Most students applying to The New School for Social Research are seeking admission to an MA program. Students who have already completed an MA in an appropriate discipline may apply for admission to doctoral study. Students without an MA in a relevant discipline cannot be admitted directly into PhD candidacy. To be a PhD candidate, a student must also have passed the PhD exam (or orals or dissertation proposal defense).

Applicants for admission to graduate study must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited American college or university, or the equivalent degree from a foreign college or university. Students in the process of completing the bachelor’s degree may apply for admission which would be contingent upon completion of the bachelor’s degree. Applicants also must meet the admission requirements of the department or committee with which they plan to study, which are detailed in the department and interdisciplinary program sections of this Bulletin. International students must follow the procedures and deadlines described under the heading “International Applicants” in “Admissions Procedures.”

An offer of admission from The New School for Social Research is valid for the semester specified in the letter of acceptance. Applicants who are unable to enroll in the semester for which they were admitted may request an admission extension of up to one year. Requests for extensions of admission must be submitted in writing to the director of admissions. Extensions of financial aid awards are not granted. Students who defer admission must reapply for financial aid by the January 15 deadline to be considered for fellowships and special scholarships.