CUSP Experiential Scholars

The CUSP Experiential Scholarship program has awarded a select number of Master’s in Urban Data Science students funds covering the tuition cost of up to a 3-credit internship or guided research.

Our goal is to empower students to apply their urban data science skills in professional settings and think critically about how they can shape a city’s future through their careers. Experiential learning turns classroom instruction into real-world impact, empowering students to work directly with communities facing challenges.

Experiential learning gives urban data science students a practical edge as they prepare to enter the workforce. It offers three key advantages:

• Expand Your Professional Network: Connecting with other urban data science practitioners gives you a head start on your job search. Building relationships is one of the most important things you can do as an early-stage professional.
• Demonstrate Your Skills: Professional experience on your resume shows prospective employers that not only do you excel in the classroom, you also add value to a business or organization in concrete ways.
• Explore Your Options: A short-term internship allows you to test different roles before committing long-term. If you’re curious about data science roles related to climate or transportation, this is a great time to find out if it’s the right fit.

CUSP Experiential Scholars are responsible for securing their own internship or guided research placement. With approval from the CUSP Education Team, students can also take advantage of opportunities outside New York City. Depending on a student’s personal goals, opportunities can be found at:

• NYC government agencies
• Nonprofits
• Startups
• NYU research labs

Students are responsible for abiding by the Tandon Graduate Academic Bulletin regarding Internship Policies and Guidelines.

To qualify for the CUSP Experiential Scholarship, all students, including international students in lawful F-1 or J-1 status sponsored by NYU, must meet the following criteria:

Academic Standing

• Currently enrolled and taking classes in the MS in Urban Data Science program at the Center for Urban Science + Progress at NYU Tandon.
• A continuing student who has successfully completed at least 18 NYU credits prior to the summer term.
• In good academic standing at CUSP with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• Not having an incomplete grade (I) in any course from a prior semester and not having received a Time Extension for their current degree program.

Internship Duration

• Summer internships: Placements must be a minimum of 8 weeks and 240 total hours. Start and end dates need not coincide with the first and last day of the semester, but must fit within the semester in order to ensure that final reports may be submitted and grades may be submitted in a timely manner (See NYU academic calendar). During the summer, students are permitted to work full-time, provided that they are not also taking more than 3 non-internship credits for the summer term.
• Academic year internships: Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session. Internships requiring more than 20 hours of participation per week are considered full-time. Students who are in their final semester of study and who require, and are registered for, no more than 3 non-internship credits plus 0.5 to 3 internship credits – for a total of 3.5 to 6 credits for the term – may be approved for a full-time internship.

Employment and Compensation

• Work hours must be consistent with the organization’s regular work schedule.
• Work experiences must comply with the Fair Labor Standards Act. As such, students must be paid at least minimum wage unless specific exceptions apply. The Department of Labor outlines a test regarding unpaid internships. Employers should consult their legal counsel for more information.
• Students must be hired as employees of the participating organization and must be paid directly by the organization using a W-2 form. Employers cannot pay students as independent contractors using an IRS 1099 form.
• Employers must agree to assign a responsible, ranking employee as the student’s supervisor. This individual will provide appropriate supervision and mentoring, including establishing clear goals and expectations regarding tasks and projects. Employers must be willing to submit written midterm and final evaluations of the student’s work. Experiences will not be approved for companies that are not permitted to submit written evaluations. Employer supervisors must review the student’s final report so that proprietary and/or confidential information can be removed.

Course Enrollment

All students must concurrently enroll in one of the following courses (1.5 credits each, Pass/Fail grading):

• CP-GY 9911 - CUSP - Internship for MS I
• CP-GY 9921 - CUSP Internship for MS II

The internship or guided research placement must relate to the M.S. in Urban Data Science curriculum, and at the scholarship committee's discretion. Failing the internship course and/or internship disqualification after the Add/Drop deadline may result in tuition liability and an F grade.

The application window opens when registration begins for the semester of the proposed internship, and closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on that semester’s Add/Drop deadline. For official dates, please refer to the NYU Academic Calendar and the NYU Bursar Graduate Billing and Payment Schedule. Coordinate with your academic advisor before applying.

1. Secure an internship or guided research.
2. Coordinate with your academic advisor to fill out the CUSP internship application, which requests a position overview and brief written responses about your responsibilities, future goals, and how these relate to the M.S. in Urban Data Science curriculum.
3. A committee of CUSP faculty and administrators will review and evaluate applications based on each student’s prior academic performance and internship quality.
4. Recipients will be notified before summer tuition is due.

The Wasserman Center Internship Grant supports students pursuing unpaid internships in industries that don’t traditionally pay interns:

• $1,200 grants for fall and spring semesters
• $2,000 grants for summer.

Applications are reviewed by Wasserman Center administrators, NYU department representatives, and the Office of Financial Aid. Visit Wasserman Center Internship Grant for more information.