The University of Texas at Austin is launching a new program that brings UT students to New York City for a semester to study and pursue internships and other valuable connections and experiences that will help them transition into their professional careers. UT in New York (UTNY) will host its inaugural class in fall 2019.
The program is modeled after the success of the UT in Los Angeles Program (UTLA), created by the Moody College of Communication in 2005. Since its inception, the UTLA program has helped connect more than 1,600 UT students with internships in the entertainment industry on the West Coast.
Created as a partnership between the Moody College of Communication, McCombs School of Business and the College of Fine Arts, UTNY will provide opportunities for students interested in working in finance, business, the arts, design, communication, media, entertainment and other related industries and professions based in New York City.
“The UT in New York Program will provide our students with meaningful educational experiences and help connect them with career opportunities,” said Maurie McInnis, executive vice president and provost at UT Austin. “We are committed to ensuring our students are prepared to succeed after they graduate. This new program offers UT students the opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the most vibrant cities in the world and learn alongside professionals working at the top of their fields.”
Students will be able to apply to participate in the fall, spring and summer semesters, earning 12 credit hours toward their degrees during the semester. All students in the program will take one course together as a cohort, and they will then be able to choose a second class related to their interest area, while earning additional course credit hours through an internship. Like the UTLA Program, the program will seek practitioners working in the field to teach classes under academic supervision from UT Austin.
“As someone who launched my own professional career in New York City, I know firsthand about the excitement and vibrancy of living, working and learning in this city,” said Mike Wilson, assistant dean of external relations in the Moody College of Communication and project lead for the program. “UT in New York is going to offer robust experiential learning opportunities to Texas students that will help launch successful careers in their chosen fields.”
Wilson also added that the university is working with contacts in New York for approvals to ensure the fall 2019 launch date.
Student housing options will be provided in Manhattan and in Brooklyn, and UTNY participation costs will be comparable with those of the university’s study abroad programs. UTNY students will pay UT tuition, a UTNY program fee, room and board, travel and incidental expenses. Some financial aid will be available to students with financial need.
Student applications for the program open Nov. 1 and will be due by Nov. 30.