Student Handbook - Academics
Academics
Degree Requirements
The Program in International Affairs offers two degrees with different requirements. For the Master of Arts (MA) in International Affairs, students must complete an approved program of study consisting of a minimum of 42 credits. For the Master of Science (MS) in International Affairs, students must complete an approved program of study consisting of a minimum of 30 credits. To be considered for MS candidacy students must have at least five years relevant experience in international affairs as determined by the program.
(See Courses for information on required courses and concentrations.)
Full and Part-Time Status
Part-time status is six credits or fewer per semester. Full-time status is nine credits or more per semester. Both the MA and MS programs may be taken on full- or part-time basis. Financial aid consideration is given to students who carry a minimum of 6 credits per semester. See also International Students.
Time Limitations
GPIA students must complete their degree within five years of the date of matriculation. Transfer credit must be based on graduate work completed within the five-year period immediately preceding matriculation. (See section on Transfer Credit.)
Academic Standing
All matriculated students must earn a 3.0 term and cumulative GPA to remain in good academic standing. Academic progress of graduate students is reviewed every semester. To earn a Master's Degree, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 (a grade of "B") or higher.
Academic Probation
Students with lower than a 3.0 term GPA or cumulative GPA will be placed on academic probation. Students who are on probation for two consecutive semesters will be subject to dismissal (see Administrative Withdrawal). Students who do not complete one half of accumulated attempted credits after two consecutive semesters in the program will be subject to probation and might not be allowed to register for more courses or equivalency in the following semester.
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the unattributed use of material from any source and is not allowed. A student who plagiarizes an assignment will receive a failing grade on that assignment or a failing grade for the course, at the instructor's discretion, and the Dean's office will be notified. The instructor may also ask the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to convene the academic standards committee to consider additional penalties, including dismissal from the university. Details on the procedure are available in The New School's rules and regulations. Plagiarism on a master's thesis is grounds for dismissal.
All students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the rules and regulations concerning academic honesty. See the Student Code of Conduct (http://www.newschool.edu/studentaffairs/rights)
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend classes regularly and on time. Students should refer to course syllabi for information about attendance expectations and requirements, or consult their instructors for clarification.
International Students
If a student is in the U.S.A. in F-1 Student or J-1 Visitor status, the student must be enrolled full-time for each fall and spring semester. (If students are taking online classes please note: to meet the minimum full-time enrollment requirement, a student cannot take more than one class or three credits online per semester.) U.S. government regulations do recognize some situations in which an F-1 or J-1 may lawfully enroll for a reduced course load. (For example, the student may have a medical condition, or the student may need less than a full course load to complete the course of study.) However, in all cases in which F-1 or J-1 international students enroll less than full-time, written authorization must be obtained from International Student Services within the first two weeks of the semester. Students who are considering enrolling less than full-time should make an appointment with an International Student Services advisor well in advance so that they may obtain authorization without delay.
Note: International students in B-2 Tourist or F-2 Student Dependent statuses are NOT permitted to be enrolled full-time. These students must be enrolled for 8 credits or fewer each semester. For further information students should contact International Student Services.
Very Important Note: All international students are individually responsible for remaining up-to-date on all compliance issues for staying in visa status. Please check the International Student Services Website on a regular basis. For further information, contact International Student Services at (212) 229-5592 or ISS@newschool.edu. ISS is located at 79 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor.
Non-Degree Students
Students approved for non-degree status may enroll for up to nine credits (three courses) within the International Affairs program on a space-available basis. (In order to take more than three courses, students must apply and be admitted to the M.A. program.) All International Affairs courses taken in non-degree status are charged at current graduate tuition rates and earn graduate credit.
For students who apply and are accepted into master's degree status in a subsequent semester, that credit will be applicable toward the International Affairs degree requirements. Both new and continuing non-degree students must make appointments with the designated non-degree student advisor, ordinarily the GPIA Assistant Director.
Non-degree students who wish to be considered for GPIA admission must complete their admissions applications by the application deadlines set by the admissions office, usually October 15 for Spring and January 15 for Fall (check the admissions website for updated information). Non-degree students should inform the Admissions Office of their intent to apply so that their admissions applications can be updated. Please call or visit the Admissions Office, 72 5th Ave/3rd Fl, (212) 229-5630.
B.A./M.A. Students
New School Bachelor's Program and Eugene Lang College students who have completed 60 credits or more may apply for B.A./M.A. status. Students admitted to B.A./M.A. status may take up to 12 "swing" credits (4 courses) of International Affairs coursework to apply towards their Bachelor's degree.
Upon successful completion of the undergraduate degree and acceptance into the International Affairs Program as an M.A. student in a subsequent semester, the 12 swing credits will be applied to the International Affairs degree. The student must provide their official University transcript to the GPIA Assistant Director so this credit transfer can be made. All International Affairs courses taken under B.A./M.A. status are charged at current undergraduate tuition rates. Applications for M.A. status from B.A./M.A. students follow the standard application procedures for new M.A. students. Interested students can obtain B.A./M.A. applications in their respective degree program offices.