Skip to Gallatin Navigation Skip to Gallatin Main Content

Frequently Asked Questions

The application deadline for fall 2024 has been extended to: April 1, 2024

Are campus visits available?

Yes, we encourage you to attend a Graduate Gallatin Information Session.

How specific must I be about defining my program of study at the time of application?

You must propose a clear, focused, and cohesive program at the time of application and discuss a specific area of concentration in your Statement of Purpose. While you are not expected to know exactly which courses you will be taking, you should have a good idea as to which departments are relevant to your program of study and how you plan to integrate them into your concentration. As you will be taking the majority of your courses outside of Gallatin, you should become familiar with the course offerings throughout NYU. In consultation with your adviser, you will refine your concentration over time.

Is a standardized test required for admission?

No. Gallatin does not require standardized testing such as the GRE. If you have taken a standardized test and would like to submit the score, you may do so.

Does Gallatin accept part-time students?

Yes. Many of our graduate students attend on a part- time basis. Most graduate courses throughout the University are offered in the evenings. You may even start out by taking one course at a time. Keep in mind, however, that you must be registered for at least six (6) units to receive financial aid.

What happens if my transcripts and letters of recommendation arrive after the application deadline?

The application deadline refers to the receipt of the application itself. Your credentials may follow. However, your application will not be reviewed until all credentials have been received.

May I submit additional letters of recommendation?

Yes. We require two letters of recommendation, but you may submit additional letters, if you wish.

Can I apply to more than one NYU graduate school?

Yes. You may apply to several NYU graduate schools. However, each school requires that you submit a separate application and credentials.

If I've been out of school for some time, how will an admissions decision be reached?

Gallatin students range in age from their 20s to their 70s. Some students come to Gallatin directly from undergraduate school while some are professionals who have been working in their fields or who have been out of school for other reasons. Be sure to include a resume with your application. In your Statement of Purpose, be sure to discuss your professional background. While an undergraduate record is an important factor in the admissions decision, we review the entire profile of a student.

How long does it take to complete the degree?

Full-time students usually complete the degree in 2 to 2 1/2 years. Part-time students usually take 3 to 6 years to complete the MA degree. The degree must be completed within six (6) years of initial enrollment.

Are all NYU graduate courses available to me as a Gallatin student?

While most NYU courses are open to Gallatin students, there are some restrictions.

Certain courses in the Tisch School of the Arts are open only to Tisch students, including courses in the departments of acting, dance, design, dramatic writing, and film. Tisch offers an excellent array of graduate courses available to Gallatin students through the Tisch Open Arts Curriculum, where courses in the arts are open to non-Tisch students. Gallatin students are able to pursue these areas through other courses in the University, such as arts-focused Gallatin Graduate Electives, the Steinhardt School’s departments of Dance Education and Educational Theatre, and Gallatin’s Private Lessons in professional studios.

Gallatin students may take up to six (6) units per semester in the Stern School of Business.


Gallatin students do not have access to classes in the School of Medicine and the College of Dentistry. Classes in the School of Law are open to Gallatin students only with permission of the instructor.

May I take courses outside of NYU?

Yes, through External Study you may take a course at another university if NYU does not offer the course, provided the other university will admit you as a visiting student.You will continue to take courses at NYU and you may take a maximum of six (6) units through External Study. Please note that all such courses must be approved in advance.

 

I've taken courses in another graduate program. Does Gallatin accept transfer credit?

Yes. Gallatin accepts credit from other graduate programs, either within NYU or at another institution, if the course work is relevant to your Gallatin concentration. A maximum of 12 units may transfer. Courses must have been taken at the graduate level and must have been equivalent to those offered by the graduate divisions of New York University, completed with a grade of B or better, and not applied to another degree.

Please note that credits over 10 years old are not transferable. At the time of registration for classes, students may submit an application to request that transfer credits be evaluated.

May I study abroad as part of my graduate degree?

Most students at the graduate level do not study abroad. However, if it is relevant to your program, we recommend participating in an NYU summer study abroad. In addition, current students may apply for Provost’s Global Research Initiative. Through this opportunity, Gallatin graduate students have done research at the NYU sites in London, Shanghai, Prague, and Tel Aviv.

Is it possible to pursue distance learning through Gallatin?

No. Gallatin is not a distance learning program. Most of the program is taken on campus in a classroom setting. However, students are given the option to pursue a maximum of 12 units of independent study, tutorials, internships, and private lessons in the arts.

How are faculty advisers selected?

All advisers are NYU faculty members.  Your primary adviser may be a Gallatin faculty member or a faculty member from another school at NYU. Once a student has been admitted, we will work with you to determine your primary area of academic interest and possible primary adviser.Students should research the NYU faculty and are welcome to make adviser requests. 

In addition, the MA Program has two faculty co-directors who serve as advisers and are available to consult with students.

May graduate Gallatin students live in NYU residence halls?

Yes, although limited,  on-campus housing is available. For off-campus housing, the NYU Student Resource Center offers excellent advice. For details about housing, visit Living at NYU.

If I am taking courses in several different schools within NYU, how will I meet other Gallatin students?

Your introduction to your Gallatin classmates will occur at MA Convocation, where you will also meet the dean and Gallatin faculty. Gallatin students get to know each other in their Gallatin classes, such as the Gallatin Proseminar, Gallatin Elective Courses, and the Thesis Proposal Seminar.

Gallatin's Office of Student Life provides ample opportunities for graduate students to connect through the Gallatin Graduate Student Organization (GGSO), the primary student organization at Gallatin completely dedicated to graduate student life. The GGSO plans a number of events for the graduate community, including service opportunities, happy hours, movie nights, and Study Saturdays.


In the spring, the Gallatin community comes together during our Gallatin Arts Festival and our annual Master's Thesis Showcase, a series of performances and presentations by students who are completing theses.

I have a job that requires that I occasionally travel. May I take time off from my degree?

If you are taking a class, your presence is expected. However, if you know in advance that you will have responsibilities that may require you to take a semester away from the program, it is possible to maintain matriculation while not registering for courses during that time. Another possibility is to work with a professor to design an independent study that you can pursue during your absence.

Do Gallatin students continue to pursue a PhD?

Yes. Many Gallatin students move on to PhD programs. Those who have been successful have carefully constructed the MA degree with sufficient depth to prepare themselves for doctoral study.

What are the qualities of a successful Gallatin student?

Gallatin students are mature, self-motivated, focused, and disciplined. They have a clear idea of what they want to study and thrive in an environment where they are free to pursue their interests.

If you have other questions about Gallatin's Graduate Program, please contact us.