Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for your interest in the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University.

• Questions from Prospective Students
• Application and Deadline Information
• Applicant Questions
• International Students
• Scholarship Aid
• The J-School Experience

Questions from Prospective Students

1. What are the differences between the Master of Arts and Master of Science degrees?

The Master of Arts degree is a 9-month program appropriate for students who have already have a strong mastery of journalism skills and would like to develop expertise in a specific area: arts & culture, business & economics, politics or science journalism. Students in this program generally already have significant experience working in the journalism industry, an extensive file of clips, and are ready to move on from general assignment reporting. They take courses both at the Journalism School, as well as in other divisions at Columbia University, depending on their concentration area. The deadline to apply for Fall 2010 is Jan. 15, 2010. Listen and learn more.

The Master of Science degree is a 10-month program appropriate for students who are interested in developing and honing their skills in journalism. Reporting and writing are at the core of the program. Students select a print (newspaper or magazine), broadcast (television or radio) or digital media specialization. The majority of the coursework is geared towards improving skills in reporting, writing, editing and storytelling. The deadline to apply for 2010 is Dec. 15, 2009. Listen and learn more.

2. Do I need a degree in a specific major to be considered for admission? Are there any prerequisite courses that I need to have taken?

The Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University does not require applicants to have a specific major or take prerequisite courses to apply. You will need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or its equivalent outside the country. We seek students for our degree programs who are skilled writers, curious about the world, interested in searching for the truth and writing about it, determined and resourceful, motivated to dedicate their careers to journalism, and who exhibit leadership potential.

If you've begun graduate-level work in journalism or a related field, please note our Transfer of Credit Policy.

3. What counts as journalism experience?

The Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University provides journalists with a unique opportunity to hone and deepen their skills at any point in their careers. Journalism experience is paid or unpaid work that has been completed in any media-related field, such as newspaper, TV or radio, photojournalism, online publications, or freelance writing. The work produced is generally for a public audience.

4. If I don’t have any journalism experience, do I have a chance of being admitted?

We take a holistic approach to each application. Journalism experience is one element that the admissions committee will consider. Many applicants who may not have significant experience in journalism show strong potential in writing and can thoughtfully articulate and explain their goals and passion for working in the journalism industry. For students with little or no journalism experience, the M.S. program is the appropriate fit.

5. What does the Journalism School look for in applicants?

We seek students for our degree programs who are skilled writers, curious about the world, interested in searching for the truth and writing about it, determined and resourceful, motivated to dedicate their careers to journalism, and who exhibit leadership potential.

6. I am interested in the M.S./M.A./ Ph.D. program. How can I get more information?

The best way to get the most up to date information is through our Web site. We do not mail out pamphlets or materials. You can flip through our brochure by going to our Visit the School page.

7. What kind of job opportunities are available after graduation?

Our Career Services staff -- all former journalists with strong industry connections in print, broadcast, and online media -- work closely with students to help them pursue the most prestigious jobs and internships in the U.S. and overseas. Students are invited to meet with a Career Services counselor for one-on-one consultations throughout the school year and are encouraged to attend weekly informal meetings with editors and job- hunting strategy sessions hosted at the school. Our annual spring Career Expo is one of the biggest journalism job fairs in the country, with more than 150 recruiters and editors attending.

Back to Top

Application and Deadline Information

1. When are applications due?

Master of Science, full-time and part-time: Dec. 15, 2009
Master of Arts, full-time: Jan. 15, 2010
Ph.D. in Communications, full-time: Dec. 15, 2009

Apply Online Now

2. Can I apply for an application fee waiver?

There is a $100 nonrefundable application fee. The school does not grant application fee waivers. You may use a credit card (preferred method), check or U.S. bank money order drawn in U.S. dollars when submitting your application online. When using a check or U.S. bank money order, make sure your name appears on the front and that it is payable to Columbia University. We cannot accept wire transfers, cash or postal money orders.

3. What GPA is required in order to be considered for admission? Is the GRE required for admission?

The Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University has no minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) requirement and accounts for differences in grading systems around the world in its admission process.

The GRE is not required for admission to the following degrees: Master of Science, Master of Arts, and dual degree programs with International and Public Affairs, Law, Business and Sciences Po.

The GRE is only required for admission if you are applying to the dual degree program with the Master of Science (M.S.) program and Religion. The Ph.D. in Communication also requires the GRE exam. Religion and the Ph.D. in Communication are offered in conjunction with the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, which requires the GRE. The GRE is administered by the Educational Testing Service and information about it may be found at www.gre.org. Only currently valid test scores will be accepted. GRE scores are valid for five years from the test date.

4. I'm an international applicant. What tests are required?

Proof of English proficiency for all non-native speakers of English: All international applicants who are non-native speakers of English (even those who have studied in the United States) must submit scores for either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) when submitting their applications. Only currently valid test scores are accepted. TOEFL scores are good for two years from the test date.

Waivers of this requirement are rarely given and must be approved before the application deadline. Waivers are not guaranteed and if requested after the application deadline will not be considered. If you graduated from an institution in the U.S. or an English speaking country, you can request a TOEFL waiver by emailing us at admissions@jrn.columbia.edu.

More information about the tests can be found at the TOEFL Web site and IELTS Web site.

We require the following scores for consideration:

TOEFL Paper-based: Computer-based: Internet-based: IELTS Overall:

650 280 114 8.5

5. What is the code to use to send the TOEFL, GRE or IELTS score?

The school code is 2120.

6. When is the last date I can take the TOEFL, IELTS or GRE?

An applicant should plan to take the TOEFL, IELTS or GRE exams in time for the scores to reach the admissions office by the application deadline.

7. How long are test scores valid?

TOEFL and IELTS scores are only valid for two years. GRE scores are valid for five years. If your scores are no longer valid, you must retake the test (no exceptions).

8. For the M.S. and M.A. applications, what are acceptable clips?

M.S. applicants may, if they choose, submit two or three examples of their journalistic or other written work in support of their application. For M.S. applicants, clips and samples are optional but highly encouraged. See the M.S. requirements for more details.

M.A. applicants must submit three copies of their journalist work samples. See the M.A. requirements for more details.

All samples must be 8.5 x 11 inches. You must upload these samples to your online application. Hard copies of work are not accepted. Do not submit permanently bound or laminated work, notebooks, etc. Any materials submitted that do not meet these criteria will not be considered. Submit no more than a total of 15 pages. For broadcast, radio or web samples, the online application will allow you to cut and paste your hyperlink and upload a word or PDF document to the application.

All clips must be in English.

9. What transcripts are required?

You must submit an official transcript from each of the undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. Have official transcripts mailed to: Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, 2950 Broadway, MC 3800, New York, NY 10027.

If you completed coursework through a study abroad program, you must provide a separate transcript from the host institution unless all study abroad course titles and grades are listed on your primary transcript. All official academic transcripts must be official documents bearing the institutional seal and signature of the institution's registrar. They must be submitted in the original, sealed envelope from the institution. Unofficial transcripts printed from a school Web site will not be considered.

If an original transcript (mark sheet, diploma, academic record, or degree certicate) is not in English, the applicant must submit both the official transcript and its English translation. Both the official transcript and the translation should be submitted in one sealed envelope. If the institution attended does not provide an English translation with the official transcript, a certified, verbatim English translation from a translation service must be obtained and submitted in a sealed envelope, endorsed across the seal. Columbia University has no preferred translating services. However, many of our applicants use World Education Services to assist in English translation and verification. Please note WES charges an additional fee for this service.

10. Can letters, transcripts or test scores arrive after the deadline?

Applicants should plan ahead to ensure that all letters, transcripts and test scores arrive by the deadline. Only complete applications will be sent to the admission committee.

11. What does the Journalism School's writing test entail?

The Writing Test is only required for M.S. applicants. All M.S. applicants are required to take the Journalism School writing test. Information on the test, procedures, testing sites, etc. will be sent to all applicants by e-mail once their applications have been received. The writing test is a 90-minute computer exercise that will examine your problem solving and critical thinking skills. The test will give the admissions committee a good picture of your reporting and writing skills as well as your current events and historical facts knowledge. The test is short answer and open ended. We do not have a sample test online. Please see the Applicant Questions Section for more details.

12. Who should I ask to write my letters of recommendation?

For your letters of recommendation, we encourage you to ask employers, editors or faculty that best know you and your specific interest in journalism. Academic references are acceptable, but also think about other employers or contacts that know your interest in journalism. If you are unsure if they know your interest, you can send them a copy of your professional interests statement as a reference point. Please refrain from seeking letters of recommendations from peers, colleagues, family, relatives or friends.

13. I applied last year, but did not complete my application and/or was not offered admission. Do you still have my materials?

We keep all applications on file for one year. Applicants may reactivate their applications once, for the class year immediately following that of the original application.

To reactivate your application you must submit a new online application, fee, an updated resume, essay and references. M.S. students must retake the Journalism School writing test. You do not need to resubmit your transcripts. You do not have to resubmit your TOEFL or IELTS score if it is less than two years old. You do not have to resubmit your GRE scores unless they are five years old. Non-native speakers of English whose TOEFL or IELTS scores did not meet our required minimums should retake the test.

Back to Top

Applicant Questions

Please review the following application requirements carefully:

M.S. requirements
M.A. requirements
Ph.D. requirements

1. I'm applying to the M.S. Program for Fall 2010, when will I be notified of the writing test?

M.S. applicants will be notified of their writing test via e-mail after they have officially submitted their online application. The writing test administered by the School is required of all Master of Science degree applicants and is part of the application process. Students are tested, in English, on writing skill and general knowledge of current events and historical facts. The 90-minute exercise will examine problem solving and critical thinking skills, along with reporting and writing skills. The test format is short answer and open ended questions. We do not have a sample test online.

The writing test is either given at the school between December to the end of January or under the supervision of alumni proctors elsewhere in the United States and abroad during the same periods. Students do not have to travel to New York City to take the writing test. Information on registering for the test is e-mailed to all applicants after they have applied. For those taking the test outside of New York City, the admissions office will contact the proctor directly. Ph.D. and Master of Arts applicants do not take the writing test.

2. I have submitted my online application and would like to know if you have received my supplemental material.

After you submit your online application, using your pin and password, you can check if the admissions office has received your materials. This "Check Application" link is located on the left hand side bar above the "print" function. Only complete files will be sent to the admissions committee.

3. I am having troubles with my online application. Who should I contact?

For problems with your online application, please contact the Apply Yourself Tech Support team directly via e-mail. You can put in a request by going to the main online application page and clicking on "Technical Support" under the "Create your Account" section on the right hand side.

4. When will we be notified about our admissions decisions?

All admissions decisions for the M.S., M.A. and Ph.D. programs will be posted via e-mail the last week of March. All financial aid award e-mails will be posted via e-mail by mid-April.

5. Are interviews required for the application process?

Based on the number of applications we receive, we do not require an interview for M.S., M.A. or Ph.D. candidates.

6. Can I e-mail my transcripts, letters of recommendation or other supplemental material?

We do not accepted e-mailed copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation or supplemental materials.You must submit an official transcript from each of the undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. Have official transcripts mailed to: Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, 2950 Broadway, Mail Code 3800, New York, NY 10027. Your letters of recommendation, essays, resume and writing samples must be uploaded to our online application.

7. How should my recommenders upload my letters of recommendation?

All M.S. applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. To expedite this process you must ask your recommenders to use the online recommendation form located in the online application. During the online application process, you will identify the names of three recommenders and their email addresses. An email is sent to each person instructing him/her how to write, upload and submit their recommendation letter. You can use our online system to send reminder emails to your recommenders. If your recommender wishes to submit his/her recommendation on paper via U.S. mail, he/she must contact the admissions office directly admissions@jrn.columbia.eduto receive instructions.

After submitting your online application, using your Pin and Password, you can check if the admissions office has received your letters. This "Check Application" link is located on the left hand side bar above the "print" function.

8. I’m reapplying. What should I include?

We keep all applications on file for one year.

Applicants may reactivate their applications one time, only for the class immediately following the original application. To reactivate your application you must submit a new online application. Please indicate you are a re-applicant in Essay A. You will need to submit a current resume, essays, and new letters of recommendations. M.S. Students must retake the writing test. You do not need to resubmit your transcripts if you applied for Fall 2009. You will not need to resubmit your TOEFL/IELTS scores unless they are two years old. You will not need to resubmit your GRE scores unless they are five years old.

9. When should I apply for financial aid?

All applicants, both domestic and international, who wish to be considered for scholarship assistance, must submit The Graduate School of Journalism Scholarship Aid Application. This application will be available December 1, 2009. You can submit your online application before your financial aid application. Please see the financial aid section below for more details.

10. I'm graduating in 2010, am I eligible to apply for Fall 2010?

Yes, the deadline to apply for the M.S. program is Dec. 15, 2009. The deadline for the M.A. prgram is January 15, 2010. You will need to send your "in progress" transcripts to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, 2950 Broadway, MC 3800, New York, NY 10027. If your admissions decision is favorable, we will ask that you request your "final" transcripts to be sent after you graduate in Spring 2010.

11. Can application materials arrive after the deadline?

We strongly urge you to plan ahead to have all of your application materials complete by the deadline. Only complete applications will be sent to the admission committee.

12. How can I access the Financial Aid Application?

The Financial Aid Application can be accessed through the online application. It will be available December 1, 2009. On the main page, after you log in, you will see a form called "Scholarship Aid Form" under "Application for Admission." Click on this form and complete this form.

Back to Top

International Students

1. Are loans and scholarships available to international students?

Many resources exist to help finance your education in addition to those offered by The Journalism School. Public and university libraries can also aid your research. For addition information about resources for international students, see More Scholarships, International Students and International Studies.

International applicants to the Graduate School of Journalism are encouraged to submit the Journalism School Application for Scholarship Aid (available December 1, 2009)found on the online application Web site.

International students may be eligible for private loans with the assistance of a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Students may borrow up to their cost of attendance minus any aid or other loans awarded. These funds may be borrowed from the students’ lender of choice. In the event that an international student is not able to secure a U.S. private loan, due to the lack of a credit worthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident to act as a guarantor, admitted students may be eligible to apply for various loan programs. For further information please contact the Office of Student Financial Planning at 212-854-7040.

2. My work samples are in another language. Do I need to get my work samples translated?

Yes, work samples and clips must be translated into English. The admission committee will review only work samples in English.

3. What are transcripts? My transcripts are not in English. Can I send them anyway?

Transcripts are official records of a student's school progress in a college or university. They are also called diplomas, degree certificates, academic records or mark sheets.

If an original transcript (mark sheet, diploma, degree certificate or academic record) is not in English, the applicant is required to submit both the official transcript in the original language and its verbatim English translation. Both the official transcript and the verbatim translation should be submitted in one sealed envelope to the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, 2950 Broadway, MC 3800, New York, NY 10027. If the institution attended does not provide an English translation with the official transcript, a certified verbatim English translation of the transcript, done through a translating service must be obtained and submitted in a sealed envelope, which is endorsed across the seal. Columbia University has no preferred translating services. However, many of our applicants use World Education Services to assist in English translation and verification. Please note WES charges an additional fee for this service.

4. I graduated from an international university. Will my degree be considered for application?

The Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia will consider students for admission who hold or will shortly complete a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or its equivalent from another country. This includes the three-year bachelor's degrees from India, all European countries (new three-year Euro-bachelor's), Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel. If you have questions about whether your degree is acceptable for consideration for admission, please email us at admissions@jrn.columbia.edu.

5. What university resources are available for international students?

Columbia University offers resources through the International Programs and Services office. You can find out more by visiting their Web site: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/isso/.

6. If I scored below the TOEFL minimum, can I still apply?

We take a holistic approach to each application. Your TOEFL score is one element that the admissions committee will consider. However, mastery of the English language is an important skill for journalism students. We urge students to seek the following scores for serious consideration:

TOEFL Paper-based: Computer-based: Internet-based: IELTS Overall:

650 280 114 8.5

Back to Top

Scholarship Aid

1. How do I apply for scholarship aid?

Admission decisions are made at the school without regard to applicants’ financial need.

All applicants, both domestic and international, who wish to be considered for scholarship assistance, must submit The Graduate School of Journalism Scholarship Aid Application. The Scholarship Aid form will be available on December 1, 2009. It will be due February 1, 2010.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents must also submit the 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be found at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. The school code for the Graduate School of Journalism, which is required to complete the form, is E00122. The FAFSA will be available on January 1, 2010. Your Scholarship Aid Form and FAFSA are due in February 2010.

Scholarship award decisions are based on both merit and need. The Journalism School Scholarships and fellowships are administered by the School’s Office of Admission and Financial Aid; all student loans are processed by the Office of Student Financial Planning.

2. What supporting documents must be submitted with The Graduate School of Journalism Scholarship Aid Application?

Please submit these documents after you have completed a Scholarship Aid Form (available December 1, 2009). All U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents must submit a 4506 form for each tax return submitted to the IRS. This permits a third party to receive a copy of your 1040 form directly from the federal government. If Columbia requests the 1040 form, the student will be notified in advance.

International students must provide bank statements verifying income and asset information provided in the scholarship form.

3. When is the scholarship aid application deadline?

For 2010 applicants, the 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid will be available January 1, 2010 (FAFSA) and The Graduate School of Journalism Scholarship Aid Application will be available December 1, 2009. All scholarship aid documents will be due February 1, 2010. You may submit your online application before you complete your scholarship aid applications.

All International students must provide documentation verifying income and asset information provided in the scholarship application form; examples of these documents are: tax forms, statement from employer, bank statement, etc. by February 1, 2010.

4. When will I be notified of my scholarship aid award? When will I be notified of my federal financial aid?

All admission decision emails will be sent to the applicant at the end of March. All scholarship aid award emails will be sent to the applicant in mid- April. In order to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must submit the 2010-11 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This will be available January 1, 2010. We ask students to complete the Scholarship Aid Form and the FAFSA by February 1, 2010. The Office of Student Financial Planning will notify you of your federal financial aid package once you complete the FAFSA.

5. What percentages of students are on financial aid?

The Graduate School of Journalism offers approximately $4.2 million annually in fellowships and scholarships to students who demonstrate high academic achievement, financial need, and exceptional promise for leading careers in journalism. In conjunction with the Office of Student Financial Planning, we work with each student to ease the cost of attendance through a combination of scholarships and need-based programs, including grants and federal and private loans.

For the incoming 2009 class, about 80% of our students utilized some sort of financial aid, including grants, loans or scholarships. To apply for scholarship aid from the Journalism School, submit the Journalism School Scholarship Aid application found on our Web site. You will then be automatically considered for merit and need-based scholarships. Admissions decisions are need-blind.

Back to Top

The J-School Experience

1. Can I apply to be a part-time student?

We also offer a Master of Science degree on a part-time basis. We offer a May part-time class option. Students pace themselves over two or more years, taking the same requirements offered in the full-time program but on a more flexible schedule. Students who begin in a part-time cohort may switch to full-time status and vice versa.

2. Does the Journalism School offer any correspondence or online courses?

The Journalism School does not offer any correspondence or online courses.

3. Does the Journalism School offer dual degrees?

The Journalism School offers several dual degree programs in cooperation with other schools at Columbia. Participation in Columbia University programs requires admission to both the Journalism School and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students must contact each department for application details and deadlines. The Journalism School participates in a joint degree program with Sciences Po in Paris. Only students who are currently enrolled or graduates of Columbia’s Journalism School are eligible to apply. French is the language of instruction at Sciences Po, and applicants will need to take a French proficiency exam as a part of the application process.

Please see our Web site for more details about other dual degree programs.

4. I’m only interested in taking a couple of classes. May I take them as a non-matriculated student?

The Journalism School offers limited continuing education courses, many that require applications. Please see our Web site for more details about continuing education.

The Columbia Publishing Course provides an intensive introduction to all aspects of book, magazine and new media publishing in an intensive six-week summer program. Please see our Web site for more details about the Columbia Publishing Course.

5. Does the Journalism School accept transfer credits from other institutions?

The Journalism School does not accept transfer credits from other institutions for students in the M.S. or M.A. degree programs. Students enrolled in the doctoral program may request that prior graduate-level work be considered for transfer or advanced standing credit.

6. May I sit in on or audit classes?

Prospective M.S. students are welcome to sit in on limited classes. To see whether it’s possible to visit any other class, please contact the Admissions Office directly for additional information. It is always up to the discretion of the faculty member teaching the class to accommodate student requests to sit in on a class. The School also holds public lectures.

7. How do I find out about public lectures?

The Dean's office arranges a series of major lectures and panels each week in the third Floor Lecture Hall of the Journalism building. These are specifically created to highlight important topics, including journalism trends and current events. You can see the full list of sessions at Events, save the date. Friend "Columbia J-School" on Facebook to receive updates.

For questions regarding open public lectures, please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@jrn.columbia.edu.

Back to Top

Contact the Admissions Office Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism 2950 Broadway (at 116th St.) Room 203 (lobby) New York, NY 10027 (212) 854-8608 admissions@jrn.columbia.edu