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Master's Program: Frequently-Asked Questions
Admissions CriteriaShould writing samples or a portfolio be submitted with my application? Writing samples or a portfolio are not required, but you may include these if you feel they might enhance your application packet. If you do choose to submit samples, please choose 2-3 examples of your best work and mount them on 8.5x11" paper. Please do not send loose clippings. Is an undergraduate degree in journalism or communication necessary for admission? Our master's students have diverse educational backgrounds and hold degrees in areas other than journalism or communication. Must I have professional experience in journalism for admission? Professional experience in journalism is not a requirement. Do you look for courses in journalism on my undergraduate transcript when considering my application? Previous coursework in journalism is not required. How much does your program cost to attend? Updated information about educational fees is available through the MU Office of the University Registrar. How long does it take to complete your master's program? The traditional master's program takes two years to complete. The Five-Year BJ/MA program takes five years. Do you accept transfer credits? Transfer credit is considered for some courses and only six credit hours may be transferred toward the master's degree. Please contact our graduate academic adviser about transfer credits. Financial AidIs financial aid available? Information about financial aid is available through the MU Student Financial Aid office. Are there assistantships available? Teaching and research assistantships are available for traditional two-year MA and Five-Year BJ/MA master's students. How would having an assistantship benefit me? There are financial benefits of having an assistantship. By working 10 hours a week, you will receive a stipend and an educational fee waiver. There are a few costs that are not covered by the tuition waiver. Beyond finances, you have the opportunity to work closely with a professor on teaching and research activities. Can I receive financial aid or have an assistantship if I'm an international student? International students are eligible for research assistantships. You can qualify for a teaching assistantship after you have attended the University of Missouri for one semester and have passed a language screening test that is given on campus. International students should contact the MU International Center for more information about funding options. Deadlines and Admissions DecisionsWhen are the application deadlines? The application deadline for the Winter/Spring semester (January entry) is September 1 and the deadline for the Fall semester (August entry) is January 1. Please be sure your completed application packet is received by the deadline for application. Deadlines are firm. When will I be notified of the admissions decision? You will receive notification of your admission status approximately 4-6 weeks after the application deadline. Decisions are sent both by e-mail and regular mail. How will I know if my GRE scores are high enough for me to be admitted? The admissions committee looks at all aspects of your application when determining your admissions status. This includes your undergraduate GPA, your GRE score, your letters of recommendation, your essay, your professional experience and your other accomplishments. How many applicants do you have each semester? For Fall semesters, we typically have 275-325 applicants for 75-80 spaces; for Winter/Spring semesters, we typically have 100-125 applicants for 25-35 spaces. Do you offer rolling admissions? The admissions committee reviews all applications at the same time. May I send application materials to you ahead of the deadline for the semester for which I'm applying? We welcome applications at any time. Please be sure to indicate the semester for which you are applying, and we will hold the materials in our files for up to a year. GRE and TOEFL ExaminationsAre entrance examinations other than the GRE considered for your program? Only your general GRE score is considered when your application for admission is reviewed. What must I score on the GRE to be admitted? If your undergraduate grade point average is 3.0 to 3.2, the verbal and quantitative scores together should total 1100; for grade points above 3.2, scores of 1000 may be acceptable. Where can I take the GRE? Colleges, universities and learning centers such as Sylvan are often testing centers for the GRE, or you can go to the Graduate Record Examinations Web site to learn more. What are the GRE and/or TOEFL department and institution codes for University of Missouri-Columbia? GRE Department Code: 4503. Institution Code: 6875. TOEFL Department Code: 18. Institution Code: 6875. Do I have to take the TOEFL exam if all of my schooling has been in English? If English is not the official language of your country, the TOEFL exam is required. |
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| Revised: 09 August 2006. Copyright © 2008 The Curators of the University of Missouri | Contact the J-School | |
