XE: Experimental Humanities & Social Engagement

All new students entering the program in 2023 will receive the Draper Scholarship covering 30 percent of tuition.

For the information session on February 15, 2023, 12–1pm EST, RSVP here.

XE: Experimental Humanities & Social Engagement offers an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies to students whose research interests are best explored at the intersection of academic disciplines, creative practice, and social action. Apply here.

Curriculum and faculty
XE courses are small seminars on topics such as social and environmental justice, media studies, literary theory, art and activism, gender and sexuality studies, creative writing, cultural anthropology, and international human rights. XE faculty are leaders in their fields with a deep commitment to scholarship, social engagement, and public intellectual work. The program is excellent preparation for doctoral training, and more than half of XE students plan to pursue a PhD. Students have unparalleled flexibility to construct their degrees, with access to programs and departments across New York University making up half of courses. Master’s projects can take the form of academic research, book development, film, digital projects, and more.

Student life
As a small, vibrant community within a major research university in the heart New York City, XE students attend a roster of public programs featuring prominent lecturers and artists, host their own regular events, and run an established, peer-reviewed student journal. 

Beyond XE
With sustained mentorship and advisement, XE alumni have entered competitive doctoral programs in history, political science, anthropology, sociology, art history, and ethnomusicology. Others have launched or advanced successful careers as writers, editors, and cultural critics; arts organizers and administrators; elementary, high school, and college teachers; civic activists and human rights consultants; and policy analysts in government and in the private sector.