Animal Studies (MA)

Department Website

Program Description

Animal Studies is a rapidly developing interdisciplinary field that draws from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to examine what nonhuman animals are like, how human and nonhuman animals relate to each other, and the aesthetic, moral, social, political, economic, and ecological significance of these relations.

NYU Animal Studies, active since 2010 and housed in the Department of Environmental Studies, is a central gathering place for people interested in these issues. Our students work with leading scholars in Animal Studies, Environmental Studies, and related fields; participate in intensive seminars, workshops, and conferences; and engage in a wide range of theoretical, practical, and creative pursuits upon graduation.

The NYU Animal Studies M.A. Program, active since 2018, empowers students to:

  1. examine the key debates that define the field of Animal Studies,
  2. perform original research that contributes to these debates, and
  3. understand the connections across animal issues, environmental issues, and social issues.

This program is designed for people who:

  1. plan to work in professions that provide care for animals,
  2. seek to advance understanding of animals in the world, or
  3. seek to improve the wellbeing of animals in the world.

We welcome applications from anyone interested, independently of background, and we work with each admitted student to create a personalized course of study that serves your interests and aspirations.

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit a complete application for admission. A complete application includes the online application, academic transcripts, test scores (if required), letters of recommendation, a résumé or curriculum vitae, a Statement of Academic Purpose, and an application fee. Applicants also have the option of providing a short Personal History essay. Please refer to the Instructions section of the online application.

Admissions

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the general application requirements, which include:

See Animal Studies for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.