Accelerated BA/MA Program

Earn Your Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Journalism

The Journalism Institute’s BA/MA program allows outstanding undergraduate students to begin graduate coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree, providing an accelerated pathway to a master’s degree in journalism. Students who participate in this program will complete their bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in five years.

Students admitted to the program complete graduate-level coursework during their senior year and continue seamlessly into one of the Journalism Institute’s master’s programs after earning their bachelor’s degree.

Available Graduate Programs

Students may apply to one of the following specialized graduate programs:

*Additional program-specific requirements apply.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the BA/MA program, applicants must:

Be a second-semester sophomore or junior.
Have completed at least three semesters at NYU.
Have at least one full academic year (Fall and Spring semesters) remaining before completing their bachelor’s degree.
Be enrolled in the College of Arts and Science (CAS) or Global Liberal Studies (GLS).
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Meet any additional requirements for their selected graduate program.

Application Requirements

All applicants must submit:

A completed BA/MA application through the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS).
A personal statement explaining why their chosen journalism specialization is the best fit for their academic and professional goals.
One writing sample of any length.

Program-Specific Requirements

Some graduate programs require additional application materials or qualifications.

American Journalism Online (MA)

Informal 30-minute Zoom interview, scheduled after the application is submitted.

Cultural Reporting & Criticism (MA)

Minimum GPA of 3.6.
One additional writing sample of any length.

Literary Reportage (MFA)

Minimum GPA of 3.5.
A project proposal describing the reporting portfolio the applicant wishes to produce during the program. The proposal should be as specific as possible and may be revised after admission.

Graduate Coursework

Students admitted to the BA/MA track begin graduate study while completing their bachelor’s degree.

Students must complete a minimum of two graduate courses (8 credits) before earning the bachelor’s degree.

Please note

Graduate courses may not be used to satisfy undergraduate degree requirements.
Graduate coursework is completed in addition to undergraduate degree requirements.

Tuition Benefit

Students admitted to the BA/MA program receive significant financial support toward their graduate studies.

Benefits include:

A 50% tuition scholarship for one year of graduate study.
A retroactive 50% tuition refund for eligible graduate courses taken while enrolled as an undergraduate student that required additional tuition.

How to Apply

Before submitting a GSAS BA/MA application, students must first request approval from the BA/MA program administrators.

Detailed application instructions, eligibility requirements, and clearance information are available on the GSAS BA/MA website.

GSAS Application Deadlines

Fall Admission

Priority Deadline: October 14
Final Deadline: December 14

Spring Admission

Priority Deadline: March 10
Final Deadline: May 4

Students are encouraged to begin the application process early. If you have questions about eligibility, timing, or preparing your application, please contact the Journalism Institute before applying.

Questions?

Students interested in the BA/MA program must meet with the Journalism Institute academic advisor, Allyson Santaniello (ams9867@nyu.edu), to discuss eligibility, graduate program options, coursework planning, and the application process before submitting their application.