The CUNY Graduate School of Journalism is looking for students who have a strong sense of curiosity, who are committed to working in the field of journalism and who exhibit strong leadership skills. We want students who will react to any event with questions, and more questions. We want students who want to find out how and why things work as they do. We can teach students the mechanical skills-how to use public records, how to write a lead, how to use audio and video equipment-but it's that innate sense of curiosity that will lead to success in this field.

We anticipate applicants from a variety of backgrounds. Some will come straight from college; others will be practicing journalists; yet others will be persons seeking a new career. In all cases, we will look for demonstrated writing proficiency and/or a knack for storytelling, a broad-based undergraduate education encompassing a variety of academic disciplines, a passion for current events and a commitment to journalism or some other discipline.

Evidence of writing/storytelling proficiency for practicing journalists might be news clips or a broadcast tape. For recent college graduates, it might be work done for a college or university publication or television/radio station. For career changers, it might be writing done for work, a paper written for a college class, or a freelance piece.

Our application review process is holistic; we look at candidates from many perspectives, so a relative weakness in one area is not necessarily a disqualifier. We want to know more about you than your grades and standardized test scores, and invite you to tell us about yourself and your interest in our program in your statement of purpose.

We are now accepting applications for Fall, 2009. Candidates should visit our application checklist to begin working on their materials and ensure a complete application. Then please visit the CUNY Graduate Center's online application page to start your application. Our application fee is $65. Please disregard the fee listed on the CUNY Graduate Center's website. If you wish to be considered for university or federal aid, please be sure to submit your Application for Financial Assistance by February 1, 2009. Admissions decisions will be mailed out in early April. (There is no spring semester admission.)

To request a program brochure and to add your name to our email listserve for program updates, please fill out our Online Information Request Form.