Apply to the M.A. Program

Fall Admission Deadlines:

Rolling admission, but prefer by
February 15

Spring Admission Deadlines:

Rolling admission, but prefer by
September 1
(August 1 for International Students)

How to Apply

To apply, you must complete the University of Arizona Graduate College online application. Follow these steps:

  1. Create a GradApp account
  2. Complete your GradApp profile under "My Account".
  3. Select "Apply to a Program" from the sidebar.
  4. Choose "Degree Seeking" under application type and "Journalism (MA)" under program of study.
  5. Choose the semester during which you wish to enter the program.
  6. Your application should now be initiated under "My Active Applications."

Apply Now

Admission Requirements

To be admitted you must have:

  • A bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona or from an accredited college or university recognized by the University of Arizona
  • A grade point average of 3.0 or higher

Note: journalism experience is not required.

See the Graduate College for additional requirements and admission information.

Application Checklist

You are required to submit the following materials as part of your online application. Your application will not be processed until all required information is received.

Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose should describe your goals and objectives for wanting to pursue this graduate degree. Explain why you believe that you are a good fit for the program and how your interests match with those available through the program.

Recommenders

The School of Journalism requires each applicant to have a minimum of three recommenders provide answers to our online questions on their behalf. These questions are instead of a letter of recommendation and should be answered by faculty members or employers who can speak about (1) your academic and/or research ability or your work and/or internship experience and (2) your potential for graduate studies. Should you or the recommender have questions about this process, please email  Journal@arizona.edu.

Resume/CV

Upload a current resumé or curriculum vitae (CV) as part of the online application in the ‘Supplemental Questions’ section.

Transcripts

Upload unofficial transcripts from ALL higher education institutions attended as part of the online application. Minimum GPA for last 60 hours of undergraduate work is 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Writing Sample

Provide two or three journalistic, business or academic writing samples that demonstrate your command of the English language and your ability to organize your thoughts coherently. Journalistic samples, if you have them, can be hard news, features or sports in print, broadcast, or online formats. Business and academic samples can take any form – an essay, term paper, class assignment, correspondence, or promotional piece.

English Language Proficiency

  • Success in the School of Journalism demands a high degree of proficiency in both spoken and written English. International students whose native language is not English need to provide high scores on the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Minimum required TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are 600 (paper-based), 100 (Internet-based) and 250 (computer-based). The minimum required IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score is 7 (no subject area below a 6).
     
  • In addition, international students will be interviewed by phone by a faculty member to ensure that they have the necessary English skills to succeed in this highly competitive, communication-driven field.
     
  • As an alternative to the TOEFL, candidates can elect conditional acceptance. That means they would precede their journalism classes by enrolling in the College for English as a Second Language for as long as it takes to meet an acceptable level of English proficiency.
     
  • International students requiring a student visa also need to provide a completed Financial Guarantee Form. See information on Proof of Financial Resources

Graduate Record Examination (optional)

GRE scores are optional. You can upload your unofficial GRE scores as part of the online application. You must also submit official scores on the GRE through ETS using institution code 4832.

Dual-Degree Programs

Candidates for any dual-degree program must apply to, and be accepted by, both units. Note that you must complete an application form and pay an application fee for each unit. Application deadlines for dual-degree partners may vary from ours.

Contact Us

For more information on application and administrative questions:

For general questions:
 

For advising and curriculum questions about the Journalism masters or dual degree programs:

Monica Chadha

Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Studies
monicachadha@arizona.edu

 

For advising and curriculum questions about the Bilingual Journalism Program:

Jessica Retis
Professor. Director, School of Journalism
Director, Bilingual Journalism Program
520-621-7556
jessicaretis@arizona.edu
 
You are welcome to visit us:
School of Journalism
845 N. Park, Room 334
Tucson, AZ 85721-0158
Phone: 520-621-7556