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Application Process

Home > Undergraduate Studies : Application Process

Application Process

Once students have been admitted to the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Minnesota or another degree-seeking college, they may pursue admission to the journalism major. This page is designed to help you understand the process for submitting an Application for Major Status.

Preparing to Apply

Students who plan to submit an Application for Major Status must attend a required Premajor Information Session or watch the online version (be sure to turn the volume up). SJMC advising staff will give you information about the major, the three program tracks and the application process itself.

NOTE: These meetings are for current University of Minnesota students only. Prospective students should contact the University of Minnesota Office of Admissions at 612-625-2008.

View the listing of Premajor Information Session dates and times or watch the video. Be sure to turn up the volume before you begin the video. This presentation requires Flash and will not work on mobile devices.

Download the Digital Premajor Handbook:

Strategic Communication Track

Journalism Track

Mass Communication Track

Application deadline

Applications are accepted twice each academic year, at the start of fall and spring semesters.

The spring 2013 deadline has passed. Applications will be accepted again in the fall.

Application Process

Students are eligible to apply for major status, once they have:

• Completed or enrolled in JOUR 1001, earning a grade of “C” or higher. NOTE: It is recommended that students complete JOUR 1001 before applying
• Completed or enrolled in 30 letter-graded semester credits, including a minimum of 13 credits at the University of Minnesota. NOTE: Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate credits do not count towards these required credit totals
• Attended or viewed a required Premajor Information Session

To apply for the major, you will submit:

1. A paper application, which can be downloaded here. (PDF)
2. A written Statement of Intent. The Statement of Intent is a 1 ½ to 2 page written statement that explains your academic and professional goals for the admissions committee. This also serves as a writing sample.
3. A Sample Major Program Plan/Timeline. Your will receive instructions and your form at the Premajor Information Session.
4. A copy of your Student Course Report. The Student Course Report is a record of your past coursework and GPA, including transfer coursework (if applicable) and can be found here.
5. ACT/SAT or English Usage test scores.

For more detailed instructions, click here.

English Usage Test

If you are unable to provide an ACT/SAT or if you would prefer to take the English Usage Test, it will be administered in 100 Murphy Hall the first two weeks of spring semester.

See the FAQ (PDF) about the English Usage Test and contact Student Services (612-625-0120) if you have questions.

Notification

Applicants will receive their admissions decisions via email within four weeks of the application deadline.

If you are admitted

To confirm their admission and declare the major, admitted students must attend a New Major Planning session. At this mandatory session students will meet with faculty and advising staff and get tips on how to plan courses and create a timeline for completion of all major courses.

If you are not admitted

Students who are not admitted may submit a second application during a later semester, but the admissions committee will tell these students whether or not a second application is recommended.

Students who plan to reapply to the major also should investigate other educational programs, such as application to another major closely aligned to your professional interests or to a journalism program at another college or university. For help with this, please contact your college adviser or the Center for Academic Planning & Exploration (CAPE).

Things to keep in mind

Students must achieve major status before enrolling in JOUR 3004W and professional (skills) courses. Some context courses are open to non-majors, but no more than two of these courses will apply to the major if taken before admission. View a list of context courses.

Students who take any major courses before admission should earn A or B grades in them. Earning a C or lower grade in a major course before admission may hurt a student’s chances of being admitted to the major.