Professional Experience Requirement (PER)

What You Need To Know

Your odds of succeeding in the job market increase when you have relevant, meaningful professional experience in your chosen field of public service. To ensure you’re prepared for your post-graduate career, NYU Wagner requires all MPA and MUP students to fulfill the Professional Experience Requirement (PER).  

Do you have PER questions? We’re here to help. Review the FAQ below and schedule a Career Advising appointment if you want to discuss your PER in more detail. 

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

  1. How do I complete PER?
  2. What types of jobs and internships qualify for PER?
  3. Do I have to work a minimum number of weeks or hours to fulfill PER?
  4. I’m not sure if the job or internship I am offered will qualify for PER. How can I check?
  5. Where can I get assistance finding a PER position?
  6. What is the deadline for completing and submitting PER?
  7. I believe I qualify for a PER Waiver. What are my next steps?
  8. How do I submit my PER position or my PER Waiver for approval?
  9. How many PERs do I have to complete?

  1. How do I complete PER?

All MPA and MUP students are required to fulfill the PER prior to starting Capstone. There are two ways you can fulfill the requirement:

  • Waive the PER if you completed two years of full-time, degree and specialization-relevant experience work prior to attending NYU Wagner, or
  • Complete a degree and specialization-relevant experience in public service while enrolled at NYU Wagner. 

Note: For students joining Wagner via NYU’s Bachelor’s-Master’s Dual Programs who will finish their MPA/MUP in one full-time year, you should complete your PER in the summer prior to joining Wagner as a graduate student. You will need to submit your PER for approval by August 1 of your Capstone year.

  2. What types of jobs and internships qualify for 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.

  3. Do I have to work a minimum number of weeks or hours to fulfill PER?

You must work a minimum of 160 hours in your PER role.  

Note: International students on an F1 visa can work a maximum of 20 hrs/week during Fall or Spring semesters. During the summer and winter break periods you can work up to 40 hours per week.

  4. I’m not sure if the job or internship I am offered will qualify for PER. How can I check?

If you are considering using a position for your PER and want to verify that it qualifies before accepting the position, please first review this page to ensure it meets all applicable qualifications. 

If you are still unsure whether the position will qualify for PER, schedule an appointment with an OCS Career Advisor via the NYU Wagner Career Directory to discuss the position in more detail. 

  5. Where can I get assistance finding a PER position?

NYU Wagner’s Office of Career Services staff is available to advise you on strategies and resources for identifying degree relevant positions, submitting strong application materials, and conducting successful interviews. However, please note the Office of Career Services does not place students into jobs or internships for PER. Instead, we equip you with the skills and resources to successfully manage your career for life.

  6. What is the deadline for completing and submitting PER?

You are required to submit your PER for approval no later than August 1 prior to the Fall term in which you will start Capstone. Keep in mind that you don’t have to have completed your PER position at the time you submit it for approval. You could submit a position that you're about to start or one in which you’re currently working. 

  7. I believe I qualify for a PER Waiver. How do I submit this for approval?

In order to qualify for a PER waiver, you must have completed two years of full-time, degree relevant work experience BEFORE starting classes at NYU Wagner. If you meet that requirement, please submit a PER Waiver via the NYU Wagner Career Directory following the directions in the next section. 

If you are an incoming student, you will have access to the NYU Wagner Career Directory beginning in mid-August. At that time, incoming students will be able to submit a PER Waiver. If you have questions, you will have access to book appointments with an OCS Career Advisor starting the first day of classes. 

  8. How do I submit my PER position or my PER Waiver for approval?

  • Log in to the NYU Wagner Career Directory
  • Click “Submit a PER Position/Waiver" on your home page
  • Click “Add New Experience”
  • Select whether you are submitting a Waiver, or submitting your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd PER Position
  • Complete the form in full and click “Submit”
  • Please allow 5-10 business days for Career Services staff to review your submission and follow up with you via email.

  9. How many PERs do I have to complete?

You are only required to complete one PER, but you have the option of completing up to three.