Academic Short Programme in Manhattan: WiSo@NYC
Each year, the WiSo Faculty offers its students the exclusive opportunity to participate in an exciting and challenging intensive programme in the heart of New York City. The WiSo@NYC programme is open for bachelor and master students, and is planned and organised by the WiSo Faculty’s International Relations Center (ZIB WiSo). The Programme enables students to earn up to 21 (BSc) or 24 ECTS (MSc) towards their degree.
Generally, the course content aims to address current American topics in the area of management, business strategy and economics, and takes an analytical and comparative approach to Europe. All courses are taught in English by local faculty.
Programme Dates for 2023
Bachelor Cohort (4 weeks, 3 courses): 31 July - 29 August 2023 (please note new ending date)
Master Cohort (6 weeks, 4 courses): 31 July - 8 September 2023
Courses available & credit for BSc students (tentative)
Courses available
At undergraduate level, WiSo@NYC courses aim to reflect general US-specific academic content, addressing US management practices, economics and cultural aspects. Please note that all information is based on previous years and remains tentative until early 2023.
UoC Credit
Under PO 2021, the credits available in 2023 depend on your study programme and are structured as follows:
- BSc Business Administration within the 'Specialisation/Schwerpunktbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad in Management I' & 'Studies Abroad in Management II' modules (2x 6 ECTS).
- BSc Economics - Track Economics: within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I' & 'Studies Abroad II' modules (2x 6 ECTS).
- BSc Economics - Track Sociology: within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I' & 'Studies Abroad II' modules (2x 6 ECTS).
- BSc Economics - Track Business Administration: within the 'Specialisation/Schwerpunktbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad in Management I' & 'Studies Abroad in Management II' modules (2x 6 ECTS).
- BSc Information Systems: within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I' & 'Studies Abroad II' modules (2x 6 ECTS).
- BSc Social Sciences: within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I' & 'Studies Abroad II' modules (2x 6 ECTS).
- BSc Health Economics: within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad in Management I' & 'Studies Abroad in Management II' modules (2x 6 ECTS).
- B.Sc. Management, Economics and Social Sciences: within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I' & 'Studies Abroad II' modules (2x 6 ECTS). **Please note: the obligatory 'Studies Abroad III' cannot be completed as part of WiSo@NYC. Please contact the ZIB Outgoings Team for alternative options such as summer schools to complete this module.**
In addition, and in all cases, credit for the skill seminar (up to 9 ECTS) is awarded through the 'Studium Integrale'. Therefore, the total credits achievable add up to 21 ECTS.
Under PO 2015, the credits available in 2023 depend on your study programme and are structured as follows:
- BSc Business Administration, BSc Economics, BSc Economics soc. within the 'Schwerpunktbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad' module (12 ECTS).
- BSc Information Systems within the 'Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad in Management' module (12 ECTS).
- BSc Health Economics within the Specialization Section 'Studies Abroad in Health Care Management I' & 'Studies Abroad in Health Care Management II' (12 ECTS).
In addition, and in all cases, credit for the skill seminar (up to 9 ECTS) is awarded through the 'Studium Integrale'. Therefore, the total credits achievable add up to 21 ECTS.
Courses available & credit for MSc students (tentative)
Courses available
At graduate level, WiSo@NYC courses aim to reflect more specialised US-specific academic content, addressing US management practices, leadership, as well as cultural aspects and skills.Please note that all information is based on previous years and remains tentative until early 2023.
UoC Credit
Under PO 2021
- MSc Business Administration within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I, II, III & IV' modules (4x 6 ECTS).
- MSc Information Systems within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I, II, III & IV' modules (4x 6 ECTS).
- MSc Sociology – Social & Economic Psychology or Social Research within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I, II, III & IV' modules (4x 6 ECTS).
- MA Political Science within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I, II, III & IV' modules (4x 6 ECTS).
- M.Sc. Economic Education within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I, II, III & IV' modules (4x 6 ECTS). Note: only MSc, Betriebliches Profil.
- MSc Economics Research within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I, II & III’ modules (3x 6 ECTS). The total credits achievable add up to 18 ECTS. Additionally, the WiSo@NYC programme offers Economics Research students one extracurricular module (EA).
- MSc Economics and MSc Business Analytics & Econometrics within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I &II’ modules (12 ECTS). Additionally, the WiSo@NYC programme offers Economics and Analytics & Econometrics students two extracurricular modules (EA).
- MSC Health Economics students within the 'Specialisation/Schwerpunktbereich via the ‘Studies Abroad in Management I’ module (6 ECTS), 'Studies Abroad in Health Care Management I`(6 ECTS), and 'Studies Abroad in Health Care Management II' (6 ECTS), and within the 'Electives/Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad in Management II (6 ECTS). The total credits achievable add up to 24 ECTS.
Under PO 2015, the credits available in 2023 depend on your study programme and are structured as follows:
- MSc Business Administration within the 'Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I & II' modules (12 ECTS each).
- MSc Information Systems within the 'Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I & II' modules (12 ECTS each).
- MSc Science Sociology within the 'Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I & II' modules (12 ECTS each).
- MA Political Science within the 'Ergänzungsbereich' via the 'Studies Abroad I & II' modules (12 ECTS each).
The total credits achievable add up to 24 ECTS.
MSc Economics and MSC Health Economics students
Under PO 2015/18, the credits available in 2023 for MSc Economics and MSc Health Economics are: 12 ECTS within 'Ergänzungsbereich' via modules 'Studies Abroad I'. Additionally, the WiSo@NYC programme offers (Health) Economics students an extracurricular module (EA). NOTE: Extracurricular modules do not influence your overall grade. They do, however, appear on your transcript of records.
Application process & cost
As a Cologne student, you are required to apply via the WEX International Outgoings Portal. Participation in the programme requires a minimum age of 18 years and proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
We also expect all students to receive credits - as specified under tab courses & credit.
Application will open via WEX on 1 December 2022.
Application deadline: 31 January 2023
Required documents:
- CV and motivational letter in English (one page each, formatted as one single PDF)
- Latest academic transcript
- BSc certificate (for master students only) or Abiturzeugnis or equivalent (for bachelor students only)
- Proof of enrolment
- Proof of English language proficiency (BSc students only):
- TOEFL (iBT, minimum of 87), IELTS (minimum of 6.0), Cambridge Certificate (minimum FCE), FILTERtest on level B2- minimum;
New as of 2022: the Business English certificates from the current winter semester course can be used for the STAP/WiSo@NYC application (minimum level B2); - We accept language tests beyond their standard expiry period of two years; however, where the test was administered more than 5 years before the programme application, we reserve the right to enquire for additional information or ask for an updated test result.
- TOEFL (iBT, minimum of 87), IELTS (minimum of 6.0), Cambridge Certificate (minimum FCE), FILTERtest on level B2- minimum;
- Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination according to CDC standards (incl. Personal identifiers (full name and date of birth) that match your passport or other travel documents; Name of official source issuing the record (e.g., public health agency, government agency, or other authorized vaccine provider); Vaccine manufacturer and date(s) of vaccination)
- Any further certificates and evaluations of internships you consider relevant for this programme.
Upon acceptance: In order to participate in this programme, a contribution to expenses is payable by all candidates (€1,890 for BSc and €2,590 for MSc) in order to be admitted to the programme. Travel costs, accommodation and subsistence are not included.
The ZIB WiSo will provide you with an info guide that will help you secure accommodation, etc. In order to cover at least some of the expenses, you may apply for financial support through the PROMOS short-term scholarship programme.
Venues & social programme
In addition to the academic content, you will join exclusive company presentations. In previous years, visits to companies have been generously supported by Kearney, HPI, SAP Next Generation and E&Y. The specific corporate visits and dates are usually confirmed 1-2 month prior to the programme.
FAQs
EXPERIENCE
Is this programme suitable for me?
WiSo@NYC is an entirely different experience to a normal term abroad and very demanding in terms of academic workload. Before applying, we recommend you take a close look at your personal goals and preferences.
How is WiSo@NYC different to a normal term abroad?
The programmes have an intense workload and engaging teaching style. Classes are all conducted within a block format and have an interactive approach due to their small cohort size.
How many students are part of this experience?
Per year, we select 18 – 22 students within the BSc group and 22 – 24 students within the MSc group.
Is attendance mandatory during all events?
Participation in all events and lectures of the programmes is mandatory and non-negotiable.
Will I study alongside local students while in the city?
The programme mostly takes place during the summer break. However, most New Yorkers are easy to approach and participants are quick to build up a small network through their own activities.
FACULTY & GRADING
Who are the members of faculty involved in teaching the courses?
All members of faculty are guest professors of the WiSo Faculty and are carefully selected to match our quality and teaching standards.
Will grades count towards my final degree classification?
Yes, modules will count in terms of credit and grade.
Are the grades awarded comparable to other courses in Cologne?
As is the case in Cologne, all grades are awarded based on the full grading spectrum at the Faculty (1,0 – 5,0). The final grades awarded depend fully on your effort and reflect your performance.
OTHER
Is this programme conducted in partnership with other US institutions?
No, this programme is entirely independent and organised and managed by ZIB WiSo only.
Are the extracurricular events identical every year?
Company visits as well as visits to start-ups and institutions such as the UN are possible due to the kind support of the respective partners. Therefore, schedules can change at short notice and may – in rare cases – even be cancelled without replacement. That said, new opportunities may also come up during the programme.
I have a low GPA compared to other students within my cohort. Should I apply?
While it is important that you have shown academic capability in the past, we are looking for motivated students who are keen to study from a new perspective and learn more about the US.
I'm an MSc student. Will I require a certificate of English language proficiency to apply?
No, as an MSc student you have already provided sufficient proof as part of your admission at the University of Cologne.
Will I have time to explore the city?
One of the programme's characteristics is its intensity, regardless of whether you are participating at BSc or MSc level. Try to schedule your arrival around 5 to 7 days ahead of the programme, allowing sufficient time to settle in and get acquainted with the city. Also, we recommend that you defer any activities with visiting friends and family until after the programme has concluded.