What is the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication?
What kinds of courses are offered?
How many students are enrolled in the program?
Is a master's thesis required?
Can I study abroad as a master's student?
Are there internship opportunities?
Is financial aid available?
How long does it take to finish?
Where do Media, Culture, and Communication MA students do after they graduate?
Can I enroll as a part-time student?
Is it possible to take courses as a non-degree student?
Admissions
How do I apply for admission?
How many students apply?
What is the admissions process?
Are GRE scores required?
Do I need work experience?
When will I receive my admission decision?
If I am admitted to the MA program, am I admitted to the PhD program automatically?
Can I reapply if I have been declined admission?
Additional Questions
Can I take a campus tour?
Can I talk with a professor?
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
What is the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication?
Established in 1971 the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication is committed to the proposition that society is a form of communication. Our core pursuit is advancement of research, scholarship, and teaching in the various ways that human beings make, disseminate, and share meaningful symbols as individuals and social groups. To us, communication is the foundational practice of human experience and culture is the shared, lived realities of particular groups. The department offers undergraduate, MA, and PhD degree programs in media, culture, and communication. We are part of NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, which has a primary mission to advance knowledge, creativity, and innovation at the critical crossroads of human learning, culture, development, and well-being.
What kinds of courses are offered?
A full list of our courses and sample syllabi are available on our Course Offerings page. The current course schedule and an archive of course schedules from previous semesters is available on the Forms and Procedures page.
How many students are enrolled in the program?
Currently, there are about 160 Media, Culture, and Communication MA students. About 14 graduate courses are offered each fall and spring semester. During the summer session 2 – 3 graduate courses are offered.
Is a master's thesis required?
All students will complete a culminating experience which synthesizes their MA course work. Students can elect to take the MA exam or write the thesis.
Can I study abroad as a master's student?
Yes. The department sponsors several outstanding study abroad opportunities. Visit our Study Abroad page for more information.
Are there internship opportunities?
Yes, the department has strong ties to the communication industry and offers internship opportunities. Visit our Internships page for more information.
Is financial aid available?
School-wide, over 50% of all financial aid applicants receive some sort of financial assistance in the form of loans, scholarships and grants. Only those U.S. citizens or residents who apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline are considered. Departmental funding, including teaching and research assistantships, is set aside for doctoral students.
Most of our international students are self-funded or receive financial support from their government and/or employer. The NYU Financial Aid Office website provides information specifically for international students.
How long does it take to finish?
The length of time required to finish the MA degree depends on how many credits a student takes each semester. In addition, students must complete one of two culminating experiences: an MA exam or a thesis. In most cases, the thesis option adds an additional semester to the length of time required to complete the degree. The total number of credits required for the degree (36) is the same for each option.
The academic year consists of a fall and a spring semester. In addition, some students take summer courses. Generally, full-time students take at least 12 credits each semester while part-time students usually take a minimum of 4 credits. Below is an estimated time frame for completing the MA degree:
Full-time: 3 semesters (MA exam option) or 4 semesters (thesis option)
Part-Time: 5 – 10 semesters
Can I enroll as a part-time student?
Approximately 30% of our students are enrolled on a part-time basis. Many of our graduate courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening; typical time slots are 2:00 – 4:10 pm and 4:55 – 7:05 pm. While courses are sometimes offered in the 7:15 – 9:25 pm time slot, part-time students must be able to take a course at 4:55 pm or 2:00 pm least once per week. The degree is flexible enough that students can switch between full-time and part-time status as work commitments require. Please note: some students may be required to be enrolled full-time for student visa or financial aid reasons.
Is it possible to take courses as a non-degree student?
Students interested in taking courses as a non-degree student must complete a Non-Matriculated (Special/Non-degree) Application through NYU Steinhardt’s Office of Graduate Admissions.
What do Media, Culture, and Communication MA students do after they graduate?
Approximately 40% of Media, Culture, and Communication MA students intend to continue their scholarship as PhD students. The other 60% of our students intend to take their in-depth study of media, culture, and communication theory and pursue jobs in a variety of industries. These include marketing, TV, publishing, education, public relations, digital media, etc. This MA degree is theory-driven and non-vocational, and its methodologies/approaches are akin to study in the humanities and social sciences. The MA is grounded in serious scholarly inquiry and focuses on theoretical means to explore human culture and communication.
The department's extensive internship opportunities offer access to the communication industries located in New York City and this type of preparation often paves the way to entry-level work within the communication industry. The deep, interdisciplinary investigation of culture and communication is rigorous and relevant to the human condition; and it is satisfying as a course of continued study. The student will need to translate the relevance of this MA's coursework (theoretical as it is) to future employers.
How do I apply for admission?
Our admissions process is coordinated by NYU Steinhardt’s office of Graduate Admissions. Visit their website for information about how to apply, information sessions, deadlines, tuition, financial aid, and housing.
How many students apply?
The number of applicants varies from year to year. Admissions is selective with the emphasis on the personal statement and records of academic achievement.
What is the admissions process?
The admissions process is designed to review the overall potential of applicants in order to determine which students will succeed in their studies and their careers. Decisions are based on the following:
Are GRE scores required?
Master's and doctoral applicants to the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication are required to submit official GRE scores. Applicants should submit a photocopy of their scores with their admissions materials and request that official scores be sent using NYU Steinhardt's ETS institution code of 2556; a department code is not required.
Do I need work experience?
While work experience is looked upon favorably in the admissions process, it is not a requirement for admission. Professional experience derived from full- and part-time employment as well as internships will enhance an applicant's admissions folder.
When will I receive my admission decision?
Decisions are rendered in roughly six to twelve weeks after the application completion date.
If I am admitted to the MA program, am I admitted to the PhD program automatically?
No. Students admitted to the MA program will need to apply for the PhD program separately.
Can I reapply if I have been declined admission?
Yes, applicants may reapply if there is a significant change in their profile such as successful completion of graduate level coursework in a relevant field or gaining several years of relevant experience.
Can I talk with a professor?
Yes, you can contact faculty directly. Please read each full-time faculty's biography on the department website to determine which faculty member's areas of expertise intersect with your own. Our faculty asks that prospective students contact them with questions related to their scholarly interests. Contact the graduate advisor with questions about the program, admissions, and courses.
Can I take a campus tour?
Tours are conducted by the NYU Undergraduate Admissions Office; Contact the NYU Undergraduate Admissions Office to make an appointment for a tour. At various times throughout the year, the the NYU Office of Student Activities offers tours for prospective graduate students. Click here to RSVP.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Mary Taylor is the Graduate Advisor for the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication. You can contact her via email or phone at (212) 998-5130.
What kinds of courses are offered?
How many students are enrolled in the program?
Is a master's thesis required?
Can I study abroad as a master's student?
Are there internship opportunities?
Is financial aid available?
How long does it take to finish?
Where do Media, Culture, and Communication MA students do after they graduate?
Can I enroll as a part-time student?
Is it possible to take courses as a non-degree student?
Admissions
How do I apply for admission?
How many students apply?
What is the admissions process?
Are GRE scores required?
Do I need work experience?
When will I receive my admission decision?
If I am admitted to the MA program, am I admitted to the PhD program automatically?
Can I reapply if I have been declined admission?
Additional Questions
Can I take a campus tour?
Can I talk with a professor?
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
What is the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication?
Established in 1971 the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication is committed to the proposition that society is a form of communication. Our core pursuit is advancement of research, scholarship, and teaching in the various ways that human beings make, disseminate, and share meaningful symbols as individuals and social groups. To us, communication is the foundational practice of human experience and culture is the shared, lived realities of particular groups. The department offers undergraduate, MA, and PhD degree programs in media, culture, and communication. We are part of NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, which has a primary mission to advance knowledge, creativity, and innovation at the critical crossroads of human learning, culture, development, and well-being.
What kinds of courses are offered?
A full list of our courses and sample syllabi are available on our Course Offerings page. The current course schedule and an archive of course schedules from previous semesters is available on the Forms and Procedures page.
How many students are enrolled in the program?
Currently, there are about 160 Media, Culture, and Communication MA students. About 14 graduate courses are offered each fall and spring semester. During the summer session 2 – 3 graduate courses are offered.
Is a master's thesis required?
All students will complete a culminating experience which synthesizes their MA course work. Students can elect to take the MA exam or write the thesis.
Can I study abroad as a master's student?
Yes. The department sponsors several outstanding study abroad opportunities. Visit our Study Abroad page for more information.
Are there internship opportunities?
Yes, the department has strong ties to the communication industry and offers internship opportunities. Visit our Internships page for more information.
Is financial aid available?
School-wide, over 50% of all financial aid applicants receive some sort of financial assistance in the form of loans, scholarships and grants. Only those U.S. citizens or residents who apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the deadline are considered. Departmental funding, including teaching and research assistantships, is set aside for doctoral students.
Most of our international students are self-funded or receive financial support from their government and/or employer. The NYU Financial Aid Office website provides information specifically for international students.
How long does it take to finish?
The length of time required to finish the MA degree depends on how many credits a student takes each semester. In addition, students must complete one of two culminating experiences: an MA exam or a thesis. In most cases, the thesis option adds an additional semester to the length of time required to complete the degree. The total number of credits required for the degree (36) is the same for each option.
The academic year consists of a fall and a spring semester. In addition, some students take summer courses. Generally, full-time students take at least 12 credits each semester while part-time students usually take a minimum of 4 credits. Below is an estimated time frame for completing the MA degree:
Full-time: 3 semesters (MA exam option) or 4 semesters (thesis option)
Part-Time: 5 – 10 semesters
Can I enroll as a part-time student?
Approximately 30% of our students are enrolled on a part-time basis. Many of our graduate courses are offered in the late afternoon and evening; typical time slots are 2:00 – 4:10 pm and 4:55 – 7:05 pm. While courses are sometimes offered in the 7:15 – 9:25 pm time slot, part-time students must be able to take a course at 4:55 pm or 2:00 pm least once per week. The degree is flexible enough that students can switch between full-time and part-time status as work commitments require. Please note: some students may be required to be enrolled full-time for student visa or financial aid reasons.
Is it possible to take courses as a non-degree student?
Students interested in taking courses as a non-degree student must complete a Non-Matriculated (Special/Non-degree) Application through NYU Steinhardt’s Office of Graduate Admissions.
What do Media, Culture, and Communication MA students do after they graduate?
Approximately 40% of Media, Culture, and Communication MA students intend to continue their scholarship as PhD students. The other 60% of our students intend to take their in-depth study of media, culture, and communication theory and pursue jobs in a variety of industries. These include marketing, TV, publishing, education, public relations, digital media, etc. This MA degree is theory-driven and non-vocational, and its methodologies/approaches are akin to study in the humanities and social sciences. The MA is grounded in serious scholarly inquiry and focuses on theoretical means to explore human culture and communication.
The department's extensive internship opportunities offer access to the communication industries located in New York City and this type of preparation often paves the way to entry-level work within the communication industry. The deep, interdisciplinary investigation of culture and communication is rigorous and relevant to the human condition; and it is satisfying as a course of continued study. The student will need to translate the relevance of this MA's coursework (theoretical as it is) to future employers.
How do I apply for admission?
Our admissions process is coordinated by NYU Steinhardt’s office of Graduate Admissions. Visit their website for information about how to apply, information sessions, deadlines, tuition, financial aid, and housing.
How many students apply?
The number of applicants varies from year to year. Admissions is selective with the emphasis on the personal statement and records of academic achievement.
What is the admissions process?
The admissions process is designed to review the overall potential of applicants in order to determine which students will succeed in their studies and their careers. Decisions are based on the following:
- personal statement
- prior academic performance
- relevant course work completed
- work experience (professional, internships, or volunteer)
- letters of recommendation
- GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores
- TOEFL scores (required for all applicants whose native language is not English or who did not receive a bachelor's degree at an English-speaking college or university)
Are GRE scores required?
Master's and doctoral applicants to the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication are required to submit official GRE scores. Applicants should submit a photocopy of their scores with their admissions materials and request that official scores be sent using NYU Steinhardt's ETS institution code of 2556; a department code is not required.
Do I need work experience?
While work experience is looked upon favorably in the admissions process, it is not a requirement for admission. Professional experience derived from full- and part-time employment as well as internships will enhance an applicant's admissions folder.
When will I receive my admission decision?
Decisions are rendered in roughly six to twelve weeks after the application completion date.
If I am admitted to the MA program, am I admitted to the PhD program automatically?
No. Students admitted to the MA program will need to apply for the PhD program separately.
Can I reapply if I have been declined admission?
Yes, applicants may reapply if there is a significant change in their profile such as successful completion of graduate level coursework in a relevant field or gaining several years of relevant experience.
Can I talk with a professor?
Yes, you can contact faculty directly. Please read each full-time faculty's biography on the department website to determine which faculty member's areas of expertise intersect with your own. Our faculty asks that prospective students contact them with questions related to their scholarly interests. Contact the graduate advisor with questions about the program, admissions, and courses.
Can I take a campus tour?
Tours are conducted by the NYU Undergraduate Admissions Office; Contact the NYU Undergraduate Admissions Office to make an appointment for a tour. At various times throughout the year, the the NYU Office of Student Activities offers tours for prospective graduate students. Click here to RSVP.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Mary Taylor is the Graduate Advisor for the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication. You can contact her via email or phone at (212) 998-5130.