How to Apply
Applications are available at the Graduate School of Arts and Science admissions web site.
Overview
If you have questions or would like to visit, please contact Professor Stephen Solomon, director of the BER program, at business.journalism@nyu.edu or by calling 212-998-7995. You can reach Professor Adam Penenberg, assistant BER director, at ap79@nyu.edu.
The program considers applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in any field. Journalism or business experience is not required.
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is no longer required.
Non-native English speakers must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) OR the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The TOEFL or IELTS requirement is waived if your undergraduate or graduate degree was completed at an institution where the language of instruction is English.
GSAS recommends that applicants achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the internet-based test (equivalent to 250 on the computer-based test or 600 on the paper-based test). For the IELTS, a minimum overall band score of at least 7 is recommended.
Note for International Applicants
You must receive your undergraduate degree (U.S. baccalaureate or equivalent) from an institution of recognized standing before enrollment in the Graduate School. Students from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh must show completion of both the baccalaureate and master’s examinations prior to registration in the Graduate School. The examinations for the Bachelor of Engineering and the Bachelor of Technology meet the application requirements for the Graduate School. GSAS does not accept three-year degrees from Australia. For students holding three-year degrees from Australia, an additional four-year degree is required to apply.
The Application
The application also requires submission of one copy of the official transcript from all academic institutions attended previously; three letters of recommendation; completion of an essay; and three writing samples. These samples are not limited to published work; academic papers written for courses are acceptable.
Applications are available from the GSAS application resource center starting in late September.
Note: All application materials (including test score reports) should be sent directly to GSAS, not to the Carter Journalism Institute or BER. Please visit the application resource center for further instructions.
U.S. applicants: Your check, money order, or monetary coupon should be made payable to “New York University – GSAS.” Do not send cash. Please put your full name, date of birth, student number or Social Security number, and department name on the check.
International applicants: NYU cannot accept checks drawn on foreign banks. The application fee must be paid in the form of an international money order or monetary coupon, made out to “New York University – GSAS.” Please put your full name, date of birth, student number or Social Security number, and department name on the check.
Deadlines
NYU’s deadline for applications is January 6. However, BER considers late applications on a space-available basis. Please contact Professor Stephen Solomon at business.journalism@nyu.edu if you would like to file a late application.
The Department strongly encourages applicants to file their application papers while waiting to take the GRE. Processing of the application can thereby begin, although a final determination on admission cannot be made until the application is complete.
Part-time Students
The program accepts part-time students. However, students must have a work schedule flexible enough to accommodate classes and the time needed to report stories. Many classes are available in the evening.
Tuition and Fees
The Graduate School of Arts and Science charges tuition on a per-point basis. The rate for the 2017-2018 academic year is $1,792 per credit plus registration fees. The BER program requires 44 credits for the M.A. degree.
Fellowships and Tuition Scholarships
BER awards the Reuters-National Association of Black Journalists Scholarship.
BER also awards some tuition scholarships to help defray the total cost of tuition. All applicants are reviewed for their eligibility during the admission process.
The Department of Journalism has some information on sources of aid; additionally the Graduate School of Arts and Science makes available several loan programs for students. Information is available at the Office of Financial Aid or 212-998-4444.
International students are eligible to compete for scholarship awards. The Department of Journalism encourages international applicants to consider outside funding from their governments or from foundations. Many international students enter the M.A. program with Fulbright and other fellowships.
Housing
Students may apply for graduate housing through NYU’s Office of Housing and Residence Life or 212-998-4600.
NYU also maintains listings of off-campus housing opportunities. Listings are available at the Off-Campus Housing Office at 4 Washington Square Village. Telephone: 212-998-4620. Listings cannot be mailed.
Required Proficiencies
Applicants should be aware that some courses at the Stern School of Business require basic proficiency in math and the use of a business calculator.