Frequently Asked Questions
What is a “Statement of Intent?”
What do you intend to do as a journalist? What kind of journalism do you want to do and why? Tell us about your goals and your ambitions. Where do you want to be in five years? Whose job do you want? Do you plan to go into print or broadcasting? Do you want to work for a small media outlet or large? What are your dreams, your passions about journalism?
While you’re at it, tells us about how you became interested in journalism. Tell us about your past experience in writing or journalism? Was there one incident or experience that turned on the light bulb for you? In short, you should give us some indication that you are serious about and committed to journalism. And one more thing: It should show us that you can write.
How is my application assessed?
The first assessment is done by the Registrar’s Office to make sure you meet basic requirements and your documents are in order. If pertinent information is missing you will be notified, usually by mail. Once your application is complete, it is then assessed by a selection committee in the Journalism Department.
What does the Journalism Department look for in candidates?
We look for people who have a solid academic record, especially in English-language skills. We look for people who like to write, who are curious about the world around them, and who love to tell stories. We look for people who have a strong sense of social justice and a desire to right the wrongs of the world.
We look for people who have made up their minds that they want to pursue journalism as a career. We look for enthusiasm, dedication and commitment. We look for people who can demonstrate their interest in journalism—for example, those involved in high school, college or university publications, or club newsletters.
We look for other demonstrations of your interest. For example, have you done any research on journalism so you know what the job entails? Have you interviewed any working journalists to see what their lives are like? Have you taken any part-time or evening courses in journalism? Tell us all you’ve done.
When will I know my status?
You will be notified by mail before the end of May. Note that we usually receive more applications than we have space available. You will either be offered a spot or you will be placed on a waitlist, ranked according to the strength of your application.
Will I be considered for the Certificate Program if I do not have a degree?
If you have most of the required credits for an undergraduate degree, you may be considered for the Certificate Program. The following factors will also be taken into consideration:
- other education credentials
- writing or journalism experience
- maturity
What do you recommend I do if I don’t get into the program?
Applicants to both programs are encouraged to apply again for the following year. You may re-activate your existing application with the Registrar’s office any time after October 1. You do not need to pay the application fee again. Try to enhance your application by such things as adding to your writing portfolio, providing letters of support, taking part-time courses in writing or journalism, interviewing a journalist, and improving your test scores, if applicable.
If you are a Diploma Program applicant, we recommend that you also apply to the College as an Arts and Science student. Register in university-transferable academic courses—if possible courses that are part for the Journalism package. That way you will have already completed the required academic courses for Journalism Program should you be accepted into the program the following year. We strongly recommend you take JOUR 1100, Introduction to the News Media, which is open to non-journalism students.
Can I take the program part-time or in the evening?
No. Neither the Diploma nor the Certificate Program is set up for part-time students. The intensive, hands-on nature of these programs requires students to be full-time from September to mid-April. Diploma students can, if they wish, take required academic courses before coming into the program. The advanced standing will then make the load somewhat lighter, primarily in semesters one and two.
Can I work full-time or part-time while I’m in the program?
We strongly recommend that you do not have to work to support yourself while in the program. The program workload is heavy, deadlines must be taken seriously, and some of your assignments will be off-campus or involve evening or weekend work. Some journalism students do manage to work part-time or during breaks—they must manage their time well. It helps if work hours are flexible.
Do I need any special equipment while I’m in the program?
No. Necessary equipment such as cameras, tape recorders, and all computer hardware and software is provided. You may borrow the equipment on a three-day loan basis. You are responsible for damaged and lost equipment. You will need to buy your own tapes, CDs, and digital sound recorder batteries. You may, of course, use your own equipment as long as it is compatible with ours.