Master’s Degrees

A master's degree is a graduate degree that usually takes one to three years to complete after a bachelor’s degree. It signifies advanced knowledge in a specialized subject or field, equipping students with the ability to solve complex problems and think independently. 

A master’s degree from NYU School of Professional Studies (SPS) is a graduate program designed to prepare students for advanced roles in their chosen fields through a blend of academic rigor and practical, industry-relevant skills. We offer master’s programs across various disciplines, including:

• Finance, management, and technology

• Global affairs, cybersecurity, and cybercrime

• Hospitality, event, and tourism management

• Human capital management and development

• Integrated marketing, public relations, professional writing, publishing, and translation

• Real estate

With flexible on-site, hybrid, and online master's degrees, students can earn their master’s degree at their own pace. Our graduate programs emphasize experiential learning, connecting students with industry leaders and real-world projects to enhance their expertise and career readiness. An NYU SPS master’s degree is ideal for students who want to deepen their knowledge, expand their professional networks, and advance in today’s competitive job market.

A master's degree is generally considered more challenging than a bachelor's degree due to the advanced level of study and the expectation of independent research.

Yes, you can pursue a master’s degree in a field different from your bachelor’s degree. Many graduate programs welcome students from diverse academic backgrounds, focusing instead on skills, experience, and motivation relevant to the new field. Some programs may require prerequisite courses or foundational knowledge, which can often be completed as part of your application process. By choosing a master’s in an unrelated area, you gain specialized skills that can complement your undergraduate studies, broaden career options, and support a career shift.

While it’s possible to go from an associate degree to a master’s degree, most programs require the completion of a bachelor’s degree first. This structured progression from undergraduate to postgraduate education ensures that students have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in more specialized and advanced academic pursuits.

NYU SPS does not have a minimum GPA requirement. Admission decisions consider multiple factors, including your academic transcript, your school application materials, work experience, resume, recommendation letter, and other credentials.

If you have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or better, and you fall into one of the below categories, you are guaranteed admission into most SPS masters degrees.

• A graduate of NYU or CUNY or

• An active service duty member or veteran

A dual master's degree lets you earn two master's degrees at the same time. This saves you time and money compared to pursuing the master’s degrees separately while also enhancing your skills and career prospects. 

The NYU SPS Dual Master'sDegree in Human Capital Management (HCM) and Human Capital Analytics and Technology (HCAT) equips you with advanced expertise in two high-demand areas within human capital. Designed for flexibility, this program offers fully online, on-site, and hybrid study options, allowing you to earn both master’s degrees in as little as two years. 

Start with the 30-credit MS in HCM to build foundational HR skills, then continue with the remaining 15-credits needed for the STEM-approved MS in HCAT, focusing on analytics and HR technology. This unique dual master’s degree prepares you to address current and future challenges in human capital management with a blend of strategic and technical skills.

To earn a master’s degree, you typically need to earn a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. From there, choose a master’s program aligned with your career goals, submit an application with materials like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and often a personal statement. Once accepted, you’ll complete graduate-level coursework, which may include a mix of lectures, seminars, and hands-on projects, designed to deepen your expertise. Some programs require a thesis or capstone project, while others may have internships or exams. After fulfilling all course and program requirements, you graduate with your master’s degree.

Visit our Graduate Admissions page to learn more about the NYU SPS graduate admissions criteria and application requirements and deadlines.

Yes, many professionals work full-time while pursuing an on-site, hybrid, or online master’s degree part-time. Having strong time management skills and your employer’s support can help you balance both commitments effectively.

The time it takes to complete one of our graduate programs can vary based on the program, how many credits you take per semester, and whether you’re a full-time or part-time student. Typically, it takes one to two years to complete a full-time master's program. Part-time graduate students can extend this duration to three or more years. Students can expect to spend around 15 to 20 hours per week per course attending lectures, completing assignments, participating in discussions, and studying.

Check a specific master’s degree program page for a more accurate estimate of how long it takes to complete the master’s program in which you’re interested.

Start by identifying your career goals and how earning a master’s degree will help you achieve them. 

Research graduate programs that align with your interests. Examine factors like course content, faculty expertise, school and program reputation and accreditation, instruction mode (online, on-site, or hybrid), and program length, cost, location, and flexibility, especially if you plan to work while studying. 

Also look into each program’s alumni outcomes, and opportunities for networking and gaining more hands-on experience. 

Choosing a program that fits your personal and professional needs will help you gain the most benefits from your graduate studies.

A master’s degree can be a worthwhile investment, depending on your goals. Master’s degrees often lead to higher earning potential, career advancement, and specialized skills that increase job opportunities.

In fields like healthcare, finance, education, tech, engineering and business, a master’s degree is highly valued and sometimes required or preferred, potentially boosting job security and opening doors to leadership roles.

Consider the cost, time commitment, your industry’s demand for master’s degrees, the reputation of the university or college, the quality of the program and faculty, and your personal and professional goals when deciding if earning a master’s degree is worth it for you.

Check the NYU SPS degree page for the program you’re interested in to see information about salaries, employers, and job titles NYU alumni have earned.

The NYU SPS on-site, hybrid, or online master’s degree cost varies based on the number of credits and whether you're a full-time or part-time student. Online students can save money on commuting or living expenses in New York City. Please visit the NYU SPS Tuition page for information regarding tuition and fees.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a master’s degree can increase your salary by 16.34%. People with a master’s degree in the U.S. have a median weekly earnings of $1,737 ($90,324 annually) versus the $1,493 median weekly earnings ($77,636 annually) of bachelor’s degree holders in the US. 

Check the NYU SPS degree page for the program you’re interested in to see information about salaries, employers, and job titles NYU alumni have earned.