Master of Science [M.S] [Public and Urban Policy] From The New School

We give you the opportunity to work on policy analysis in real-world settings with a focus on social justice. Our Urban Policy Lab has you put theory into practice as early as your second semester.

Our areas of specialization allow you to explore emerging fields of study, such as Data Visualization, Global Urban Futures, Food and Environment, Housing and Community Development, Finance and Capital Markets, Politics and Advocacy, and many others. Our partnerships with Parsons and the School of Media Studies, and ’s commitment to the idea that design and social research contribute to the issues of our time, puts you at the center of conversations around democracy, urbanization, technological change, economic empowerment, social equity, sustainability, migration, and globalization.

The result is a challenge to the status quo and opportunity for you to translate your passion into real-world policy initiatives that change people’s lives.

Set Your Own Pace

Do you want a program that is fast and focused? Or do you want to continue working full-time while you study? We offer three different paths toward your degree so that you can choose the right one for your academic and professional goals. Each combines the academic rigor, hands-on learning, and supportive and collaborative setting that are the hallmarks of the NASPAA-accredited Master of Science in .

• Fast-Track Path (16-Month Accelerated Option) 16 months

Take the fast track to change with this new, accelerated MS degree option. It offers the same courses, faculty, facilities, and support as the traditional path but takes just 16 months to complete.

• Traditional Full-Time Path 2 years

Full-time is the traditional path for completing the MS degree, giving you time to immerse yourself more fully in internships, research, and other activities outside of the classroom.

• Part-Time Path 3 to 3.5 years

Flexible and designed with working students in mind, the part-time path allows you to earn your degree in as little as three years.

Connection to New York City

New York is a global city and our local laboratory. We take advantage of the diversity of people and activities that the city attracts — from immigrant communities to Wall Street, from public schools and housing projects to meetings of world leaders — to explore the challenges faced by cities across the country and around the world. Our faculty and students work with local organizations (such as Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Human Service Council, WEACT for Environmental Justice) and government leaders (such as the New York City Mayor’s office, and the New York City Housing Authority) to identify and understand policy alternatives that improve the lives of New Yorkers and design, advocate for, and bring about a better global urban future.

Career Paths

We prepare our students to pursue fulfilling careers in government, international agencies, the private sector, think tanks, foundations, and nonprofits. Milano students and alumni pursue careers around the world in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors; in local, national, and international organizations; and in financial services. They support underserved constituencies by partnering with advocacy groups working on community development and housing. Finding fulfilling careers in all three sectors, many begin working in one sector and move to another or work in organizations that build strategic alliances and partnerships across sectors. Milano degrees prepare graduates to succeed in many professions, rather than being limited to narrow expertise. At graduation, every student has a professional portfolio and highly developed analytical and managerial skills in his or her field of study.

The Public and Urban Policy master's program at The New School is accredited by NASPAA, the membership association for graduate programs in public administration, public policy, and public affairs—the Global Standard in Public Service Education.