FAQ

No. Much like admittance into the program, securing an internship that meets a student's area of interest is a competitive process. Internship packages range from combinations that may include: tuition remission, room, and board, meal-plan, and stipend, to strictly a stipend. Students who do not get housing or tuition remission may be eligible for Steinhardt's scholarship and grants awards.

Are alumni involved in the program?

One of the greatest strengths of our program is our alumni base. Our students have established an alumni mentoring program that aims to connect our current students with recent alumni and those from past generations.

Can I finish the program in less than two years?

Yes, with summer or intersession courses and study away opportunities, it is possible to finish the program in less than two years time frame. Students are encouraged to consult with their faculty advisers about this endeavor or any other goal one might aim to pursue during their tenure in the program.

Can the application fee be waived?

Please see the Graduate Application Guide for more information on fee waivers.

Do full-time and part-time students take courses together?

Yes, there is no distinction between the courses full-time or part-time students take with the exception of internship seminar and professional seminar (practicum).

Do I need to submit my GRE Scores?

We do not require GRE scores for the MA applications.

Does NYU offer any overnight visits for prospective students?

The program does not offer overnight visits outside of the scheduled interview days in March. Should you be visiting the area and would like a tour of NYU, you can schedule a tour with the Welcome Center. The tour that you can schedule at with The Welcome Center is not specifically for graduate students, but this will give you a great overview of what NYU has to offer as well as provide you with an opportunity to explore the Washington Square campus.

How long does the MA program take to complete?

Typically, the 36 credits required to complete the program will take two years or four semesters full-time (9 credits per semester), and three years or so, part-time. With a combination of summer and winter courses, when available, part-time may also be completed in two years.

If I am not interested in working directly with students is this program still applicable to me?

Yes, the program’s curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of institutions of higher education. Cohorts are generally comprised of students that have an expressed interest in specifically higher education administration, student affairs, or a combination of both. It is not unlikely for matriculated students to change their interest or the course of their trajectory after a semester or two in the program.

Is an internship required for admission into the program?

Yes, a 20-hour, paid internship is required for full-time admission into the program. Part-time applicants are required to hold a full-time position in some capacity related to the field of higher education or student affairs.

Is the full-time program structured in a cohort model?

No. All students in the program are required to take a core curriculum consisting of 21 credits and the remaining 15 credits are electives. Most Courses need not be taken in a particular order with the exception of Internship seminar or Practicum (1st semester possible), Foundations in Higher Education (1st semester possible), and College Student Learning and Student Development (1st spring semester of cycle).

Is there a thesis or capstone project required for graduation?

We have a capstone project that is required for graduation. Capstone enables you to develop a portfolio that builds upon the cumulation of your experiences academically, professionally, and socially during your tenure in the program. The program does not require a thesis, though students have the ability to conduct in-depth independent studies with our faculty.

What financial aid/scholarships are available for M.A. students?

See Steinhardt’s Financial Aid information page.

What is the typical class size?

Average class size is 20 with classes no larger than 24.

Will coming directly out of undergraduate studies affect my chances for admission into the program?

Faculty review each application utilizing a holistic approach. It is important to demonstrate leadership and involvement relevant to the field of higher education or student affairs at the time of applying. Grade point average, involvement, service, professional experience, knowledge of the field, and quality of recommendations are among the factors that are taken into consideration.

Student Experience

(From HESA students themselves!)

How do graduate seminars differ from classes you took as an undergraduate?

Classes in the HESA program rely heavily on interactions with your fellow classmates through group projects and class discussions, as well as projects and papers aimed at getting you to think critically about the material you're learning in class. Graduate seminars tend to make you a more active participant in the classroom; professors want to hear your thoughts! Also, many of the papers you'll write will allow you to choose what you're writing about to some degree, which gives you opportunities to push outside of your comfort zone and learn about something new.

Do internship sites acknowledge that we are students first and employees second?

Internship sites are typically very good at understanding that you work 20 hours a week. We encourage you to have a conversation with your supervisor at the beginning of the semester to establish your schedule and time requirements. This is facilitated by an internship contract that is disseminated through your Internship Seminar.

Is there anything you believe the HESA program can improve on?

Assistantship packages are all different, which can be frustrating. However, this is because sites fund the assistantships, and different sites have different funding.
There also isn’t a strong research lens, which can impact students who may look to go into a PhD program down the road. However, all students must take a Research in Education class and there are plenty of opportunities for students to join a faculty-led research project.
- There are always updates being sent out weekly to inform you of opportunities you can involve yourself in which includes research as well.

What was your biggest take away from your experience at NYU?

The importance of being mindful of everyone’s lived experiences and to not assume things about people.
Do your research: pay attention to pop culture/trends and how they impact your world in higher education.
The value of relationships: don't be afraid to reach out to someone that works in an area that you might be interested in! You'll find that people in Higher Education are excited to talk about their experiences and how you can get involved.

What is it like having an assistantship not at NYU? Do you ever feel isolated/removed from the “cohort”?

Absolutely, but through classes and outside gatherings you are able to get to know people from all campuses and you will find your group of friends even if they don’t work at the same institution.
This is where organizations like ASAP, JoSA, and GSO come in handy because you can still get involved in student life at NYU even if you don’t work there.
The main challenge is that you do not know NYU as well as others. You will see that other students will talk about NYU in a way that you might not understand. However, there are students who will be working in the same institution as you and you will be able to navigate NYU together. You might just need to make a bit of an effort.

Can you offer some advice on networking in the field? What are some ways you all network? Did any of you struggle in networking? How have you created relationships with colleagues in different departments?

There are so many opportunities that NYU and/or HESA offers to network with peers, faculty and others outside of the program. We have many clubs and organizations that are tailored to specific interests that create a sense of community and gathering. ASAP, JoSA, GSO and the other Steinhardt Clubs that are listed for you all to look at really creates a great networking space. You come together with other amazing students who share similar interests and aspirations - it's also great for your professional development.
The more involved you are, the more networking you will do. The great thing about NYU also is that even if you do not intentionally involve yourself in programs, clubs and/or social outings, you will notice that you are constantly networking from within your site by the work that you are doing and the people you are meeting at your assistantship.
I have definitely felt that I was struggling to network because as an introvert I don't necessarily prefer or enjoy forced social events. However, I found myself networking regardless because of the endless opportunities and professional developments I have been exposed to thus far.
You will also find that as an aspiring SA pro you work as a team ALL THE TIME. You will constantly be meeting and connecting with new people all across the university because as student supporters we have to work together.
The people in your classes are a part of your network as well. Through your conversations and projects, you develop connections with your classmates, which will transcend the program.

I am interested in acquiring research opportunities, what should I do?

Our program is not research-centric but here are some suggestions:
- Express interests to your advisor and professor: Be upfront about your interest and ask if there are projects you can assist with. Sometimes there are doctoral students who might need some help, and sometimes the professor’s research team could use some volunteers, you never know!
- Take on assessment projects at your internship site: many offices have report and assessment projects that employ the same empirical method, which could enhance your research abilities.

How do you build relationships with the faculty?

Sending out an email and scheduling an appointment or visiting office hours are often the best way to start the conversation. As people have different personalities and teaching styles, you might have different experiences interacting with faculty compared to your peers, and that is ok! Remember that you’ve been hand-picked by our faculty and you are here for a reason, and our faculty are here to support your academic journey.
- - Aside from HESA faculty, you are also encouraged to reach out and build relationships with faculty from another program or department, especially when you are interested in their experiences and insights.

Who should I contact if I’m having issues:

- in my internship?
  - - Changes and conflicts can happen, and your HESA family is here to support you. Aside from utilizing your cohort, support network, and internship class as ways to process challenges, reach out to Mike Funk & Janelle Viruet and have them guide you through the process if you have more serious concern about position changes and internship site changes.
- In my classes?
  - - Your advisor is your best resource of navigating courses and can guide you towards classes that might best fulfill your interest
- with registration?
  - altstudentservices@nyu.edu