when the admissions committee has made its decision.
Deferral policy: NYU Steinhardt does not allow deferrals. Applicants who wish to be considered for a future semester must reapply by submitting a new application with all supporting materials, including letters of recommendation, by the application deadline.
3. Receive Your Admission Decision
Decision
You will be notified about your decision by email. Typically, decisions will start going out in late November for Spring semester enrollment and in late March or early April for Summer or Fall enrollment. You may learn of your decision before or after this timeline.