Advising is a key component of the Gallatin MA program. Throughout the individualized program, students can access expert help to negotiate the resources of a large university and to meet their academic goals during the Gallatin MA program.
When a student matriculates at Gallatin, the student is matched with a primary adviser. On the application for admission, the student lists three faculty members with whom they would like to work as their primary adviser. This primary adviser is an NYU professor, who works with the student to define academic and professional goals, to develop an appropriate strategy for pursuing those goals, and to locate the necessary educational resources to carry out the academic plan. The primary adviser serves as the first reader for the thesis and as the chair of the thesis defense. An expert in the student’s area of interest, the primary adviser acts as facilitator, guide, and mentor, enabling the student to,to understand essential theories, methods, and practices in the chosen field.
The primary adviser might be a member of the Gallatin faculty (either full-time or part-time) or a faculty member (either full-time or part-time) in another department of NYU.
Students are encouraged to acquaint themselves with Gallatin faculty in their areas of interest and consult with those faculty members throughout the program. Gallatin faculty members play an important role at two stages of the program: the thesis proposal review, and the thesis defense. A Gallatin faculty member will serve as the reviewer of the student’s thesis proposal and will provide a written response to the proposal. Students select a three-person thesis defense committee that must include the student’s adviser and at least one full-time Gallatin faculty member.
There are two Faculty Co-Chairs and one Director of the MA program. The Faculty Co-Chairs are full-time Gallatin faculty members who are available to provide advice on program requirements and to address any academic concerns that arise.
The Director assists students throughout their experience in the MA program with a range of issues including academics, advising, preparation for the RAW forum and the thesis defense, full-time and part-time equivalency, registration, and referrals to student affairs, student life, and student services. They also serve as liaison to NYU’s Office of Global Services for visas for international students.
To request a change of adviser, please submit the Graduate Adviser Change Request Form. You can follow up with the Director of the MA Program Gwynneth Malin if you have questions or concerns.
Each semester in order to register for courses, you will meet with your academic adviser to complete and submit the Plan of Study form. Before you can register on Albert, your academic adviser must approve the courses you list on your plan of study.