NYU CAS is the liberal arts and science heart of New York University, offering rigorous academics and direct access to internships and cultural resources in Manhattan. This guide walks through the most common NYU CAS majors, program structure, and what to expect inside and beyond the classroom.
Choosing a path at NYU CAS is easier when you can compare admission chances, skills gained, and typical outcomes at a glance.
| Major | Typical Focus | Core Skills | Common Career Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | Molecular pathways, ecology, genetics | Experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing | Research assistant, lab technician, public health roles |
| Economics | Micro and macro theory, econometrics, policy | Quantitative reasoning, modeling, critical analysis | Analyst, policy advisor, finance associate |
| Political Science | Institutions, comparative government, international relations | Critical thinking, research, communication | Government analyst, campaign staff, nonprofit program roles |
| Media, Culture, and Communication | Media theory, production, digital platforms | Multimedia storytelling, audience research, ethics | Reporter, content strategist, producer |
| Psychology | Cognitive, developmental, clinical foundations | Research methods, statistics, interpersonal skills | Human services, user experience, education |
Core Curriculum Requirements
Every NYU CAS student completes a shared core that builds written, quantitative, and ethical reasoning. These requirements ensure you can move across disciplines while maintaining a strong baseline of knowledge.
Key Core Components
- First-Year Writing seminar to sharpen academic argument
- Quantitative Reasoning course for data fluency
- Foreign language study to intermediate level
- Philosophical and moral reasoning classes
- Team-based project experiences in at least two courses
Popular NYU CAS Majors
Within NYU CAS, popular majors span the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Faculty emphasize small seminars, research opportunities, and global perspectives that pair well with New York City.
Highlighted Paths
- Biology with lab-intensive tracks for pre-med students
- Economics with quantitative modeling concentrations
- History with archival research and public history options
- Interactive Telecommunications emphasizing digital media
- Philosophy with logic, ethics, and political theory focus
Research, Internships, and Global Opportunities
CAS students benefit from NYU’s global network, including study away in multiple countries, campus research with faculty, and internships across finance, media, and nonprofits in New York City.
Many departments pair coursework with experiential learning, helping you translate theory into real-world skills and professional contacts while you study.
Admissions and Program Planning Considerations
Admission to specific majors within CAS varies by program competitiveness, prerequisite coursework, and demonstrated interest. Planning your schedule carefully ensures you meet requirements without delaying graduation.
Planning Tips
- Review departmental prerequisites early in your first year
- Meet with an academic advisor each semester
- Balance heavy course loads with extracurricular depth
- Use First-Year Seminars to explore potential majors
- Track deadlines for honors programs and research applications
Resources and Next Steps
To navigate NYU CAS successfully, focus on structured planning, consistent advising, and active use of New York City opportunities.
- Meet your faculty advisor each semester to map your pathway
- Use the CAS course catalog to verify prerequisites and restrictions
- Attend department info sessions for majors you are considering
- Leverage NYU CareerNet for internship and job searches
- Join student groups and faculty office hours to build community
FAQ
Reader questions
What are the most in-demand NYU CAS majors for internships in New York City? Economics, Political Science, Media, Culture, and Communication, Biology, and Psychology are frequently cited by employers and alumni for strong internship placement in finance, government, media, and healthcare settings. Can I double count general education credits toward my major at CAS?
Yes, many departments allow selected general education courses to double-count toward major or minor requirements, but you must meet with your faculty advisor and the department to confirm alignment with program rules.
How do I change my major within NYU CAS once I am enrolled?
Submit a formal change-of-major form, meet with your academic advisor, and confirm prerequisite completion; some selective majors may require additional documentation or interviews, so plan early.
Which NYU CAS majors offer honors or research tracks for advanced study?
Biology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and several humanities programs offer honors theses or supervised research projects, often with faculty mentorship and dedicated funding.