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The New School for Social Research in Context:
A Welcome from Executive Dean Aleinikoff
Welcome to The New School for Social Research (NSSR), a unique graduate school and center of critical inquiry and social engagement in the heart of New York City.
Our distinctive intellectual tradition dates back more than a century and is inspired by progressive American thought, European critical theory, and the refugee scholars who formed our University in Exile in the 1930s. NSSR attracts scholars from around the world who are willing to challenge academic orthodoxy, connect theory to real-world challenges, and take the intellectual and political risks necessary to improve social conditions.
Students like you come to NSSR to be challenged and inspired by our renowned faculty and classmates in classrooms, in our interdisciplinary research centers, in writing fora, and at public debates, readings, and conferences across the city. Here, at this global crossroads, you will address the most important issues facing our world: racism, economic inequality, forced migration, climate change, the suppression of democracy and free speech, and increasingly complex issues in diplomacy and policy development.
I am enormously proud of our students, faculty, and alumni and of their commitment to the ideals of what a progressive university can and must be. I hope you will consider joining this distinctive community of scholars.
Hear Executive Dean Alex Aleinikoff describe the ways the social sciences and humanities come together in the work of NSSR students and faculty.
NSSR master’s and doctoral degree programs span the social sciences, humanities, and related disciplines. They foster intellectual rigor and encourage close collaboration between faculty and students in small classes. In this distinctive intellectual environment, students produce groundbreaking scholarship and advance public debate and policy.
To learn more, visit newschool.edu/nssr/academics. To view NSSR courses, visit courses.newschool.edu.
Graduate Programs
Anthropology MA , PhD
Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism MA 1
Creative Writing MFA
Economics1 MA , MS, PhD
Global Political Economy and Finance MA 1
Historical Studies MA
International Affairs MA , MS
Liberal Studies MA
Philosophy MA , 2 PhD
Politics MA , PhD
Psychology MA3
Clinical Psychology PhD3
Cognitive, Social, and Developmental Psychology PhD1
Public and Urban Policy MS, PhD
Sociology MA , PhD
92% of NSSR graduates found employment or pursued advanced education 3 to 12 months after graduation5
1 STEM-designated.
2 MA Philosophy students can pursue a concentration in Psychoanalytic Studies.
3 Th e concentration in Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling is an optional academic and clinical training program offered in conjunction with the MA in Psychology. (For information on Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counseling certification, visit newschool.edu/provost/accreditation-state-authorization.)
Graduate Minors
Graduate minors are structured pathways of study that immerse master’s and doctoral students in disciplines outside of their primary field. Students gain exposure to new ideas and alternative modes of research and practice, broadening their skills and career options.
newschool.edu/nssr/graduate-minors
“I find that my philosophical work is more productive when I venture across disciplines; both the creative and the theoretical aspects are always at play.”
James Trybendis , PhD Philosophy student, Design Studies minor
Read about Professor Nicolas Langlitz’s research on the philosophical dimensions of using psychedelics as medicine.
NSSR’s faculty are known the world over as leading scholars and contributors to social, political, and intellectual debates. On campus, they are also known as fellow researchers and writers and as your mentors. Our 110+ full-time professors, visiting scholars, and part-time faculty members guide you as you pursue your academic and vocational ambitions.
To learn more about our celebrated faculty, visit newschool.edu/nssr/faculty.
“ The skills and training we impart in reporting, writing, analysis, political thought, and design are informed by an ethic of critical engagement. We’re not your typical journalism program—thank goodness.”
—Natasha Lennard, associate director of the MA Critical Publishing and Creative Journalism program
Hear Professor Will Milberg’s thoughts on economics as a tool for fighting authoritarianism.
Augmenting your intellectual work and professional network are libraries, research centers, inter-university partners, academic publishing platforms, and NSSRand student-organized activities.
Libraries and archives
The New School maintains three libraries as well as relationships with partners such as the Research Library Association of South Manhattan, one of the country’s largest inter-university library consortia; Cardozo Law School of Yeshiva University; and the 300-member Metropolitan Reference and Research Library Agency. The New School Archives also holds documents from individuals associated with the university, which support NSSR-led research.
For more information, visit library.newschool.edu.
Centers, Institutes, and Labs
NSSR’s many innovative centers, programs, and institutes fund research, create opportunities for interdisciplinary dialogue, and foster community. The centers are integral to students’ intellectual life, offering fellowships and advising resources that aid master’s and doctoral researchers. These centers engage with topics including migration, social movements, design and ethnography, and capitalism. Several carry the names of celebrated faculty members.
newschool.edu/nssr/centers
Hear students discuss the ways an NSSR research group uses the power of memory to help threatened communities reclaim their past.
Inter-University Doctoral Consortium
NSSR is a member of the Inter-University Doctoral Consortium (IUDC), along with graduate centers at universities including Columbia, NYU, Princeton, Fordham, Rutgers, and CUNY. Students in approved doctoral programs at these institutions can take fall and spring term courses at any other participating institution after securing approval from instructors and from home and host schools.
newschool.edu/iudc
Other Learning Opportunities
Housed at NSSR are learning programs that operate outside of specific programs or academic terms. The International Field Program (IFP), the United Nations Summer Study program, the MFA Creative Writing program’s summer program in Paris, and the interdisciplinary workshops, talks, and research of the Transregional Center for Democratic Studies (TCDS) represent opportunities to develop specialized study interests.
“ The New School provides the academic space— an open space—for different perspectives.”
Malkhaz Toria, PhD Sociology student
Hear Professor Jessica Pisano, a 2024 Guggenheim Fellow, describe the way her engagement with Ukrainian scholars sheds light on complex geopolitical issues while embodying NSSR’s mission of linking research and action.
Academic Journals and Publications
NSSR’s scholarly community contributes to global intellectual discourse through a variety of journals and interactive online platforms. Students serve on the editorial staffs of several of these publications and frequently write articles and essays (either on their own or in conjunction with professors) as well. Below is a list of current publications. newschool.edu/nssr-journals
• Public Seminar publicseminar.org
• Social Research: An International Quarterly socres.org
• Constellations onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14678675
• Graduate Faculty Philosophy Journal pdcnet.org/gfpj/Graduate-Faculty-Philosophy-Journal
• New School Psychology Bulletin nspb.net
• New School Economic Review nsereview.org/index.php/NSER
• BackMatter backmattermag.org
• LIT Magazine litmagazine.org
• 12th Street: Journal of Writing and Democracy 12thstreetonline.com
• The Inquisitive Eater inquisitiveeater.com
• The New Context thenewcntxt.com
Meet Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism program students and see their magazine, BackMatter.
Creating Community
The NSSR Executive Dean’s Office and Office of Academic Affairs strive to create an inclusive academic environment and make members of our diverse scholarly community feel at home. We foster community by supporting student activities and organizations and providing academic and career services. The Office of Academic Affairs administers fellowships, assistantships, prizes, and other financial awards designated specifically for NSSR students. Academic Affairs also oversees academic advising, academic policies, and graduation procedures.
To learn more, visit newschool.edu/nssr-advising and newschool.edu/ nssr/student-activities and follow us on Instagram to learn more about our community: instagram.com/nssrnews .
“Students
and faculty constantly generate new insights in this collaborative interdisciplinary atmosphere.
It’s very exciting.”
Julia Ott , associate professor of history
Read about how Professor Benoit Challand’s students unearth hidden histories in the NYC landscape.
Many NSSR graduates hold professorships and other teaching and research positions in academic institutions, including universities, research centers, and libraries.
Others pursue careers in a range of fields and sectors, including:
• Government
• Think tanks and policy advocacy groups
• Nonprofits, NGOs, and foundations
• Technology, finance, business, and entrepreneurship
• Books, magazines, and publishing
Our alumni lead in the development of knowledge, ideas, and policies that drive changemaking action. They demonstrate the relevance of the social sciences and humanities to public life in difficult times.
Meet some of our graduates on the following page, and learn more at newschool.edu/nssr-outcomes.
“At the Creative Writing program, we celebrate and cultivate daring and diverse voices. We don’t push a single style or work process; we want you to write your book.”
—
John Reed, Creative Writing Program director and professor
Some Groundbreaking NSSR Graduates
Heather Boushey, MA Economics ’96, PhD Economics ’98, member of President Joe Biden’s Council of Economic Advisers, chief economist for Invest in America Cabinet, and former co-founder, president, and CEO of the Washington Center for Equitable Growth
Karen Ng, PhD Philosophy ’13, associate professor of philosophy, Vanderbilt University
Ray Acheson, MA Politics ’14, member of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), a coalition of global NGOs awarded a Nobel Peace Prize
“ We prepare student to translate their commitment to social justice into relevant scholarship and informed engagement with urgent local, national, and global problems.”
Michael Cohen, director of the PhD Public and Urban Policy program and professor of international affairs
Listen to Oscar Romero (MA International Affairs ‘18) describe the innovative problem-solving strategies he learned at The New School and how they led him to become the chief information officer of the New York City Civic Engagement Commission.
Christopher Paul Harris, MA Historical Studies ’13, PhD Politics and Historical Studies ’19, assistant professor, Department of Global and International Studies at the University of California, Irvine
Sean Manning, MFA Creative Writing ’03, vice president and executive editor of Simon & Schuster
Nelson Barbosa, PhD Economics ’02, an economist, professor at the São Paulo School of Economics, and former Brazilian minister of finance
Palika Makam, MA International Affairs ‘13, U.S. Activism Lead at Ben and Jerry’s
David Bond, PhD Anthropology ’14, faculty member in anthropology and associate director of the Center for the Advancement of Public Action, Bennington College
Jeff Lindor, MS Public and Urban Policy ‘14, founder and CEO of Gentlemen’s Factory
Lex McMenamin, MA Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism ’21, news and politics editor, Teen Vogue
Hear Matthew Steinfeld (MA Psychology ‘09, PhD Clinical Psychology ‘12) reflect on his time in the Psychology department and his path to becoming a professor and clinical psychologist.
The Center for Graduate Career and Professional Development is a resource for graduate students and alumni, providing information about both academic and nonacademic job markets. Center staff members assist students with application materials for fellowships and other advanced degree programs. The center also aids in all aspects of the job search process, from writing employment application materials such as curricula vitae, résumés, teaching and research statements, and cover and follow-up letters to negotiating terms of employment and salary. The center hosts career-related and professional development workshops and sponsors events relevant to employment outside of academia.
newschool.edu/nssr-careers
“I was a fellow at the Zolberg Institute, and through that I worked with the International Rescue Committee on migration policy. I gained the critical and practical tools to enact change.”
Zuzanna
Krzatala, MA Liberal Studies ’19, activist and manager of sustainability in media
Pick up a book by a member of the MFA Creative Writing community; visit our bookshelf and discover publications by our university students, faculty, and alumni.
funding your
Our comprehensive financial aid program provides competitive merit-based scholarships and need-based aid for those who qualify. All PhD students receive a full tuition waiver and a stipend to support their cost of living. More than 90 percent of our new full-time master’s students receive scholarships, covering an average of 49 percent of tuition. All applicants, including international students, are considered for merit-based aid.
For more information, visit newschool.edu/nssr-funding.
We also participate in government grant, loan, and work-study programs as well as programs for veterans of the U.S. armed services. The New School for Social Research proudly recognizes Fulbright students and partners with organizations such as Colfuturo to provide scholarship opportunities for graduate study in our programs.
“My work has been nourished by being in New York and by the environment that the New School faculty and its eclectic graduate student body offer.”
Ann Stoler, Willy Brandt Distinguished University Professor of Anthropology and Historical Studies
Hear Darrick Hamilton, Henry Cohen Professor of Economics and Urban Policy and director of the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy, outline the way to build a moral economy by putting people first.
The New School for Social Research uses an online system, which can be accessed at newschool.edu/nssr/admission. Select the “Apply Now” link.
Staff members of NSSR’s Office of Admission are available to answer your questions about the application process weekdays, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET. Call 800.523.5411 (toll free) or 212.229.5600 or email socialresearchadmit@ newschool.edu.
Application Materials
The following materials are required for application. All materials must be received before an application can be considered complete and reviewed.
• $50 nonrefundable application fee
• A completed application form
• A current résumé
• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Two letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose describing your academic and intellectual interests, your progress, and achievements that have contributed to your decision to apply for postgraduate study (500–750 words)
• An academic writing sample of 10 to 20 pages double-spaced (a more substantial sample is required for PhD applications). Applicants interested in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism may submit as their writing sample substantive newspaper, journal, or blog articles that display their critical thinking and writing abilities. Applicants interested in the MFA Creative Writing program must submit a writing portfolio appropriate for their concentration.
A TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo score is not required for applicants whose primary language is English or who have earned a four-year degree from a U.S. college or university or from a university where English is the primary language of instruction.
GRE scores are not required.
Application Deadlines
NSSR has a rolling admission policy for its master’s and Advanced Certificate programs, but please note the following deadlines:
Fall Semester (August)
PhD applicants: December 15
MA, MS, MFA, and Advanced Certificate applicants: January 15 is the priority deadline for scholarship consideration. The second deadline is May 5.
Spring Semester (Master’s and Advanced Certificate Admission Only)
October 15 is the priority deadline for scholarship consideration.
Academic Information and Advising
You can view current courses offered at NSSR at courses.newschool.edu. The Admission staff and student admission liaisons are available to answer questions about courses, research opportunities, and life at The New School.
“ Students come to our program to gain the skills and confidence to challenge the status quo and to work on critical policy issues in real time and in NYC, all with a steadfast commitment to social justice.”
—Alex Schwartz, professor of urban policy
WE ARE THE NEW SCHOOL
Since its founding in 1919, The New School has been a center of independent thought, dialogue, and action. We are a community that applies integrative approaches to global problems and leads the systemic change needed to make the world more equitable, more sustainable, and better designed for all. Today our university is made up of colleges offering courses in art and design, music and performance, the liberal arts and social sciences, management, media, and more.
Get in touch and take the next step
Contact our team, learn about admission requirements, attend an admission event, or make an appointment.
Contact the Office of Admission
212.229.5150 admission@newschool.edu
For important information including accreditation, student rights, campus safety statistics, and tuition and fees, visit newschool.edu/your-right-to-know. Published 2025 by The New School. The New School is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Photo credits: BackMatter, James Ewing, Hey Wave Media, Matthew Mathews, The New School, Jacob Arthur Pritchard, Martin Seck, Michael Kirby Smith, Phillip Van Nostrand
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