How to Apply
Literary Reportage considers applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in any field. A journalism background is not required. Along with the completed application, the applicant must provide one official transcript from each undergraduate or graduate institution attended, three letters of recommendation, and three writing samples. These samples should be indicative of the applicant’s best overall work and need not have been published. A statement of purpose, which should adhere to the guidelines listed in the journalism application form, is also required.
The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is optional. Don’t hesitate to submit a score if you’ve already taken it, but there is no requirement that you do so. International applicants must take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the test of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) unless English is their native language, or they have completed their undergraduate education at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. A minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the Internet-based test is required, or a score of 250 on the computer-based test or 600 on the paper-based test is required. For the computer- and paper-based tests, a minimum score of 5.0 on the Test of Written English (TWE) is required. International applicants MUST have a fluent command of written English. For the IELTS, a score of 7 or above is needed.
The GREs and TOEFL are given periodically throughout the year. Specific test dates can be obtained by calling the Educational Testing Service, 609-921-9000, or by visiting their Web site at www.ets.org.
Interested in Applying?
Applications are accepted for fall admission only. Forms may be downloaded from the GSAS website. Please adhere to the deadline dates published in the GSAS Application Appendix. Applications submitted after the due date are considered on a rolling admission basis if seats remain, but many programs fill rapidly.
Prospective students are encouraged to visit the Institute to learn more about the program. Meeting students and professors is the best way to get a feel for the program. We can arrange for you to sit in on a class and suggest you check Course Listings for what might coincide with your visit. To schedule a visit, please contact graduate.journalism@nyu.edu. Please note that visits should be scheduled well in advance if you wish to meet with faculty.
Note: The application deadline date is January 4, however late applications are accepted. As there is a limited pool of merit-based financial aid, applications should arrive by January 15 for consideration. We will continue to consider submissions on a rolling basis through August.
How To Apply to Literary Reportage
Have a question about Literary Reportage? Please contact Professor Robert Boynton at robert.boynton@nyu.edu.
The online application is available from the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) admissions website.
Come visit us at our new state-of-the-art facility at 20 Cooper Square. Applicants are encouraged to attend classes and talk to current and past students.
Read the stories and books listed in the “Get up to Speed” section on our archived Portfolio.
Here are some questions to think about while applying:
- Describe your project. Do some research and reporting before you respond. Ideas are essential. And just as essential are specific stories-real names, real places-through which you can explore those ideas. Describe the portfolio of work you would like to complete during your studies at NYU. Which form — or combination of forms — could you imagine your project taking? A series of reported pieces, profiles, a multi-part series, an investigation, a book proposal? Some combination of these? What might the title of your portfolio be? Think of a mock headline that captures the spirit and content of the prospective body of work. We expect your work to evolve as you rethink your original ideas, so your agenda is not set in stone.
- Describe your existing “body of work” as a journalist, blogger, critic or just someone who writes. What have been your major themes? Where do your strengths and weaknesses lie as a writer or journalist?
- What kinds of experiences inform your desire to become a journalist? What are your commitments, passions and interests? Tell us about yourself.
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.
Paying for your MFA in Literary Reportage
Money. Nobody likes talking about it, but we’re all thinking about it. At the Literary Reportage program, we take seriously the high cost of attending NYU and living in NYC, and work hard to justify the investment you make by coming here.
We believe in transparency, so have gathered some basic information on the cost of the program, and included links with details of precisely how it all works.
Your first step should be to consult the “New Student Checklist” that is linked to in your acceptance letter. It repeats much of the information below.
The Literary Reportage degree (an MFA) costs a total of 38 points of tuition. That represents nine 4-point courses, and a 2-credit mentorship. A typical load for a Literary Reportage student is three courses during your first and second semesters, two courses in your third, and one course (the thesis seminar) in your fourth. You fit the 2-point mentorship in anytime after your first semester.
The price of tuition increases annually, and you can calculate yours at this website. As of Spring 2023, a semester in which a student takes three courses (which is typical), costs $26,240 ($24,888 tuition + $1,352 fees).
There are various tuition payment plans, details of which can be found here. If you have questions about tuition, you should contact NYU’s bursar directly, whether via email (bursar.studentaccounts@nyu.
The Graduate School’s Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)
GSAS encourages students to apply for external assistance and provides tuition support to recipients of external awards. Students receiving external awards of $13,000 or more from recognized, academic sources of funding outside of the University can apply for matching tuition points up to the amount of their outside award. Students receiving external awards of less than $13,000 may apply for matching tuition points up to 50 percent of the amount of the external award.