Q: Where can I find the University’s academic calendar?
The University Registrar publishes an academic calendar for each semester with relevant start/end dates, holidays, breaks, and commencement dates.
Q: What is the typical course load for full-time students versus part-time?
The main semesters for the MSGA and MSGSCC program are Fall and Spring: full-time students take 4 courses (12 credits) each semester, while part-timers take 1-3. Additionally, there are opportunities for intensive classes in the January Winter Session as well as two separate Summer sessions for those students looking to accelerate their way through the program.
Q: When are courses offered?
Courses are offered in the Fall and Spring academic semesters as well as in the January intensive session and in two Summer sessions (May-June, July-August). In the Fall and Spring, courses are typically offered in 4 regular blocks: 9:30am-12:10pm, 12:30pm-3:10pm, 3:30pm-6:10pm, and 6:30pm-9:10pm.
All courses in the Fall and Spring semester, except for special schedule courses, meet once per week for 2 hours and 4 minutes each. Summer courses meet twice per week.
Q: How can I declare or update my concentration for the MSGA program?
MSGA students can declare a concentration at 21 credits, and can update their concentration at any point afterward. To declare or change a concentration, email graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu.
Q: Can I declare two concentrations for the MSGA program?
MSGA students can only declare one concentration, which will appear on their NYU Transcript. However, the program is interdisciplinary and many courses count towards multiple concentrations.
Q: What are my Cross-Registration options at other NYU schools?
You may take courses from other programs within SPS or other schools of NYU outside of SPS. In particular, we have a reciprocal relationship with the NYU Wagner School of Public Service and many of our students elect to take classes at NYU Stern School of Business. Cross-registration policies differ by school. Click here for information on registering at another NYU school.
MSGA students wishing to take courses outside of SPS must first contact visit the MSGA cross-registration page, fill out the required form, and confirm that the other program course does not have pre-requisites. MSGSCC students wishing to take a course outside of SPS must fill out the MSGSCC Petition to Cross-Register Form. All requests are reviewed and approved by the Lead Faculty Member of the MSGSCC.
Q: Are language courses required? Can I take language courses to count toward my MS in Global Affairs?
Language courses are not a required component of the MSGA and MSGSCC program. Graduate students cannot take language courses to count toward their degree requirements.
Alternative Language Options Include: NYU and Columbia Language Exchange and Language Class Auditing at NYU College of Arts and Science (CAS)
Q: How do I go about getting course credit for an internship or independent research?
Credit is available for degree-relevant internships or independent research. View the Credit Internship and Independent Study pages on the MSGA and MSGSCC website for full details. Applications for these courses are due in the semester prior to enrollment.
Q: What’s the difference between a capstone and a thesis?
The Graduate Thesis is a written document presenting original research conducted by one graduate student. The Graduate Capstone encompasses a range of project opportunities to be completed alongside a written document conducted by two or more graduate students. Visit the MSGA Thesis/Capstone page for full details.
Student Affairs
Q: Where can I find a calendar of events for the MSGA and MSGSCC program/CGA/NYU?
A calendar of upcoming MSGA and MSGSCC events can be located on the homepage of the CGA Academic Website. Event announcements are posted in weekly emails to the CGA Events Listserv.
Upcoming CGA events can be found on the SPS event calendar or in this semester’s copy of PREVIEW.
University-wide events can be found at events.nyu.edu.
Q: How can I get involved in MSGA and MSGSCC student groups?
Each semester, MSGA and MSGSCC groups host a kick-off event to welcome new and continuing members. You can also reach out to student group leaders directly to join a group or request addition to a group listserv. Visit the Organizations page of the MSGA and MSGSCC website for details.
Q: I’m interested in communicating with MSGA and MSGSCC alumni. How should I go about this?
The CGA administrative staff is happy to connect students with alumni of the program. Simply contact us at graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu indicating your intended concentration or desired career field (if known) so that we may put you in contact with an alum closely aligned with your academic and professional interests.
Q: How can I find out more information about the Student Ambassador program?
MSGA and MSGSCC Student Ambassadors are volunteers who represent the MSGA and MSGSCC program to prospective students and the general public. For more information about the Student Ambassador program, please contact us at graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu.
Career Development
Q: I’m interested in communicating with MSGA and MSGSCC alumni. How should I go about this?
The CGA administrative staff can connect students with alumni of the program. Simply contact us at graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu indicating your intended concentration or desired career field (if known) so that we may put you in contact with an alum closely aligned with your academic and professional interests.
Q: What program-specific career resources are available for MSGA and MSGSCC students?
A number of valuable resources are available to MSGA and MSGSCC students for planning and pursuing their careers. We encourage you to take advantage of all these resources. Through NYU’s career network, the CGA offers a variety of programs, services, and resources to help you take charge of your future.
NYU Wasserman Center – University-wide events, expos, and the CareerNet job listing portal.
Wasserman Center @ SPS – events, expos, career development, and individualized career advisement.
CGA Academic Website announcements & resources
Employer presentations @ Woolworth – announced via the MSGA and MSGSCC Careers Listserv and the Wasserman Center @ SPS
Weekly Digest – job and internship opportunities delivered via the MSGA and MSGSCC Careers Listserv in the Fall and Spring semesters
Concentration to Career Workshops – concentration-specific roundtables featuring MSGA and MSGSCC alumni, announced via the MSGA and MSGSCC Careers Listserv
Advising and Appointments
Q: Who should I contact to schedule an appointment with the MSGA and MSGSCC faculty or administration?
Once you have decided to enroll in the MSGA or MSGSCC program you will be randomly assigned an Administrative Advisor. You can contact your administrative advisor directly or contact the entire CGA administrative team at graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu to schedule an appointment with a member of the staff.
To schedule an appointment with a faculty member, email them directly.
Q: Who is my Faculty Advisor?
Your Faculty Advisor is assigned to you based on your advising survey at the start of your first semester. If you do not remember who your Faculty Advisor is, please contact us at graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu.
Q: Can I switch my Faculty Advisor?
Yes, you can opt to switch your Faculty Advisor based on personal preference or changes to your area of focus: write to us at graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu with the name or your original Advisor and your new requested Advisor.
Q: How do I address concerns regarding Academic Advising?
Please contact us at graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu with any concerns.
Q: What is the difference between the Thesis/Capstone Advisor and the Faculty Advisor?
The Thesis/Capstone Advisor is distinct from the Academic Advisor. Students can work with any member of the full-time or part-time faculty to advise their thesis/capstone project (including their Academic Advisor if desired). For a listing of available faculty members and their areas of expertise, as well as deadlines for securing a Thesis Advisor, visit the CGA thesis page.
Registration and Enrollment
Q: Is it possible to switch from a full-time program to a part-time program during my course of study?
Students can switch freely between full- and part-time status by simply enrolling for their desired number of courses each semester. Financial aid will automatically be adjusted based on the enrolled course load.
Q: I need to take a semester off. What are my options?
Student requiring time off from the program have the option of taking a Leave of Absence or Maintaining Matriculation
Leave of Absence:
It is sometimes necessary or desirable for a student to take a leave from enrollment for a period of time. Matriculated students in good standing with a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA with no disciplinary issues who wish to take a leave of absence from school for one or two consecutive semesters (not including summer) for national service, serious documented illness, or compelling personal reasons, are required to submit a Leave of Absence request via Albert and contact the the Program Director, Cori Epstein, prior to the semester in which the leave is taken.
Maintaining Matriculation:
Students must register for maintenance of matriculation (by request with the department) and pay all fees for any semester (other than winter or summer) in which they do not take courses. If a student does not register for a matriculation course for a term and then returns, the student will need to retroactively register for matriculation and pay all fees before being able to register for current classes. Maintenance of matriculation counts toward the time of completion. No degree can be awarded to a student who has not maintained matriculation up to and including the semester of graduation. Fees for maintenance of matriculation total approximately $800.Graduate students with outstanding coursework may maintain matriculation a maximum of two contiguous semesters (fall/spring or spring/fall) before being required to reapply.
Q: I am trying to register for classes and am getting an error message. Who should I contact to resolve this?
Contact graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu with your name, the course information, and the error message you received in order to resolve the issue.
Q: The online enrollment period has closed but I would like to enroll for a course. What should I do?
Students needing to enroll after the online enrollment period on Albert has closed will need to pick up a signed Program Change form from our office and take it in person with a student ID to the Student Services office at 25 West 4th Street M-F between 9 am and 5pm. Please contact graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu with your request.
Q: I need to drop a course and am unable to do so on Albert and/or it is past the drop/add deadline. What should I do?
Refunds are issued for courses dropped after the drop/add deadline in special circumstances. Contact graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu with your name, the course information, and your specific circumstances to request a refund. Refunds are processed internally and you will not need to pick up a program change form.
Q: What is the process for class/term withdrawals after the add/drop period?
Class/term withdrawals after the add/drop period may carry tuition penalties. Contact the admin team via graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu to discuss your options for class/term withdrawal after the start of the semester.
Program Changes, Waivers, and Credit Transfers
Q: What is the process to transfer credits toward my degree?
Students can request to transfer up to 6 credits (two courses) from degree-relevant graduate-level work successfully completed prior to matriculation in the program. NYU will evaluate transfer credits from other institutions taken after a student matriculates into the program only in cases where an equivalent course is not offered by any department at the University and cannot be fulfilled as an Independent Study.
To request transfer of credits, contact the CGA staff at graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu. You will be asked to submit course syllabi and an official transcript to the MSGA or MSGSCC department.
Q: What is the process for waiving core course requirements/concentration pre-requisites?
Core course requirements or concentration pre-requisites are waived under special circumstances at the approval of the Academic Director. Typically, requirements are waived in cases where students have completed substantial graduate level work in the same area, or holds an undergraduate degree in the area (ie, a BA in International Business). To request a waiver of a core course or concentration pre-requisite, email graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu with your request. Syllabi and official transcripts may be requested. Please note that a waiver out of a course does not equal a waiver out of those credits and you will still need to complete a total of 42 credits towards the program, including six classes in your concentration (i.e. waiving out of IR means you don’t need to take that class, but will still need to take a 3-credit elective).
Transcripts and Enrollment Verification
Q: How can I get a copy of my unofficial/official transcript?
Your unofficial transcript can be accessed via your Student Center on NYU Albert. Unofficial trancripts appear as a pop-up, so make sure you have pop-ups enabled or check the top right corner of your screen for disabled pop-ups.
Official transcripts must be requested from the University Registrar. See directions here.
Q: How do I request verification of my enrollment?
The CGA department is able to provide a letter signed by the Dean confirming your enrollment and good standing. Contact the staff at graduate.global.affairs@nyu.edu. If your enrollment verification must be provided on University paper or stamped with the University seal, you must request a letter from the University Registrar following their enrollment verification request procedures.
Scholarships, Work Study, and Financial Aid
Q: When should I expect to receive my financial aid package?
NYU students who apply for financial aid are notified about the specific types and amounts of aid offered in their financial aid award letter each semester. Typically, award letters become available toward the end of the preceding semester. Students will be awarded their financial aid online via NYU Albert. An email with the appropriate link will be sent to your NYU account once your financial aid award package is available. All communication regarding your financial aid will be available to you via “self service” on Albert.
Q: Does the MSGA and MSGSCC program offer any type of merit-based funding? If not, what financial aid options are available for newly admitted students?
Generalized merit-based funding is limited to the annual Dean’s Fellowship. Students are evaluated during the admissions process for the Dean’s Fellowship, and awards are renewed annually.
Specified merit-based funding offered to continuing students by the department are listed on our Financial Aid page. We encourage students to apply for the various scholarships, fellowships, and student employment opportunities that are open to all CGA students.
University financial assistance programs and a searchable database of external scholarships can be found on the CGA academic website on the Financial Aid page.
Q: Is there the opportunity for work study while attending the program?
Student eligibility for work study is determined by the NYU-SPS Financial Aid Office. Your letter from NYU Financial Aid should list all of your financial aid, including any work study funds that may be available to you. For information on-campus employment, students should visit the Wasserman Center for Career Development.
Q: Are Graduate Assitantships available?
Our full-time faculty members have the option of hiring a graduate student aides (on-campus paid work position) each semester. Typically, faculty elect to hire students who have taken classes with them before. Announcements for open positions are sent via the CGA Careers listserv.
Additional opportunities for CGA students do occasionally avail themselves through grant-funded projects (such as the Scenarios project) at the Center for Global Affairs which are usually under the directorship of full-time faculty.
International Students
Q: What are the visa requirements for international students?
If you are an international student, NYU’s Office of Global Services (OGS) will contact you and provide the necessary immigration documents for obtaining your visa. OGS provides comprehensive services and programs for international students, scholars, and their dependents.
Q: Is it possible to enroll part-time as an international student?
Please be sure to check out OGS’s helpful multimedia Guide for International Students, which explores many of the basic things you will need to know as an international student at NYU. After viewing the guide, you will have a good idea of what you need to do to enter the United States, maintain your student status once in the country, and benefit from the many opportunities available throughout your stay in the U.S.
Q: What resources are available for international students?
CGA international students have access to University-wide resources specifically for students on academic visas coordinated by the Office of Global Services, as well as the International Student Center at SPS. The CGA offers a peer-review Writing Fellows program for collaboration on written work.
Q: Are international students eligible for financial aid for graduate study?
Because international students are not eligible to file the FAFSA and therefore are not eligible for federal aid, financial aid is very limited for international students, but resources do exist. Many international students find funding opportunities in their home countries. However, if that is not available other options include:
Scholarships and fellowships (including the Fulbright Scholarship)
Private loans
NYU payment plans
For more information on the above options, please see:
NYU-SPS Financial Aid Options for International Students
Contact Guide for University Departments
Office of Financial Aid – Located at the StudentLink Center
Manhattan Location: 383 Lafayette Street, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10003
Brooklyn Location: 5 MetroTech Center, Suite 201, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- P: 212.998.4444
- E: financial.aid@nyu.edu
- W: https://www.nyu.edu/admissions/financial-aid-and-scholarships.html
Please reach out to the Office of Financial Aid regarding financial aid eligibility and options.
Office of the University Registrar – Located at the StudentLink Center
Manhattan Location: 383 Lafayette Street, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10003
Brooklyn Location: 5 MetroTech Center, Suite 201, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- P: 212.998.4800
- E: registrar@nyu.edu
- W: http://www.nyu.edu/registrar/
The Registrar’s office is available to answer student enrollment, graduation, and records question by phone, in-person or via an online contact form.
Office of the University Bursar – Located at the StudentLink Center
Manhattan Location: 383 Lafayette Street, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10003
Brooklyn Location: 5 MetroTech Center, Suite 201, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- P: 212.998.2806
- E: bursar.studentaccounts@nyu.edu
- W: http://www.nyu.edu/bursar/
The Bursar’s office publishes information regarding tuition & fees and refunds on their website. The Bursar’s office is available to answer student billing account questions by phone, in-person or by email.
www.nyu.edu/shc
726 Broadway, 3rd and 4th Floors
Phone: 212.443.1000
Email: health.center@nyu.edu
Moses Center for Students with Disabilities
www.nyu.edu/csd
726 Broadway, 2nd Floor
Phone: 212-998-4980
Fax: 212-995-4114
Email: mosescsd@nyu.edu