UC Berkeley Journalism - Admissions

To request program information, please complete our online request form. To begin the online application process, please see How To Apply.

Journalism is a field that highly values individuals who are curious, well-read, enthusiastic, and creative and who have demonstrated initiative in their work and studies. We seek highly motivated students with an understanding of, and a passion for the field and a keen interest in the world. This may be reflected by outstanding work in freelance writing, by work and /or internship experience at a newspaper, magazine or broadcast station or by outstanding performance in a related field. The majority of our students have at least one journalistic internship or one year of full-time professional experience before beginning our program.

What we're looking for:

The field of journalism thrives on the curiosity, enthusiasm, and creativity of its participants. As a professional program, UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism seeks applicants who will contribute significantly to our understanding of the world. Successful applicants are highly motivated, well-read, and engaged in the world.

In reviewing applications, the admissions committee gives weight to the following qualities, characteristics and experiences:

Commitment to Journalism

Students talking Most of our students had some experience with journalism prior to starting the program, either as interns in media outlets or working professionals. (The majority worked professionally for two to four years, most in a media related field). Commitment can also be reflected in a variety of other ways, however, including freelance writing or outstanding performance in a related field.

Education

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, from an accredited college or university, and they should have at least a “B” average for coursework after the first two years as undergraduates. No specific major or academic background is required.

Language and Organizational Skills

We expect journalists to be sensitive to language and organize their thoughts coherently and cohesively. We thus ask for three samples of journalistic work (preferably published) that demonstrate these qualities. Two of the three samples must be in writing, but the third is opened to other types of media, including audio, video, web-based, etc.

Background and Life Experiences

Consideration is given to applicants’ background and life experiences that would contribute significantly to a dynamic and diverse student body. The statement portion of the application is an opportunity for applicants to highlight these aspects of their lives.

Standardized Tests

Applicants are required to take the General Test of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Although current test scores are preferred, we will accept scores for the GRE that are less than five years old. For the TOEFL, scores must be less than two years old. To send an official score report, list Berkeley’s institution code of 4833 and the School of Journalism department code of 4503.

If you are taking the paper-based administration of the TOEFL, the latest test date that will be considered is the October date. Dates and information can be obtained by contacting the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Reservations for the GRE and TOEFL should be made at least one month in advance through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). For more information, see the Admissions Examinations section.

The Admissions Process

The application has been constructed in such a way that applicants have ample opportunity to highlight their accomplishments and qualities, but it is only the first of two parts of the admissions process. The second is the interview.

Interviews
Selected individuals will be interviewed between December and February. Personal interviews are required to complete the review process and are conducted by a staff member, a faculty member, or an alumnus either on campus, near your home, or over the phone. Please do not contact us for interview information: we will contact you to make these arrangements.

Note: Not all applicants are invited to interview.

Admissions Decisions
The Admissions Committee, which consists of the Director of Admissions and several members of the faculty representing different approaches to journalism, attempts to notify all candidates of their admissions status no later than mid-March.

Newly admitted students will then be invited to UC Berkeley for our Spring Visit; an all-school event where students sit in on classes, talk with faculty, alumni and students, and get to know the J-School.

We do not allow deferred admissions; however, application materials are kept on file for two years and may be reused if an applicant decides to reapply. Those who re-apply are strongly encouraged to update their admissions folder with new work samples, personal statements and letters of recommendation.

Information Meetings and Annual Admissions Open House

We encourage applicants to visit our campus during the regularly scheduled informational meetings and to attend our Annual Admissions Open House. For the informational meetings, please email Monica Burnette at myng@berkeley.edu and come to the Library at North Gate Hall.

We will also be hosting our annual Open House event in October 2008; please check back for more details. The Open House includes a program overview, admissions information, student panel and faculty presentations. The event also showcases student work and provides a tour of the facilities. Please check our events website for details on last year's Open House highlights.

We welcome having prospective students sit in on classes. Please contact the instructor directly to make these arrangements.

Directions to North Gate Hall

Also check out:

The UC Berkeley Graduate Division

UC Berkeley Home Page

To request program information, please complete our online request form.