How to determine if a job or internship can be used to satisfy the Professional Experience Requirement (PER)

Your PER position must be directly relevant to your NYU Wagner MUP or MPA degree program, specialization and Wagner coursework as well as your career goals in public service.  The experience must provide opportunities to practically apply the skills and knowledge gained through your Wagner coursework and to gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete for employment in your public service field of interest.

Your PER must be a minimum of 160 hours. *International students, please note that you can work a maximum of 20 hrs/week during Fall or Spring semesters. During the summer and winter break periods, you can work over 20 hours per week.*

If you are considering a position for PER and want to verify that it qualifies before accepting the position, please review our PER FAQ webpage to ensure it meets all applicable qualifications. If you are still unsure, please schedule an appointment with an OCS Career Services staff for additional guidance. 

International students must follow specific guidelines when pursuing PER and working in the United States. Read more about the additional requirements relevant to you.