M.S. Dual Degree (Computer Science) Required Application Materials
Application Requirements for Dual Degree M.S. in Journalism and Computer Science
Dual-Degree Computer Science Application Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions - Dual Degree
The following must be submitted to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences MICE application:
1. $100 non-refundable application fee
2. Official transcript(s) - You must submit an official transcript from each of the undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. After you have begun your online application, have your official transcripts mailed to: Computer Science M.S. Admissions, SEAS Graduate Admissions Office, FU Foundational School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, 540 SW Mudd, MC 4708, New York, NY, 10027.
3. Computer Science Requirement - You should have an undergraduate degree in computer science or related discipline. If your undergraduate degree is in a different field, you are required to have completed at least four computer science courses covering foundations of the field and basic programming, and two mathematics courses. There are no specific pre-requisite courses to apply as long as the above requirements are met.
4. Autobiographical Essay - In a short autobiographical essay, tell us about yourself. You can write about your family, your education, your talents, or your passions about significant places or events in your life; about books you have read, people you have met, or work you have done that has shaped the person you have become. Our only requirements are that the essay be informative, well written, and reflective of your own voice; our only cautions are that you avoid poetry, purple prose, or writing about yourself in the third person. (750-word limit)
5. Professional Interests - What led you to your interest in the dual degree program in Computer Science and Journalism? What experience, if any, do you have in Computer Science or Journalism? What do you hope to gain through your work at Columbia University? In addition, explain any strengths or weaknesses in your application, for example, a low grade point average, lack of experience, and/or significant interruption in work or studies as well as any other information you feel a need to tell us. (750-word limit)
6. Current Resume/Curriculum Vitae - Please include any honors or awards you have received as a student or professional.
7. Writing Samples - We require applicants to submit two or three examples of their journalistic or other written work in support of their application. Upload these samples (in PDF or Word format) into our online application. Please submit no more than a total of 15 pages. We will not accept, via post, any clips or writing samples, permanently bound or laminated work, notebooks, magazines, newspapers, books, etc. Do not submit work you have not written yourself or copyedited. For applicants who do not have clips, the admission committee wants to see writing samples that demonstrate your ability to distill and interpret information, e.g. blogs, press releases, or short writing samples. For any audio or video clips, we highly recommend you post your work to an appropriate web site, e.g. YouTube.com or Vimeo.com. We strongly recommend that you shorten your hyperlink using http://bitly.com. Please upload a document (Word or PDF) with the correct link to your audio or video clips. We will not accept any DVD or CD disks with audio or video clips. Any materials submitted that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.
8. Three letters of recommendations - We require electronic submission of recommendations. Paper copies of letters of recommendation will not be accepted and exceptions cannot be made. You will be asked to include three names and email addresses for your recommenders. The email address should correspond to the main institution (e.g., university, company) with which the recommendation provider is affiliated. For your letters of recommendation, we encourage you to ask employers, professionals or faculty who best know you and your specific interest in Journalism and/or Computer Science.
9. Writing Test - The writing test administered by the Graduate School of Journalism is taken from mid-December through the month of January. Test instructions will be sent after the application has been submitted. The Admissions Office will email you regarding test logistics after December 15. The writing test takes approximately two hours and focuses on an applicant’s reporting, writing and critical thinking skills. The test format is short answer and open ended questions. It may be taken in New York City or administered with an alumni proctor in your area. You are not required to come to New York City to take the test. We do not have a sample test online.
10. An Active Email Address - Please ensure that you have a reliable e-mail account. During the admission process the Office of Admission and Financial Aid will communicate with applicants only via e-mail. All admissions and financial and scholarship aid notifications will be sent by e-mail. Thus we encourage applicants to check their e-mails frequently.
11. Proof of English language eligibility - Applicants must submit current official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores unless both of the following are true: (1) they are native speakers of English, and (2) their entire undergraduate university education was conducted in English. The test scores must sent directly from either the Educational Testing Service (ETS) (www.ets.org) or IELTS (www.ielts.org) to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and are due on the admission deadline. Have your official TOEFL or IELTS score report mailed to: Computer Science M.S. Admissions, SEAS Graduate Admissions Office, FU Foundational School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, 540 SW Mudd, MC 4708, New York, NY, 10027. The Computer Science University code is 2111.
12. GRE Exam - All applicants to the Dual Degree M.S. in Computer Science and Journalism must submit scores from the general GRE taken not more than five years before the application deadline. This requirement is firm and will not be waived. We accept only score reports sent directly from the Educational Testing Service Office. Have your official TOEFL or IELTS score report mailed to: Computer Science M.S. Admissions, SEAS Graduate Admissions Office, FU Foundational School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, 540 SW Mudd, MC 4708, New York, NY, 10027. The Computer Science University code is 2111.
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