How to Apply

Note: The BER program is accepting applications until May 1, 2008.

The application procedure varies slightly for some of the areas of study in the department. For specific application information please see the "How to Apply" section within the specific area of study you are interested in.

Overview

The Department of Journalism accepts candidates with bachelor's degrees in any field and with a wide variety of experience. We look at the quality of applicants' writing and insights as displayed in the personal statement, their undergraduate transcripts, their GRE scores and their recommendations. We accept clips (published examples of applicants' work) submitted with applications, and recommend that applicants submit any clips they have. But clips are rarely a deciding factor in the applicant review process.

Along with the completed application, the applicant must provide academic transcripts (one from each school attended), three letters of recommendation, and three writing samples. These samples are not limited to published work. They should be indicative of the applicant's best overall work. A statement of purpose, which should adhere to the guidelines listed in the journalism supplement attached to the general application, is also required. Cultural Reporting and Criticism applicants must complete the CRC essay in lieu of the statement of purpose.

To be considered for the graduate program, an applicant should have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or B and a verbal score of at least 600 on the general test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). No specific subject test is necessary.

International Applicants

Non-native English speakers must also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The TOEFL 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).

It is recommended that all applicants take the test at least 10-12 weeks before the application deadline date to insure that test scores arrive by the deadline date. Official test scores must be sent to NYU-GSAS directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). Request that scores be sent to NYU GSAS, institution code 2596.

Application Dates

Applications are accepted for fall admission only.

Applications to Reporting New York, Reporting the Nation, News and Documentary, and Cultural Reporting & Criticism (CRC) — along with all applications for financial aid — must be received by January 4.

Business & Economic Reporting (BER) will consider applications received as late as May 1, but admissions are done on a rolling basis from January 4 and so applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

The deadline for applications to the program in Science, Health & Environmental Reporting (SHERP) is also May 1 but students are similarly urged to apply early because SHERP admissions are done on a rolling basis starting February 1.

Please note the recommended deadline for all applications is December 18.

Areas of Study

Prospective students can apply to any of our eight areas of study.

Students planning to complete a joint degree must be accepted by both participating departments and should indicate on their application that they are interested in a joint degree program. Two separate applications are not required — a single application is reviewed by both departments. Any supplemental information or forms requested by individual departments are still required though.

In some cases students may be able to change their concentration once they've been admitted, but no one should count on being able to make such a change. Our admissions process is highly selective and most programs and concentrations fill quickly, so please give serious consideration to your choice. All changes must be approved by the director of graduate studies.

NEED AN APPLICATION?
Applications in various formats (online, downloadable, by mail) are available from the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) Admissions website.

Note: If you are applying by mail, application materials should be sent to GSAS directly, not the Department of Journalism.