FAQ

For Applicants

How do I apply?
All students applying for admission as master’s matriculants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or the foreign equivalent. 

Additional requirements for the Media Studies MA:
• A 3.0 grade-point average on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate degree work.

• Three letters of recommendation from past professors, work supervisors or other people familiar with your personal potential and work ethic. In some instances an interview with the Master’s Program Coordinator may be required.

•An 800 to1000-word, persuasive statement of interests, explaining what you want to accomplish with media or your media scholarship, and why your goals or accomplishments matter. You are applying to a program where the faculty will be actively supporting your efforts, so convince us to join your cause, or make us understand your motivations, influences, and values. This should not be a simple biography or general statement of interest in this field, but a supported argument for your research, art, political or social justice agenda.Consider answering such questions as:

• What is the problem you want to research or address, and why does it matter for society or your own community?

• How do you want to make a difference? What is your focus for social change, and how do media enable or undermine that goal

• Has your work already made a difference? Tell us how.

• If there are concrete projects or issues you hope to explore, how might a collaborative, interdisciplinary graduate program help you to pursue this work?

If possible, append the essay with examples or links to any of your writing, videos, artwork, websites, or other work you feel supports your case.

Prospective students must also submit an application online and send in a check for $125 to the Office of Graduate Admissions. The applicant uploads transcripts, supplementary information, department-specific material, and letters of recommendation. Once completed, the information then becomes available online to the graduate program.

International Students must submit a TOEFL score if you did not earn your undergraduate degree in residence at a university in an English-speaking country. Students whose TOEFL score is lacking (below 92) may have to take ESL courses before being formally admitted.

The GRE is not required, but can be submitted in support of your application.

What is the Deadline for Application for Admission?
Applicants are advised to apply by March 1 for first consideration, as well as an admissions decision by the end of March or early April. Most financial aid decisions are made on April 15. We will consider applications on a rolling basis after that as space allows, until June 15. Earlier applications have better odds of admission. You may contact the director of the program for status on your application.

Note for deferment: The department has rolling admissions. Simply indicate on your application what semester you are applying to begin.

May I take Masters Classes if I am an undergraduate student?
Yes. We welcome undergraduates in MA classes,. You must get permission from the instructor, and will be enrolled if there is space in the class.

In addition, undergraduates with a 3.5 GPA in their major (3.0 overall GPA) and less than 125 UG credits are welcome to apply to the Accelerated Master’s program in Media Studies. Find details about the program and how to apply at https://sites.google.com/view/mainmediastudies/programs/accelerated-ma/

What are the tuition cost for the Masters program?
Costs vary based on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. It's about $1400 per 3-credit course for NY residents, and $2500 per 3-credit course for out of state and international students. For current costs, click here.

Are there scholarships available?
All matriculated students in the MA program in Media Studies are eligible to apply for graduate scholarships made available through the Queens College Foundation as well as tuition assistance awards provided through departmental funds as available each year. Please find details under Tuition Assistance. You may apply for scholarships when you apply to the program, by including a financial aid statement at the end of your essay. 

What if I have a full time job? When are classes scheduled?
Most classes are offered at night to accommodate working students.

How long will it take to complete my degree?
The MA in Media Studies is 30 credits. The program culminates with a 3-credit thesis. If a student takes 2 classes per semester, the coursework can be completed in 2 years. Undergraduate students admitted to the Accelerated MA program who are also admitted to the MA program after they graduate with their Bachelor’s degree may be able to complete their MA degree in one year.

Accessibility note:
If you require assistance filling out the graduate application, please contact Cassandra Winter at Cassandra.Winter@qc.cuny.edu.

For Matriculated Students
What are the required courses?
All candidates in Media Studies are required to complete two core courses – MEDST 702, Capitalism and Media and MEDST 703, Media and Social Justice. These course should be taken early in your graduate coursework trajectory.

Students must also complete 27 additional credits of elective graduate coursework and a 3-credit Thesis seminar. Subject to approval by the MA Committee, students prepare a thesis based upon independent research under the supervision of a thesis adviser and give a thesis colloquium during their final semester in the program.

How many credits are required to graduate with an MA degree from our program?
30 credits. That may include either 3 or 6 credits from thesis work and up to 12 credits earned elsewhere (contact the director for more information on credits earned elsewhere).

What is the Masters Thesis?
Download the Master’s Thesis Handbook here.​​​​​​​​​​​

What is the suggested sequence for taking courses?
For full time matriculation, you should plan to take 3 courses per semester (9 credits) for the first three semesters followed by a thesis semester to conclude your studies (2 years).

Can I take courses in other programs at Queens College or at other Colleges in the CUNY system?
To take courses at other Colleges, you must first get approval of the Program Director. You will then be given the number "course equivalent" from our Media Studies courses,  which you will use to obtain a CUNY ePermit by following these instructions. If you are interested in taking courses at the CUNY Graduate Center, you will need pre-approval. To do this, contact Kris Nappi in the registrar’s office (Kris.Nappi@qc.cuny.edu).

May I take courses at other New York Institutions and transfer the credit?
Consult your advisor to determine whether we can accept the credits.

Can I take a leave? Can I come back?
If you take a semester or more away, you can rematriculate here. You must complete your degree in four years total. Otherwise, you will need to get approval from the Dean. 

For Non-Matriculated Students
How do I take courses a a non-matriculated student?
You  must apply to the program as a non-matriculated student following the instructions for non-matriculated students here. Once you are accepted, you contact the Associate Director of the Program to requests classes. Classes are listed here.  

May I transfer credit in from another institution to matriculate?
Yes, you are allowed to transfer up to 12 credits to the MA program in consultation with the director.

How do I pay for the courses?

Ask at the Registrar’s or Bursar’s office in Jefferson Hall. They handle this, not the department. But you do need to check because if you miss paying the fees on time you will be dropped from the class.