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Admissions at a Glance

Admissions Information

The deadline for Fall 2011 admission is December 1, 2010.

In order to apply for admission to the Graduate School of Journalism, you will need to:

1) Complete the online Graduate Application for Admission and Fellowships, 2011-2012.

2) Make a print out of the completed Applicant Summary Sheet.

3) Mail in all of the supplemental materials in a single large envelope addressed to:

Office of Admissions
Graduate School of Journalism, UC Berkeley
121 North Gate Hall, #5860
Berkeley, CA. 94720-5860

To receive program information and learn more about the Graduate School of Journalism, please complete our Information Request Form.

Admissions Timetable

Admissions Examinations

GRE Score Not Required

The Graduate School of Journalism no longer requires the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for any of its applicants. International applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

TOEFL

International students must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Berkeley's TOEFL code is 4833. A minimum score of 68 on the Internet-based test (iBT) is required, but we require a much higher score (110 or above) to be competitive in our applicant pool.

Interviews

Selected applicants will be interviewed between December and February. All interviews will be conducted by a staff or faculty member or alumnus on campus, near your home, or by phone. We will contact you to make these arrangements, so please make sure your address, phone number, and email are current in your application. Not all applicants are invited to interview and not all applicants who are invited to interview will be offered admission.

International Applicants

In addition to the criteria set by the Graduate School of Journalism, the University of California Berkeley has a second set of requirements for international applicants. Please see http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/international/index.shtml

We encourage international applicants to apply to the Graduate School of Journalism. Admission is competitive; candidates who have demonstrated professional journalism experience and a strong command of English are favored.

Regrettably, financial support for international students is limited. International students are not eligible for federal student loans but will be considered for need-based departmental grants. We recommend applying for scholarships and grants from outside organizations, or researching loan programs specifically designed for international students. The Graduate School of Journalism does not employ teaching assistants and opportunities for department employment are limited. Students holding student visas (F-1) should not expect to be employed in nonacademic positions during the first two semesters.

Should you need assistance in visa matters or other issues surrounding your status as an international applicant, please contact Berkeley's International Office at telephone number 510-642-2818 or email internationaloffice@berkeley.edu.

The international application and requirements are similar to that of the domestic counterparts. Please note these differences:

1. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required. Test scores will be sent directly to our office by the Educational Testing Service if you use institution code 4833 and department code 18.
2. Applicant fees are higher for international students. Please be sure to make your payment by the December 1 deadline.
3. International students are expected to show proof of ability to support themselves (and family, if applicable) for two years as a student. Please check the latest student budget figures to see what financial means are required.
4. International students must submit official transcripts or academic records for all university-level studies they have completed abroad and at U.S. institutions. Graduate Division will assess transcripts to determine if they are equivalent to a Bachelor's degree. Academic records should be issued in their original languages accompanied by English translations (usually prepared by your university or an official translator). If you must obtain a translation while in the United States, versions prepared by members of the American Translators Association are acceptable.

Concurrent Degree Programs

Special procedures are required for applicants who would like to pursue concurrent degree programs. Currently the Graduate School of Journalism has concurrent degree program agreements with Asian Studies, International and Area Studies, Latin American Studies, Law, and Public Health. If you would like to pursue a concurrent degree, please consult with both the Graduate School of Journalism and your designated concurrent program. Concurrent degrees add between one and three years to degree completion. The Graduate School of Journalism encourages coursework in other Berkeley graduate and undergraduate programs while obtaining a Master of Journalism. Concurrent enrollment is not required to pursue coursework in other programs.