Applied Urban Science and Informatics, M.S.

The M.S. in Applied Urban Science and Informatics program welcomes students from all disciplines with rigorous academic training and a passion for problem-solving in an urban context. Applicants are recommended to have familiarity with:


• Single-variable calculus
• Basic programming (Python and R)
• Statistics and probability
• Geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analytics
• Fundamental computer science principles

For prospective students without technical backgrounds, we recommend two pathways below to develop these prerequisite skills. If you have questions about your qualifications, contact 

cusp.education@nyu.edu.

• Urban Computing Skills Lab: CUSP offers an 8-week online summer course for admitted students at no additional charge to strengthen their programming and statistical skills.
• NYU Tandon Bridge program: This 21 or 28-week prepares individuals without STEM backgrounds for graduate degrees at NYU Tandon.

Learn more about the admission requirements at NYU Tandon.

Explore financial aid resources below to help you fund your education at the Center for Urban Science + Progress:

• CUSP Rising Scholars: Incoming students may be awarded a scholarship to cover the tuition cost of 3 credits for their first semester.
• 
CUSP Experiential Scholars: After completing two semesters, enrolled students may apply for this scholarship to support internships or guided research.
• Merit Scholarships: All students admitted to NYU Tandon School of Engineering are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.



* The 3-credit Urban Science and Policy Methodologies may be taken during the Fall or Spring semester: Civic Analytics and Urban Intelligence AND/OR Innovative City Governance.

Students in the M.S. in Applied Urban Science and Informatics program engage with data at every stage, from acquisition to visualization. Through course assignments and extracurricular activities, CUSP fosters collaboration between students and local government agencies, non-profits, private companies, and community organizations, empowering them to apply their skills to address real-world urban challenges.

• Capstone Projects: During the two-semester Urban Science Intensive, students collaborate with a sponsor—a city agency, industry partner, entrepreneur, or researcher—to leverage data-driven insights on a pressing urban challenge.
  
• Data Dives: CUSP partners with global and New York City-based organizations to host week-long hackathons.
  
• Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP): These multi-year, multidisciplinary projects are open to all NYU students and emphasize innovative and research-driven education.

Master AI and machine learning techniques to address urban challenges and create more efficient, equitable, and resilient cities.

Model urban environments to assess climate risks, optimize transportation infrastructure, and analyze complex city-scale interactions for sustainable, resilient urban planning.

Spatialize and visualize data using advanced mapping technologies to support decision-making on urban issues.

Explore how data-driven insights can support policies related to land use planning, transportation, housing, sustainability, and the role of civic technology in empowering citizens through smart cities, open data, and digital tools.

Develop and implement infrastructure for smart cities, and explore the role of emerging technologies in improving city services and residents' quality of life.

Use data to assess climate risks and guide cities in adapting to environmental changes for long-term sustainability and resilience.

Explore how entrepreneurship in emerging technologies can transform cities envisioning new tools for governance, infrastructure, and planning.