Graduate Students Frequently Asked Questions

Applications to M.A. in European and Mediterranean Studies (non-joint degree):

• February 1: Initial deadline for admissions; priority deadline for financial aid consideration

• May 1: Final deadline for admissions and financial consideration (pending availability)
  
  

Applications to joint European and Mediterranean Studies/Journalism:

• December 18: Recommended date

• January 4: Final deadline date

GRE and TOEFL: The GRE general test is NOT required. TOEFL is required of all applicants who are not native English speakers. There is no official GRE or TOEFL minimum score requirement. 

NYU's Center for European and Mediterranean Studies provides its select group of master's students with the individualized attention and guidance of a boutique academic program within the context of a global university with substantial research resources. CEMS serves as NYU's hub for teaching, research and programming on Europe from a historical and contemporary perspective. The Center's primary focus is teaching, with master's students receiving faculty guidance on par with PhD students. As CEMS does not have a PhD program, its master's students are the primary focus.

The Master's in European and Mediterranean Studies is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective. In addition to being able to select from CEMS wide selection of courses from disciplines such as history, political science, international relations, anthropology, and sociology, master's students can also take courses at departments across NYU. Students are therefore able to develop an academic program of study that makes the most for their academic and/or professional ambitions - in close consultation with an academic advisor at CEMS as well as with the guidance of the Center's other faculty and staff members.

The number of students varies every year, depending on the number of qualified applicants. On average over the past few years, eight students are enrolled in the Master's in European and Mediterranean Studies program. In addition, an average of three students are enrolled in the joint Master's in Journalism & European and Mediterranean Studies program — although this is a new program and therefore the average enrollment varies year to year.

To apply for the Master's in European and Mediterranean Studies program or joint degree program or joint degree program, visit the Graduate School of Arts and Science's Application Resource Center (ARC) for general "how to" information about the application process, and for access to the online application. Applications are accepted for fall only for all programs. All applicants must use the online application.

Please visit the NYU GSAS Application Resource Center FAQ  page.

The tuition for CEMS master's programs is determined by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and is based on the number of points/units/credits a student takes each semester. The tuition rate for the master's program can be found on the NYU Bursar's website.

The Master's in European and Mediterranean Studies requires 32 points of coursework (with most courses being 4 points each). The Graduate School is able to offer most CEMS students a reduced tuition rate, sometimes up to 50%. Applicants should apply by the February 1 deadline to be considered automatically for a reduced tuition. Applicants after February 1 will also be considered automatically for a reduced tuition rate as long as the funds remain to provide a reduced tuition.

The Graduate School is able to offer most CEMS students  reduced tuition rate, sometimes up to 50%. Applicants should apply by the February 1 deadline to be considered automatically for a reduced tuition. Applicants after February 1 will also be considered automatically for a reduced rate as long as the funds remain to provide a reduced tuition.

CEMS has occasionally been able to offer a full-tuition Max Weber Scholarship to an incoming graduate student. The availability of this scholarship is decided on a year to year basis.

Students who obtain awards from recognized funding sources outside of NYU (e.g., foundations, private institutions, government agencies) can apply for additional awards toward tuition through the Graduate School's Tuition Incentive Program (TIP). Details about TIP eligibility criteria can be found here.

A suggested list of external funding opportunities can be viewed here. GSAS provides financial aid suggestions on its website here.

Yes, incoming graduate students have the opportunity to apply for employment positions offered through CEMS. Generally, CEMS hires office assistants (approximately 15 hours/week), depending on the availability of open positions. Most student positions at CEMS are currently paid $27.50/hour.

CEMS graduates have gone on to pursue doctoral studies or degrees in professional schools. Others have continued on to a career in a wide variety of positions in the public sector, nonprofits or nongovernmental organizations, the educational sector, and the private sector. Follow this link for examples of alumni placements.

Students may take classes in most other departments within the Graduate School of Arts and Science. Political Science, International Relations, Anthropology, History, Sociology, Hebrew and Judaic Studies, Italian Studies and Irish Studies, among others, regularly list courses with CEMS. There are also many courses not cross-listed with CEMS that our students are welcome to take as long as the course has a European focus. Occasionally there are limitations on course choice within GSAS. Some classes are designated exclusively for upper-level PhD students. Also, some courses may be too general in terms of regional focus to qualify as a course that can be counted towards a student's Master's in European and Mediterranean Studies - although in some cases, courses are counted if the students papers maintain a European and European-Mediterranean focus.

Master's students start the program in September of each academic year. There are no spring admissions.

Students take courses during the fall semester, including the required course What is Europe? Students also take three courses during the spring semester, including the required research Graduate Seminar to prepare them for their thesis project. During the summer, students complete two courses, one of which is referred to as an "Independent Study." which involves writing their thesis and submitting portions to their faculty thesis advisor according to an agreed upon schedule. The second summer course can either be completed by taking a master's course at CEMS or another department at GSAS during one of the summer terms. Alternatively, students can undertake an internship for course credit, provided that it is approved by the department.

For an overview of the requirements for the Master's in European and Mediterranean Studies, visit this page.

For an overview of the requirements for the joint Master's in Journalism and European and Mediterranean Studies, view this page.

Knowledge of a European language (other than English) at the advanced level is recommended but NOT required.