How to Apply for a Journalism Emphasis Area

Missouri Journalism Undergraduate Program    [Full Index]

Students may apply for a emphasis area within the School of Journalism after they have satisfied the pre-emphasis area requirements, generally in the second semester of the sophomore year. Emphasis Area options are:

• Convergence Journalism
• Magazine Journalism
• Newspaper Journalism
• Photojournalism
• Radio-Television Journalism
• Strategic Communication

Application Requirements

• Effective with students entering Mizzou Fall 2008 and later, completion of 61 semester hours (formerly 60 semester hours) of study that include all entrance course requirements as listed in the pre-emphasis area requirements, as well as other academically accepted courses as specified by the School of Journalism.
• Declare your intended emphasis area. Admission is by emphasis area. The School does not guarantee first choice of emphasis area. It may be necessary from time to time to limit enrollment in high-demand areas.
• Have word processing skills of at least 40 words per minute.
• For students whose native language is other than English: A minimum TOEFL score of 600 is required to be admitted to A&S pre-journalism, pre-emphasis area, any journalism course or to the School. Permission to enroll with a lower TOEFL score may be granted through an interview with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the School of Journalism and an additional member of the Admissions Committee. Students with scores lower than 550 normally are not considered for an interview.

How to Apply: Lower-Division Journalism Students

Early in your final pre-emphasis area semester, generally the second semester of your sophomore year:

• Complete a Emphasis Area Preference form available in Journalism Student Services. You should submit a Emphasis Area Preference form prior to the deadline even if you will be completing your final admission requirements during the summer.
• Submit your Emphasis Area Preference form by:
  • November 15 for admission in the summer or fall semester (if this date falls on a weekend, your Emphasis Area Preference form will be due the Monday after).
  • September 1 for admission in the winter semester (if this date falls on a weekend, your Emphasis Area Preference form will be due the Monday after).

How to Apply: A&S Pre-Journalism Students

The Journalism Undergraduate Admissions Committee extensively reviews individual applications for admission from students in this category. Criteria used in evaluating these applications include a student's stated passion to work in the fields of journalism or advertising, demonstrated commitment to journalism or advertising (as evidenced by work with student or professional media, high school activities or participation in journalism student groups), needs of the profession, etc. The committee also will attempt to match interests of students in this category with openings in the School's various academic disciplines.

Early in your sophomore year:

• Request a transfer of division from Arts and Science to Journalism. This is considered your application to the School of Journalism.
• Transfer of Division forms are available in Journalism Student Services, 76 Gannett, or in Admissions, 230 Jesse Hall.
• Bring the Transfer of Division form to Journalism Student Services, 76 Gannett. You should submit the Transfer of Division form prior to the deadline even if you do not have a satisfactory grade point average at the time, or if you will be completing your final admission requirements during the summer. In these cases, applications are held until final semester grades are available. If you have questions regarding grade requirements, or whether you have completed course requirements, please contact your academic advisor.
• Submit your Transfer of Division application by:
  • November 15 for admission in the summer or fall semester (if this date falls on a weekend, your Transfer of Division form will be due the Monday after).
  • September 1 for admission in the winter semester (if this date falls on a weekend, your Transfer of Division form will be due the Monday after).

For More Information

Missouri School of Journalism Undergraduate Handbook Starting Your Program Freshman/Sophomore Pre-Emphasis Area Requirements Junior/Senior Emphasis Area Requirements Graduation Academic Policies Admissions Directly Admitted Students Pre-J A&S Students Admission to Upper-Class Status and Emphasis Area Transfer Student Admissions Standards Honors Eligibility Upon Admission Financial Aid/Scholarships Sample Eight-Semester Programs Convergence Journalism Magazine Journalism Photojournalism Print and Digital News Radio-Television Journalism Strategic Communication Computer Requirements Wireless Laptop Audio-Video Player with Web Browser Other Options Journalism Scholars Walter Williams Scholars Agricultural Journalism Journalism Minor for Non-Journalism Students Student Groups Pre-Emphasis Area Requirements Students Admitted to MU Fall Semester 2008 or Later Students Admitted to MU Fall Semester 2005 or Later Early Enrollment Programs Convergence Journalism Photojournalism General Education Requirements Applying for a Journalism Emphasis Area Internships for Pre-Journalism and Pre-Emphasis Area Students Student Groups BJ Degree Requirements After Admission to Emphasis Area Emphasis Area Requirements Convergence Journalism Magazine Journalism Photojournalism Print and Digital News Radio-Television Journalism Strategic Communication Upper-Level Non-Journalism Requirements Visual Literacy Off-Site Programs New York Program Study Abroad Washington Program Options Dual Degrees Internships for Journalism-Emphasis Area Students Minors for Journalism Students Student Groups Senior Assessment Graduation Application Latin Honors Kappa Tau Alpha Journalism Career Center Master's Degree Five-Year BJ/MA Program Two-Year MA Program Advising for Journalism Students Standards for Academic Performance Dean's List Course Exceptions: Credit That Will Not Count Toward BJ Degree Exam Credit Transfer Credit Independent Study Personal Benefit Hours Sensitivity in a Multicultural Environment Media Policy Undergraduate Handbook PDF File: 830K Updated November 16, 2009 University of Missouri-Columbia Undergraduate Links How to Apply Costs, Financial Aid, Scholarships International Students Advising Info from the Provost Freshman Interest Groups myZou Campus Writing Program The Honors College Student Life