The Certificate Program in Documentary Media Studies welcomes applicants whose prior education and experience demonstrate motivation and creativity, including recent college graduates, people working in related fields, and career changers. The only prerequisite for admission is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, but enrollment is limited and selective, and a personal interview is required. The interview will be arranged after all application materials have been reviewed.
Priority Application Deadline
The priority application deadline is February 15 for the following fall semester. All application materials must be received in the Office of Admission by the deadline date for priority consideration. Late applications may be considered at the discretion of the Admission Committee.
The Office of Graduate Admission is available to assist you during the application process. Email the Documentary Studies admission liaison, Sarah VanHorn, at vanhorns@newschool.edu with any questions during the application process.
How to Apply
Plan ahead to meet the application deadline. It takes time for documents such as official transcripts to reach The New School. Your application will not be reviewed until all the required documents have been received by the Office of Admission.
All applicants must use the online application. The application fee and most supporting documents can be submitted online with the application. The online application form includes detailed instructions for all the items described below. You can also download the instructions in PDF format. Please read the instructions carefully before filling out the application.
A complete application includes
- The $50 application fee (nonrefundable)
- Official transcripts from every college or university previously attended, including documentation of undergraduate degree completion or the U.S. equivalent
- A statement of purpose—a 1,000-word explanation of your interest in and preparation for graduate study and documentary studies in particular
- A one-page résumé or curriculum vitae
- A creative portfolio, as described below
- Two academic or professional letters of recommendation
The portfolio and any other supporting documents not submitted online can be mailed to the Office of Admission with a Materials Cover Sheet.
Creative Portfolio
As described below, submit a portfolio consisting of two samples of original creative work and a proposal for a short documentary project. Your name
and New School ID (N plus eight digits, from the online application) should appear clearly on all portfolio materials you
submit. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Admission. Like all application materials, the portfolio will not be returned.
Creative Sample 1: Video Self-Portrait
Make a short video (no more than three minutes long) revealing something interesting about yourself in
relation to objects, places, activities, and/or people in your life.
Think visually (show, don't tell), and think in terms of a story. Submit your video as either a DVD for
NTSC playback or as files on a CD using authoring compression
techniques that will play back on MAC or PC. Work must be clearly labeled.
Creative Sample 2
Provide a sample of any creative work over which you had primary artistic control, such as audio,
video or film, creative writing (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, dramatic writing,
or criticism), photography, drawing or painting, sculpture, or
installation. You can submit files on a CD (see above) or links to a personal website. Work must be clearly labeled.
Documentary Project Proposal
In
two pages, double-spaced, describe an idea for a short documentary based in or around New York City, including human subjects,
locations, and the social or intellectual issues you propose to address. Outline the activities or events to be filmed and the way they might be arranged
into scenes and sequences.
International Applicants and Others with Foreign Credentials
See special requirements regarding English language proficiency and transcript evaluations.
Costs and Financial Aid
Tuition is charged per credit. Go to Registrar for current tuition and fees information and to Student Financial Services for estimated other costs of attendance. Speak to an admission counselor if you are concerned about cost. All U.S. citizens and permanent residents who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are considered for loans and grants on the basis of need. The New School's federal school code is 002780. You do not have to wait for an admission decision to file the FAFSA. If you are a veteran or active member of the U.S. armed services, you may be eligible for education assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Additional Application Information
Successful applicants will receive a letter of acceptance, which includes detailed information about and instructions for housing, tuition and fees, student visas (for nonresidents of the United States), and other matters. A decision to admit is always contingent upon the student's successful completion of any current studies and the receipt of a final transcript by the Admission Committee.
All materials submitted in association with the application for admission become the property of The New School and cannot be returned to you or transmitted to a third party.
Students who wish to apply to more than one graduate degree program at
The New School must call the Office of Admission for instructions at
212.229.5150 or toll-free at 800.292.3040.
