Education Studies and Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy 5 Year BA/MA

Dual Degree in Education Studies and MA in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy

About the program:

You will explore educational politics and policy and the burgeoning role of educational organizations working with schools and communities, both nationally and internationally; learn to lead cross-sector; create collaborative networks; and engage in research and policy analysis.


You’ll gain the skills to create collaborative networks, engage in research and policy analysis, and enhance communication between education systems, human service providers, and the communities they serve.


Prepare for a career as a: 


Our graduates have directed programs in places such as Harlem Village Academies, several city and state Departments of Education including the NYC DOE, Annenberg Institute of School Reform, San Diego Youth Development Office, The Highlander Center, Brooklyn School for Music and Theater, Good Shepherd Services, Points of Light Foundation, Hunts Point Alliance for Children, Young Women's Leadership Network, the After School Corporation, Year Up, and Posse Foundation.


Am I eligible to apply for this program?

This dual BA/MA program is open to currently enrolled BA in Education Studies students in good standing at the sophomore or junior level. Before applying, make an appointment with your Education Studies advisor to review the five-year program and discuss your interests and professional goals. Learn more about applying for this program.

Becoming a Graduate Student:

Junior Year

In the Spring, you’ll meet with faculty and advisors, and work with your new graduate advisor to register for graduate courses for the upcoming Fall semester. You'll also fill out a Change of Major form in order to transfer to the dual-degree program.


Senior Year

During Spring of your senior year, you will attend any required graduate student orientation from your home department, Administration, Leadership, and Technology (ALT).


Fifth Year 

Once you enter your fifth year of study (your first as a graduate student), you will need to meet with your graduate advisor to complete the transition. You will then complete the remaining credits for your master’s degree.


Important Information about Financial Aid

Please note that financial aid at the graduate level is different than at the undergraduate level and you may not receive the same aid. In fact, some types of aid available to undergraduate students are not available once you become a graduate student, and you will be considered for graduate scholarships at this time.

To be considered for any type of financial aid (including scholarships), you must submit the FAFSA application between October 1 and February 1 of your senior year. When submitting the form, be sure to indicate your new status as a graduate student. For more information, visit NYU's Financial Aid.

Curriculum for Dual BA in Education Studies and MA in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy

Dual-degree students will complete core requirements for both the bachelor's and master's programs, and will save up 12 credits (one full semester) by having 4 courses double-counted for both degrees. Students may not take more than 12 graduate credits during their undergraduate studies and no more than 50% of their total credits in any given semester may be graduate credits.


The following four courses will double count in the student’s BA Area of Specialization and MA requirements:


In order to complete 16 credits in the Area of Specialization for the BA degree, the student will take one undergraduate course (4 credits) from the Impact and Entrepreneurship Area of Specialization list.