FAQs
About the AHC What is the Mission of the Alexander Hamilton Center? The Center’s central mission is to provide clear, explicit,and compelling ties between logic, evidence, and policy conclusions. While policy problems are inherently motivated by deep normative concerns, we believe solutions should be grounded in rigorous, science-based evidentiary assessments and transparent arguments. Our teaching methods attempt to avoid the rhetoric often used to persuade students, teachers, decision makers, and the public at large, instead using only careful analysis. How can an AHC Certificate help me in the future? An AHC Certificate is an elite yet tangible credential which will demonstrate your unique skills in political economy analysis. It is a clear and standardized way to show future employers and graduate programs, that you have completed the rigorous training in a methodology that imparts unto you an analytical perspective to address policy issues.
Application Process Is this Certificate program for undergraduates only? Yes. There are grad students as part of the Alexander Hamilton Center who contribute to its vibrancy but this certificate program is only for undergrads. Where to get an application? - Download Undergrad or Grad
- Pick one up in person during our office hours in Room #226 or Room # 219
- At information sessions held throughout the year. See Events for next listing. When are the applications due? Applications are rolling. When in my college career do I submit my application? Students usuallyapply in the spring of their Junior year. You may apply earlier if you have fulfilled the proper requirements. Where do I submit application? Email: thecenter.alexanderhamilton@nyu.edu In person to: The NYU Alexander Hamilton Center,
Mail box in the Department of Politics Mailing address: The NYU Alexander Hamilton Center,
19 West 4th St 2ndFl., NY, NY 10012. Do I have to be a Political Science or Economics Major? No. While most applicants tend to have declared a major or minor in politics or economics,applicants can come from any major so long as they fulfill all requirements. Can I apply to the program from abroad? Yes. Though many NYU students take advantage of their Junior year to study abroad, we still encourage you to follow the AHC news and events remotely and apply by email or mail to get your application in while you are away before your senior year begins. What does my GPA have to be? The Hamilton Certificate seeks to attract the best and the brightest students withthe unique skills that best serve a policy analyst. A strong GPA is good indicator of this motivation and ability. All students must have at least a 3.3 at the time of their applicationin order to be considered for the program. Do I need a recommendation letter? If your GPA is not that high, but you have taken a Hamilton course and your professor supports you, then you may ask them to give you a recommendation. If Hamiltonaffiliate faculty support you then you may be admitted to the program even when your GPA is lower than the requirement. What courses are required prior to application? You may apply and admitted as a Hamilton Certificate Candidate if you have completed or are enrolled in Quantitative Methods for Political Science (V53.0800) or Microeconomics as well as in one AHC course of your choice.
Fulfilling the Certificate What do I need to fulfill the certificate? You must complete five ACH (listed with a V07. number)4-point courses (to total 20 points) with a grade of B or better. You must also participate in the AHC Junior Researchers Conference in May of your Senior Year.Credit for one of your courses may be coming from an internship or from an independent course study. How will this affect my major requirements? All Hamilton courses can count towards your respective major. For example you may need ten courses to complete your major in politics or five courses to complete your minor. If you take five Hamilton courses you will complete the requirements for your major/minor and also get the Hamilton certificate. Do I have to write a separate Paper or Thesis to get my Certificate? No. If your Major thesis addresses and is substantiated by AHC methods and teaching it can count towards your Certificate. Do AHC classes I took prior to applying count towards the Certificate? Yes. Do AHC graduate courses count towards the points requirements? Yes. I am an Honors Student or an IR major. How does the Certificate help me? If you enroll in the Hamilton certificate, then you will be fulfilling all your requirements and get an additional essential credential for your future. What Kinds ofCertificates are Offered? Students who maintain a GPA of 3.7 and above at the time ofgraduation will be awarded a Gold Hamilton Certificate. Students with a GPA from 3.3 to about 3.7 will be awarded a Silver Certificate. Are exceptions ever made regarding these requirements? Sometimes there are special circumstances for which we can make exceptions to certain requirements laid out above. We will address these individually as they are brought up, keeping in mind that the primary purpose of the certificate is to educate and train students to use the political economy method and apply it to public policy problems.
Further Information Who can I contact with further questions?
Please feel free to contact an AHC advisor with any questions:
Where are the AHC offices located? The Alexander Hamilton Center Offices are located at:
19 West 4th St. 2ndFloor
New York, NY 10012
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