Meet the NYU College of Arts and Science

As a student at the College of Arts and Science, New York City—a global capital of art, culture, and commerce—is your classroom. At the same time, a world-class faculty become your guides to expansive, interdisciplinary intellectual experiences. Here, you can work with Guggenheim Fellows; famous authors; and Pulitzer Prize, Nobel Prize, and Emmy winners. You’ll have the option to double-major, study abroad, or pick a cross-school minor. What’s more, you won’t need to formally declare a major until the end of your second year. Therefore, you’ll have ample time to explore your options and develop your interests. All the while you’ll deepen your understanding by complementing your coursework with internships, volunteering, fieldwork, and research. Students receive direct support, from their first year through graduation and beyond, at the College Advising Center.

The College of Arts and Science offers numerous pathways for finding community, accessing tailored support services, and gaining valuable experience.

CAS College Cohort Program
From day one, you’ll get to know the University, city, and college within a cohort of 30 students. Throughout your time at NYU, your cohort will be there for you. They’ll help support your academic success, foster your leadership skills, and further your personal and career goals. Additionally, they’ll help you get more involved with the greater NYU and New York City communities. The College Cohort Program provides a meaningful opportunity to form relationships and build a community that will serve you for years to come.

The Academic Achievement Program
The Academic Achievement Program (AAP) is for Black, Latinx, Native American, and other historically marginalized students at NYU who seek academic and leadership development opportunities. Most AAP activities, committees, and programs are student-run and designed to create a supportive network in which students can excel.

Proud to Be First Program
The CAS Proud to Be First program helps first-generation students navigate the unique experiences and challenges that come with being the first in their family to attend college. Resources include a peer mentor to provide first-year students with support, a faculty member to connect students to networking opportunities, and special academic and social events. As a result, participants expand their network and gain the confidence to succeed in college and beyond.

Research Opportunities
CAS offers a number of ways to get involved in research with its world-class faculty. For example, check out the Dean’s Undergraduate Research Fund, the Women in Science program, and the Diversity Undergraduate Research Incubator for funding, mentorship, and more.

With more than 120 majors and minors at the NYU College of Arts and Science, you have a lot of academic options. Here are some of the programs you can pursue.

Computer Science
Study a field that is transforming daily life while acquiring a solid foundation for in-demand technology and entrepreneurial careers.

French
Explore the language, cultures, histories, and arts of the French-using world. Then, enhance your studies—and language skills—with a summer, semester, or year at NYU Paris.

Environmental Studies
Arm yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to address tough environmental questions and establish a sustainable future.

Gender and Sexuality Studies
Examine how ideas about gender and sexuality shape social roles and identities in the United States and abroad.

Psychology
Explore the fascinating science of behavior, mind, and brain while you delve into specialties like social psychology, cognition, perception, and neuroscience.

Urban Design and Architecture Studies
Develop a broad, human-centered perspective of cities and architecture, learning from expert faculty and industry professionals as you study in the heart of New York City.

The core curriculum provides every student with a strong, shared foundation in the liberal arts. At the same time, you’ll maintain the freedom to pursue your interests with courses like:

Expressive Culture: Global Hip Hop
Explore how hip-hop—as a Black American mode of cultural resistance and capitalist hustle—has inspired pop culture innovations across the global South and Europe.

First-Year Seminar
With topics like photography and New York, democracy in the digital age, and the archaeology of Ireland, there’s a first-year seminar for everyone. Whatever you choose, you’ll engage in lively discussions with faculty and peers from your cohort. In this small class setting, you’ll build competencies in research, critical thinking, and communication—paving your way for success at NYU and beyond.

Physical Science: How Things Work
How is electricity generated? What makes refrigerator magnets stick? Why is ice-skating possible? In this class, you’ll gain a deeper understanding and new appreciation of everyday phenomena.

Texts and Ideas: Happiness
Everyone seeks happiness, but what exactly is it? And how do you attain it? This is your chance to analyze answers across philosophy, religion, poetry, movies, self-improvement exercises, and more.