Advice
Q&A: Academic Advising Edition
Hear from two Wagner Student Services Academic Advisors
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How does advising work at Wagner?
You will interact with our Student Services team and your program advisor throughout your time at Wagner—from new student orientation to the time you walk across the stage at Convocation! Throughout the academic year, we’ll share timely information and guidance to help you navigate each stage of your program, from choosing the courses you’ll need for your specialization to selecting electives that align with your interests and career goals.
We recognize that university policies can sometimes be tricky to interpret, so our team is available to help you understand how they apply to your unique circumstances. We encourage you to stay in regular communication with us and reach out early when questions arise. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your Wagner experience.
How do I choose the right Wagner program and specialization for me?
Start by thinking about your career goals and the skills you want to develop. When choosing an academic program, familiarize yourself with the program's curriculum and required courses and learning outcomes. You can also explore our recent employment statistics to see the types of roles Wagner alumni pursue after graduation.
MPA-PNP, MPA-HPAM, and MUP students can choose from several specializations, and many students find it hard to choose just one! Here are some things to consider:
- Think about your capstone experience. Your capstone options are related to your specialization, so consider how you want to spend your capstone year. Take a look at the Capstone database to get a sense of what types of projects and clients students work with based on their specializations.
- Explore the required courses. Reviewing the required courses for each specialization can help you understand the skills and knowledge you’ll develop in each specialization. You can see a list of specializations and requirements on the Degree Requirements and Checklist page.
What other resources are available to NYU students?
As an NYU student, you’ll have access to a wide range of university resources designed to support you academically, professionally, and personally. These include health and counseling services, university career centers, academic libraries, accessibility accommodations, and international student guidance. Wagner Student Services is your first point of contact for connecting with the right resource or department. Whether you need help finding a specific service or aren’t sure where to start, our team is here to help!
How long does it take to graduate from a Wagner program? How should I choose between full-time and part-time study?
For MPA-PNP, MPA-HPAM, and MUP students studying full-time, it takes an average of two years to complete the program. For students studying part-time, it takes an average of three to four years. MHA students typically take at least two and a half years to complete the program.
If you have a full-time job, we strongly advise you to consider part-time study. Graduate school is rigorous and requires a significant investment of time and attention. Choosing a course load that allows you to balance your academic, professional, and personal commitments can help you get the most out of your Wagner experience while supporting your overall health and well-being. Before adjusting your status from full-time to part-time or vice versa, we strongly recommend meeting with your program advisor so they can help you plan for the transition smoothly.
What is the best way to get involved in the Wagner community?
You’ll have many opportunities to get involved in the exciting events and happenings occurring at Wagner throughout the year! At the start of every fall term, our annual Student Involvement Fair gives you the chance to explore more than 30 student groups and discover a range of leadership opportunities available at Wagner. It's the perfect opportunity to get involved, connect with peers, and make the most of your Wagner experience.
Wagner also hosts many events throughout the year, including special panels, program-specific opportunities, and faculty-led talks. You’ll hear about upcoming events from various teams across Wagner, including your program advisor, but we also recommend bookmarking the Wagner events page to stay up to date.
Building a strong community and network is an important part of the graduate school experience, so we encourage you to get involved and make the most of your time at NYU Wagner!
Topics:AdmissionsStudent Life Community