The Master of Arts in Media Studies program welcomes applications from individuals whose prior education and experience demonstrate motivation and creativity. Recent college graduates, people working in related fields, and career changers are all welcome. The only prerequisite for admission is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. You can take the program full-time or part-time. Applicants who have completed relevant graduate-level courses at this or another college or university may be able to transfer up to nine credits to the New School Media Studies program.

Priority Application Deadlines

February 15 for the following fall semester
November 1 for the following spring semester

Rolling admission is available after the priority deadline. Applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

All application materials must be received in the Office of Admission by the deadline date for priority consideration.

The Office of Graduate Admission is available to assist you during the application process. You are encouraged to email the Media 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 supporting documents such as official transcripts and reference letters 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 (except readmit, nondegree, and visiting) are required to use the online application. The application fee and most supporting documents can be submitted online with the application form. The online application form includes detailed instructions for all the items describe below. You can also download the instructions in PDF format. Please read the instructions carefully before filling out the application.

Students who wish to take courses without matriculating (nondegree or visiting students) and former students seeking readmission must contact the Office of Admission for application instructions.

A complete MA Media Studies application includes

• The $50 nonrefundable application fee
• 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 work in media studies
• A résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two academic and/or professional letters of recommendation
• Optional: Academic writing samples (8-12 pages) and GMAT/GRE scores (welcome but not required)

Any supporting documents not submitted online can be mailed to the Office of Admission accompanied by a Materials Cover Sheet.

International Applicants and Others with Foreign Credentials

See special requirements regarding English language proficiency and transcript evaluations.

Costs and Financial Aid

Go to the registrar for current tuition tables and to Student Financial Services for estimates of other costs of attendance. Speak to an admission counselor if you are concerned about costs. The New School will work with you to help you finance your graduate program. All accepted students are automatically considered for New School merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

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. You can file for the next year beginning January 1.

Additional Application Information

Successful applicants will receive a letter of acceptance, which includes detailed information about and instructions for financial aid, 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. An official final transcript must be on record before a student begins classes.

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.