Apply to Graduate Program

Who can apply?
When to apply?
How to apply?
How about assistantships, fellowships and financial Aid?
Application checklist

Who can apply to our graduate program?

Recipients of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better in the last two years (60 hours) of undergraduate work.

When to apply to our graduate program?

Graduate students are admitted in the fall, spring and summer semesters.

The department has rolling review of applications. But, for best consideration, applications for summer and fall should be complete no later than the previous March 15. Applications for spring should be complete no later than the previous October 15. Rolling review for completed applications ceases one month prior to the beginning of classes. All applications received after that point will be reviewed for the next subsequent semester. Students may take courses as non-degree-seeking students while completing their applications or awaiting application review.  

Summer/Fall semesters – March 15 (for graduate assistantship awards consideration). Last possible date for fall admission consideration is July 25
Spring semester – October 15

Application deadlines may vary for international students. For details, see www.stpt.usf.edu/international.

How to apply to our graduate program?

Formal application to the M.A. program in journalism requires:

An online application form found here

A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score (MAT, LSAT and GMAT are also accepted). Your scorse should be sent directly to USF's institution code: 5828.

The following application materials should be sent directly to the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, USF St. Petersburg, 140 7th Avenue South, FCT 204, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5016. Do not send these items anywhere but to this address.

1. A detailed letter of intent for seeking an M.A. in journalism, including discussion of: your background, especially the academic and professional aspects, the specific scholarly, policy, or professional issues in which you have an interest, how your background has prepared you to excel in the journalism M.A. program, and how you intend to apply your education when you complete our M.A. program.

2. Three letters of recommendation from qualified people who are familiar with the nature of the work required of graduate students in the social sciences, and who can address your ability to excel in this type of work.

3. Three examples of professional or academic writing.

4. A copy of your transcripts, sent directly to our journalism department from your previous college or university registrar's office. It comes to the same address as the other application materials.

Here is a checklist of all the documents you need for a complete application.

All paper work — application, transcripts, test scores (GRE, TOEFL), statement, letters of recommendation — must be on file before the admission will be reviewed. When the applicant’s fully completed application is in hand, the graduate admissions committee evaluates each application and recommends for or against admission into the department. The department's graduate studies director, Dr. Deni Elliott, informs applicants if admission has been recommended.

Additional details about graduate study and admission (including the state's immunization requirements) are found in the current USF Graduate catalog at Web site of the USF St. Petersburg Graduate Studies.

Applicants from other disciplines
We welcome applicants from undergraduate or graduate disciplines other than journalism or mass communications. However, those without formal education in journalism/mass communications or without professional experience will be required to take JOU 5105, "Newswriting and Editing" once admitted.

Dual degree program
Students may be allowed to pursue two graduate degrees simultaneously. For details, contact the Department's Director, Dr. Robert Dardenne, dardenne@mail.usf.edu.

Transfer credit
Transfer credit from a regionally accredited school is limited to nine semester hours or the equivalent of three graduate courses. All transfer credit must have been completed with grades of "B" or better and must be approved by the department during the student's first semester in the program.

How to apply for assistantships, fellowships and financial Aid?

The Department seeks motivated graduate students for our assistantship and fellowship programs. Assistantship possibilities include teaching and research with faculty members in the department, in local high school, middle school and elementary programs, and at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies. Exceptional students may receive funds from the St. Petersburg Times Fellowship program.

Graduate assistantships are available on a competetive basis for students who qualify. Students must be formally admitted to the M.A. in journalism program and must be a full-time student (nine credit hours) for the term in which the assistantship is held. The duties and responsibilities of graduate assistants vary, and may include research or service support as well as assisting instructors with undergraduate journalism and media studies courses. Graduate assistants receive a full in-state tuition waiver. Assistantships are generally awarded to begin in the fall term. Deadlines for consideration for a graduate assistantship or other departmental support is March 15. Graduate assistantships that become available at mid-year are advertised to current and potential graduate students as they become available.

To apply for the assistanship, complete this form and email it to Bridget Nickens by the deadline.

Fellowships, grants and scholarships
Students may also be eligible for funding through the St. Pete Times Fellowship, which provides partial or full tuition wavers.

Financial aid and loan programs
Loans, scholarships and other forms of financial aid are available. However, graduate students are not covered under several state and federal aid programs, such as Federal Pell Grants, reserved exclusively for undergraduates. Contact the USFSP office of financial aid, www.stpt.usf.edu/finaid.