New York University

The food studies and food management masters program at NYU is a program without serious committment of resources on the part of the university. As a result it lacks the breadth and scope one would come to expect from such a prestigious institution. It is promoted as a complete program with numerous and diverse career opportunities. The reality is that the depth of inquiry in most of the management oriented courses is very light. For those desiring a more rigorous approach, there are some courses available at the Stern business school, but coordination between the departments is non-existent and curriculum advisement is all but missing. There are no outplacement services available to graduates, and one is routinely advised to seek out internships. There is a listserve on which some opportunties are posted, but these are overwhelmingly dedicated to placing dieticians and nutritionists, and have specific curricular and experiential requirments. With the number of hotels, corporate dining rooms, restaurants and other venues serving food in the greater NYC area, one would think that there would be a healthy number of industry connections and corresponding opportunties for graduates. On a yearly basis there may be 15 opportunities posted, with half being internships at no pay.

The program's strength may be in the public health and food policy areas, but opportunties are few and far between.If you are looking for a meaningful position in the food industry and want to get the best "bang for the buck" consider another school such as the Frech Culinary Institute, the Institute of Culinary Education, or City University of NY - all have recognized programs and strong alumni associations and are well networked in the food industry in and around NYC. On the other hand, if you have $50K burning an hole in your pocket and have a significant other to support your academic pursuits go right ahead. Just don't expect much at the tail end of the process, then you won't be disappointed. By the way, after going on nearly 3 dozen interviews since May 2004, I have yet to come across anyone who knows that such a program exists, much less what it entails and how it prepares the job candidate for the position.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

My experience at NYU was not at all what I expected. Academically, it really depends on what school you are in. I'm in the General Studies Program, so there are a lot of pointless requirements that I wish I didn't have to take. On the other hand, most of my professors are very easy to talk to and accessible. The biggest advantage of this program: small class size. It's much easier to get to know people in your classes and your professors when the classes are small. Keep in mind that this is a very liberal school, so many of the teachers preach their liberal ideas. As someone else commented, they can even be a little anti-Christian. But not all of them are this way. I've had some great professors that I really love. There is a wide variety of classes to choose from, but it might be difficult to get them depending on your registration time.

Socially, it is hard to make friends at this school. The people are very unapproachable and not friendly at all. The size of the school does not make it any easier. Mostly you meet people in class or in your dorm, but once everyone has their clicks, they really aren't interested in making new friends. The school boasts about it's diversity, but mostly everyone sticks to their own clicks. The lack of a traditional campus takes a real toll on social life as well. Because there is no campus, people just go off in their own direction. There is nothing to unify the school.There aren't many on-campus activities going on either. Part of this is because students are just not interested and distracted by all that New York City has to offer. I do not feel like a part of a community at all. I just feel like I live in city and go to class. I don't feel like I go to college. I kind of feel like I skipped over my undergraduate experience and went straight to grad school. That being said, if you don't feel the need to be a part of a community, there are many things to do in the city. My advice for anyone considering NYU: if you have any reservations/hestitations about coming here, then don't. I wasn't very nervous about coming to NYU, but I wasn't really excited either. Looking back on it, I wish I had picked a different school. I'm hoping to transfer next year. Really spend time here before deciding. It is hard to say this though, because I never would have known all of this if I hadn't come here. For those who aren't sure about NYU or the city, you might want to go to a school with a traditional campus and try the city for grad school.

1st Year Female -- Class 2009

Faculty Accessibility: A, Social Life: F