Master of Science [M.Sc] Journalism and Computer Science

at Columbia University

Modules

First Year
 

• Reporting

• Journalism Essentials 

• Written Word module

• One computer science class

• Four computer science classes

• One Image & Sound or Investigative Techniques module

Second Year
 

• Frontiers of Computational Journalism

• Master’s Project

• One Image & Sound or Investigative Technologies module

• Two computer science classes

• Seminar & Production class

• Master’s Project

• Two computer science classes

Application Fee
 

Required of applicants to all programs

• $100 non­-refundable application fee payable at time of on­line application submission by credit card only.
• We do not accept checks or bank money orders. We will not accept cash or postal money orders. No exceptions. 
• Applications are not considered complete unless accompanied by the fee. The school does not grant application fee waivers.
   

Academic Transcripts
 

Required of applicants to all programs
 

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. university or its equivalent from another country, awarded by the summer of the year that you begin classes, is required.
 

During the initial phase of the application process, you are permitted to upload unofficial copies of your academic transcripts for evaluation purposes via the application portal. You must submit transcripts from every university you have attended, without exception. Should you be accepted and choose to enroll, you will then need to submit official academic transcripts from every university you have attended to the school. Please review the official transcript submission methods below:
 

Transcripts from Domestic Institutions 

• Electronic transcripts: Receiving electronic transcripts via a point-to-point system that bypasses the student (using vendors such as Parchment, Credentials Solutions, and the National Student Clearinghouse) enhances efficiency and ensures authenticity of materials. All admitted students who have attended a college or university in the United States must submit electronic transcripts directly from their school, delivered directly to The Office of Admission. 

• Paper transcripts: If an admitted student’s U.S.-based institution does not offer electronic delivery, the student must write to the Office of Admission with the link to their prior U.S. institution’s webpage concerning transcript orders to confirm that paper is the only option and obtain permission to submit a paper transcript. If a paper transcript is the only option, it must be sent directly from the other institution to Columbia, and not delivered or forwarded via the student.
   

Transcripts from International Institutions 

• International institutions outside of the People’s Republic of China: Admitted students who attended international institutions must submit an electronic transcript if their school offers secure online delivery. If the school cannot send transcripts electronically through a secure online system, they must contact World Education Services (WES(link is external)) and order a course-by-course evaluation and International Credential Advantage Package to be sent directly to The Office of Admission (Columbia Journalism School, 203 Pulitzer Hall, Mail Code 3801, 2950 Broadway, New York, NY 10027).

• International institutions in the People’s Republic of China: Admitted students who attended institutions in the People’s Republic of China can access a unique resource through CHESICC(link is external), the credentials verification service affiliated with the People’s Republic of China’s Ministry of Education, to arrange for submission of a “Verification Report of China Higher Education Student’s Academic Transcripts(link is external)” AND a “Verification Report of China Higher Education Qualification Certificate(link is external).” These should be delivered electronically to the appropriate admissions office at Columbia.
   

Writing Test
 

Required of applicants to M.S. and M.S./Computer Science programs and by M.A. applicants who indicate they would also like to be considered for the M.S. program.
 

The writing test is taken from mid-November through mid-January.
 

• The test format is short answer and open­-ended questions.

• Test information will be sent after the application has been submitted.

• The Office of Admission will email you regarding test logistics in early November.

• The writing test takes approximately two hours and focuses on an applicant’s reporting, writing, and critical thinking skills. 

• This is not a test of current affairs, and there is no way to study for the exam.

• This test is administered by a service called ProctorU(link is external). All students will take the test remotely, regardless of location. You do not need to travel to New York City to take the test.

• We do not have a sample test online.
   

Proof of English Language Proficiency
 

Required of applicants to all programs
 

Current official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score reports are required for:

• M.S. and M.A. applicants: if you indicate that you did not complete your entire undergraduate education at an English­-language university.

• Ph.D. applicants: if either English is not your native language OR you indicate that you did not complete your entire undergraduate education at an English-­language university.
   

TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Waivers of this requirement are rarely given and must be requested and approved before the application deadline. The Graduate School of Journalism reference code for ETS is 2120. On the TOEFL, we require a minimum score of 650 (paper­-based) or 114 (internet-­based); and for the IELTS we require a minimum score of 8.0.
 

Essays
 

Applicants to our programs are required to write 2-3 essays as outlined below.
 

M.S. Applicants (2-3 essays)

• Autobiographical essay

• Professional Interests/M.S. essay

• Specialized program essay (only if applying to the Investigative, Documentary programs)
   

M.A. Applicants (3 essays)

• Autobiographical essay

• Professional interests/M.A. essay

• Program Interests essay
   

Ph.D. Applicants (2 essays)

• Autobiographical essay

• Academic Interests essay

The cost of studying at Columbia University varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen.

Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition. On average, international students can expect to pay $75419 annually, to study in Columbia University

Editors, producers and hiring managers consistently seek out J-School students and graduates to find the reporting and cutting-­edge skills they need in their newsrooms. Advisors meet one-­on-­one and guide students through every stage of the job-­hunting process so they can find jobs and internships that make the best use of their skills and interests. Students learn valuable career­-building strategies including:
 

• How to write journalism-­specific resumes and cover letters that best highlight skills and prior experience

• An understanding of the profile, structure and kinds of positions available in multimedia newsrooms

• Ways to showcase selected work through social media and online portfolios

• Strategies to mine job opportunities, develop contacts and network

• How to prepare for and succeed in a job interview

• Negotiating offers

• How to pitch freelance work to editors