Search the Community

Hello! I am trying to decide between Columbia and Northwestern for a master's in journalism. To give you some background, I am interested in pursing international reporting after graduation and want to attend the school that provides the best opportunities/connections to make this possible! At Columbia, I have no specialization whereas at Northwestern I picked Social Justice and Investigative Journalism. I have also included a pro/con list about the two schools below. Any insight about either or both schools would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! Columbia’s Pros: At Columbia, I would not have a specialization, so my education would cover multiple platforms (audio, video, broadcast, print, online, etc.) (this may be beneficial since i have limited experience) Great international reporting department with a lot of connections. There are some great postgraduate fellowships Columbia Journalism Investigations, International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Longform Narrative, funding for investigative reporting A lot of post-graduate internships that accept many Columbia grads; in particular, companies like: ABC News Broadcasting in London; Al Jazeera in Qatar, The Marshall Project (Investigative Reporting in NYC), The Reuters Institute at Oxford. Spring Career Expo (where you can have scheduled/walk-up interviews) Year long master’s project supervised by an advisor (to work on long form narrative) There is a required module on investigative journalism Students Associations: Society of Professional Journalists, Women in Journalism Ivy League Located in NYC (good for networking) A lot of students are encouraged to get published Columbia’s Cons: Slightly larger classes (15-20) and larger seminars Fewer opportunities to travel abroad while completing the degree (no established programs) No scholarship Northwestern’s Pros: Medill Explores Program: a week-long trip spent reporting on international issues and networking with local experts Global Residency Program: a 10 week program abroad with an international news organization (Time Magazine in the UK) Medill Justice Project: the opportunity to work on criminal justice cases and writing investigative stories Social Justice News Nexus: works with local Chicago news outlets to report on social justice issues Knight-Lab: focuses on emerging technology and new forms of journalism A 2 quarter class where you are trained in media technology (however, I will not be able to enroll if I do the practicum in DC) Benefits of Investigative & Social Justice Specialization: Will have stories published in Medill News Service (partners with news outlets to publish your work) There are still core courses that cover the fundamentals of reporting Practicum: a 10 week internship (instead of a thesis) in which you work with a local media outlet of your choice. It can be completed in DC or Chicago. Medill Friday events (speakers, workshops, etc) Medill Career Services Partial Scholarship Only 130 students in the program Small class size (about 10 students) Northwestern’s Cons: I had to apply to a specialization, but as I do not have a lot of journalistic experience, I am not sure if this is the field I want to stay in. Fewer media outlets in Chicago

Applied to LitRep for 2019 batch. Wait is killing me. Got into a couple of others. But if I get any aid here will give it a good consideration. I actually really liked the LitRep model, based on what the website said. Anyone else still waiting/heard back?

Wonder if that means rejection? I am crying!!

Hey all, I'm a current graduate student at Carleton University reading for an MA in international affairs (NPSIA). I'm enjoying the content of my studies immensely, but have more or less lost interest in leveraging my degree to work for the public service upon graduation. As NPSIA has a strong focus on placing students within the government, I realize that more schooling will likely be necessary to find employment elsewhere. I've been playing with the idea of pursuing a career in conflict/political journalism for some time now, and have heard good things about the Munk School's Fellowship in Global Journalism. It seems a practical course of study, with a strong focus on teaching fellows how to set themselves up for freelance careers. Given my education and interests, this sounds like an ideal fit for me. The issue lies in that most of the information that I've been able to dig up has been provided by the school itself - Obviously, U of T is going to be biased in promoting its own program to potential applicants. I was wondering whether or not anybody might have had some sort of experience with the program on these forums; I'd love to hear some anecdotes regarding the program's utility, and whether or not the sort of freelance work it purports to equip one for is a viable means of making a living in itself. If you've anything to say, I'd be extremely grateful to hear it. Likewise, if anybody has any questions for me, I'm happy to acquiesce as well. Cheers, Delidas

Hello! Have any of the 2018 J-School applicants heard from the school - interviews, writing tests? It looks like that they start sending out invitations in December.

Hi all, I'm going down to the last minute with my decision. I'm deciding between Berkeley's Masters of Journalism program and Rutgers-Camden's Creative Writing MFA. I'm ultimately interested in pursuing some type of career in journalism, with a preference for longform, reported stories and working at magazines, websites, other platforms that do that type of storytelling. So, both programs appeal to me. Ultimately, I think Berkeley Journalism would offer a more direct path into the journalism industry via the network of alums/profs/peers from Berkeley, the ability to build a solid portfolio of journalistic clips, a concrete skill set that would make me more employable, an internship program that's required, etc. But, it costs a lot of money and has minimal funding to offer, so I'd be looking at somewhere around $40k to $50k in debt by the time I completed the two-year program. And I'd be entering an industry that doesn't pay much, especially at the entry-level jobs I'd likely be working at for the first few years. Basically, I don't know if the debt is worth it, especially, since j-school is not the only way to break into the journalism world. Rutgers-Camden's MFA is fully-funded, so total tuition remission, healthcare provided, and a $26,000/yr TA stipend. In addition to journalism, I also write poetry and creative nonfiction, which would be my main focus at Rutgers. Their program is super flexible, so it's possible I could try to do the work of longform journalism along with pursuing poetry and some other interests of mine. They have awesome professors and it seems like a great program. It's just that an MFA doesn't really lead to an concrete professional paths, and the one it most often does lead to--academia and being a professor--is both an oversaturated market and a path I'm not that interested in. It would offer me the time to focus on my writing and seek out freelancing opportunities, to try to break into journalism that way. But, ultimately, I worry that an MFA won't really get me any closer to the type of journalism I want to pursue. Any thoughts from anyone? I'm still really on the fence. In particular, anyone who has some background in journalism, j-school, an MFA program, or creative writing. I gotta decide by tomorrow!!! Eeek!!!!

I have been accepted to the dual MS program in Journalism and Computer Science at Columbia University. Columbia Journalism school has offered aid of $36,250 for 2018-19. Even if I manage to get the same amount for 2019-20, then too the remaining expenses (including tuition and living) is about $150,000. Coming from a middle class family in India, it is impossible for me to pay this much fees. I asked the office of admissions and financial aid at the J-School if they could increase the aid amount, but they turned down my request. There are certain universities like Chicago and UPenn where students can take loans without showing any collateral and the university stands as guarantor. Is a similar plan available for students at Columbia? I was going through the website of Student Financial Services, Columbia University where I came across a list of recommended lenders: http://sfs.columbia.edu/files/sfs_new/content/financial-aid/17-18-Lender-Chart-International-Grad-as-of-06-12-17-CompF.PDF I would like to know the general opinion among students about taking private loans from these lenders. I have also heard about Prodigy Finance and MPower Financing. They don't require co-signers for the loan. Which is the best option to go for? I have also read that students go for Teaching Assistantships to reduce the financial burden. It will really help if someone can clarify what the assistantships are about and how much work is involved in it.

Hey folks, I've been accepted to both Emerson and BU for an M.S. in Journalism. BU is crazy expensive, and the scholarship I was offered in my admissions letter covers ~23% of the total tuition cost. Emerson is significantly less expensive and my scholarship offer covers about 20% of the total tuition cost. When I leave Emerson, I'll be in significantly less debt than if I go to BU. There are pros and cons to both schools, and I've weighed them heavily. I attended BU's COM grad open house this past weekend, and I was genuinely unimpressed. Instead of giving us a full slate of Journalism-specific events like the other programs got, most of our weekend consisted of attending the Power of Narrative conference. Don't get me wrong. The Power of Narrative conference was incredible, but I spent a ton of money to attend the Open House and didn't feel like my concerns/questions/best interests were addressed. I haven't had a chance to visit Emerson. This is a huge decision, and I really don't want to make my decision based on price tag alone, but it seems like I'm headed in that direction. Is anyone else dealing with a similar kind of struggle?

Hi everyone, I got into really good journalism programs, and I've narrowed it down to Syracuse and Columbia. I received a highly competitive newspaper fellowship at Syracuse which includes a full tuition scholarship, $1400 monthly living stipend, health insurance, up to $1,500 to cover moving expenses to move there, $800 for travel to conferences, and up to $1,000 for books/other academic expenses. Meanwhile, at Columbia, I only got $10,000 for their 10-month MS in Journalism program. Columbia is my dream school, and I never expected to get into an ivy. However, I do not want to take out any loans, and I've been advised by all my professors and mentors that I should not be paying for graduate school. After they found out I got into Columbia, a couple have told me that I can negotiate my offer with them if I want to. Do you all think it's worth negotiating? I personally think that Columbia would not match Syracuse's offer, especially since I went through such a long interview process with other finalists to get the fellowship. I just wanted to know what you all think so I don't feel crazy. Thanks!

Did anyone apply to the double MA in journalism and international affairs at Sciences Po, Paris this year or in previous years? If someone did apply or has attended, could you comment on your application experience/subsequent studies? On a general note, how are foreign journalism degrees looked upon if one wished to find a job in the United States or elsewhere upon graduation - and does it hold a light to "top" American programs such as Columbia, Berkeley, etc.? Thanks in advance!

Anyone out there waiting to hear back from CUNY for their MA in Journalism program? I know they said mid-March but I’m refreshing my email every chance I get.

Hi everyone! I wanted to keep patiently waiting for the results to come in probably two weeks, but the recently posted result confused me. Does Columbia release all its MS decisions on the same day? Or the documentary track is released a little bit earlier? Besides, has anyone talked to the admission team and had any clue about when exactly are they going to let us know? Here: international applicant of FT MS program, not applying to the investigative or documentary program

Hi guys, I am in the middle of a crisis. I just finished my degree in journalism in London, but actually I want to study literature: I got a place for a master's degree in comparative literature at UCL, so a very good uni, but I am now thinking of refusing that and go to Lausanne and start another bachelor, in Italian, French and Spanish literature. Ultimately, I want to become a lecturer at university level. So my question is: can I still get into teaching (after a PhD), even if my bachelor is not in literature, or do I really need that qualification? Is it really worth changing? Thanks people, help in this situation is much appreciated. Peace!

Hi, all. I'm coming to you all in hopes of getting a few words of advice. I recently graduated with a Bachelor's in Sociology, minoring in Psychology. I'm 24 and it's time for me to make some serious decisions about graduate school. My "dream job" changed a few times over the course of the five years it took me to graduate but each of those jobs were in the same ball park. To make a long story short, those dreams of putting my degree to use as a Case Manger have sort of slipped into the past for one reason or another. Now, a degree in Sociology is almost useless without a lot of experience interning, job shadowing, etc.. Rather than going back to school to work toward a Master's degree in a related field I am considering switching routes and pursuing a career in Journalism. Has anyone switched from the social sciences to journalism? Have you had success? Would anyone recommend making this change?

I've been accepted into the PhD in English Language & Literature at Queen's U. My dilemma is... I'm unsure if academia is the path for me. I've become much more interested in journalism as of late. My questions, basically, are as follows: Would a PhD be of any use in a journalistic career? Would it be a good idea to accept the PhD offer, to try it for a semester/year? If I did end up leaving the program after one year, is that incredibly bad form? Would I be better served rejecting the offer and applying to journalism schools for next year? Do I even need any additional schooling (I'm in the midst of completing an MA in English), or am I better off attempting to get an internship/job in journalism immediately? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

Hello, have any of you who have applied to Columbia Journalism's Fall 2017 class received an email yet regarding the writing test in January?? On Dec. 17, an email I received regarding scholarship aid contained a note saying "for M.S. applicants: Information about the admission writing test will be emailed next week." I have't heard anything yet, and was just wondering if anyone else has, as I'm hoping to have as much time in advance to figure out scheduling as I can. Thanks!

For the sake of being nosy, I was wondering if people would like to compare academic records and admissions statistics. I know it's a little early for results but I was hoping to see what the competition was like. Here's a form: Program Applied To: Schools Applied To: Schools Admitted To: Schools Rejected From: Still Waiting: Undergraduate Institution: Undergraduate GPA: Last 60 hours of Undergraduate GPA (if applicable): Undergraduate Major: GRE Quantitative Score (Percentile): GRE Verbal Score (Percentile): GRE AW Score: Years Out of Undergrad (if applicable): Years of Work Experience: Describe Relevant Work Experience: Strength of SOP (be honest, describe the process, etc): Strength of LORs (be honest, describe the process, etc): Other: --

I'm a journalist with 5 years of experience covering pharmaceuticals and healthcare in India, and looking for a masters program to enhance my understanding of science. Aim is to get back into journalism to write on science. I'm 26, and most interested in biology and geography. I studied mass media in bachelors, and then did a post-graduate diploma in journalism. I was good at biology in high school. Suggestions??

Hi guys, I've been going crazy waiting for a decision and I have scoured grad café / the net for any info. Has anyone heard from NYU?

I want to learn more about science and environment so that I can report on issues in these areas with more authority. I was a really good biology student in high school, but could not continue it. What programs can I consider now? I'm 26, and a fairly accomplished journalist with 5 years of experience covering pharmaceuticals and healthcare in India for an international news agency. Thanks in advance for any thoughts/ideas/suggestions.

Hello! I'm interested in science writing programs and am planning on applying to MIT and NYU. I majored in neuroscience at Pomona in undergrad (GPA: 3.67, GRE: verb 169, quant 163), currently work as a grant writer at USC, but developed an interest in science writing through my work and want to move into science journalism. I launched a blog called Free Radicals about a year ago (freerads.org), which has over 1,000 likes on FB (I know small potatoes, but we only launched in January!) This type of background seems to be sufficient for the science writing programs, but I'm thinking of expanding my applications to include journalism programs that have some sort of science writing track like UC Berkeley or UNC Chapel Hill. These programs seem to require more professional journalism experience to be competitive. Do you think it's worth applying or am I wasting my time?

Hi, I'm in the process of trying to figure out which MA programme I should apply to. I'm 22 years old and Danish with my undergrad in Media Studies from an unknown Danish university (but with an exchange semester in Australia, international work experience in an IFI and a good GPA). I'm aiming for an international career within the media business or communications. As far as I can tell, a journalism qualification is super sought after within these sectors. However, I'd also like to supplement my Media Studies background with some political, legal and economic knowledge to make me more employable in either international journalism or an international organization's communications department - I'm thinking International Relations would be perfect for that. That's why I'm looking for a 2-year MA in International Relations combined with media/communications/journalism in some regard. I'm applying for the Sciences Po double degree in IR and Journalism, but I can't find a lot of other universities that do double degrees like that. There are some in Australia, but that's a bit far for me to move, and American universities are far too expensive for me. Do you know of any degrees like that in either Europe, Canada or Asia? Or can you tell me whether it's a good idea to even combine these two fields?

I'm surprised that people haven't talked about the political leanings and "vibe" of different schools and media establishments. I want to stay in the Bay Area, and Berkeley and Stanford seem to be the only two MJourn programs here. Berkeley has a strong social justice vibe. Over the years, I've learned that progressive schools and publications do not want to hear what I say, despite the fact that I'm a marginalized minority as well. My impressions of Stanford is that they have more of Silicon Valley's social enterprise culture. Still liberal, but less activist than Berkeley's. Would Stanford be more receptive to me? Is Stanford more "stuck up" in a different way than Berkeley? Which school would be more receptive to someone whose stories are new and different from what's already broadcast in the media? Are these two schools feeder schools for the major liberal news media like NYT, Al Jazeera, NPR, etc? Thanks in advance for your help.

We are in the planning stages of launching Damn Good Selection (DGS), a new online magazine covering music found on the bewildering music streaming catalogues available. The music selection on the latest streaming services is vast, and it can be overwhelming to find new music. DGS will offer concise articles tracking the latest additions, classic gems, and some of our authors favourite playlists. All our content will be found through a modern website, conveniently categorised so you can find the appropriate content for your chosen music streaming platform and your favourite genres. We are looking for music journalists who would be interested in contributing to our new magazine. Even if you just write as a hobby, this magazine is about the views of true music lovers, so we want to hear from you! To start with our magazine will focus on the following genres with a view to expand in the future: Electronic Jazz Pop/RnB Global Rap/HipHop The magazine will launch as a not-for-profit, and therefore we will be unable to pay for any articles you write. However we are well aware that our authors will be our strongest asset, and will credit all of your work and provide the appropriate links so that you get appreciation for your work. As the magazine reader base expands we will explore introducing unobtrusive advertising so that we can start paying our contributors. We feel this is an exciting opportunity for upcoming music journalists to showcase their work on a professional online magazine based firmly on the future of music consumption. Feel free to ask any questions you have, either on this forum or via email: damngoodselection@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi guys! I got accepted to a couple of journalism grad programs in Canada and I'm torn which one to choose. So, I desperately need input and advice to put things in perspective and hopefully, make a logical decision that I won't regret. Anyway, I got in to the Master of Journalism program in UBC, Western, Ryerson, and Carleton. What are the pros and cons of each program? Which one is better? Should I attend the one that offers me the most funding or choose the one I really want to attend? Feel free to response! I'm just desperate as deadlines to accept/decline offers are coming up. Thanks!