Admissions
We’re excited that you’re considering Medill’s full-time one-year graduate journalism program. This program gives you unique opportunities and experiences and helps prepare you to launch or accelerate your career in reporting, writing and media. We’re here to answer any questions you have about the program and the admissions process as well as connect you with current students, alumni and faculty.
Medill reviews applications holistically to gain a deeper understanding of our applicants' experiences and ability to be successful in our program.
We look forward to introducing you to the Medill community and receiving your application.
Application deadlines
The admissions application to start in fall 2024 is currently closed.
The admissions applications for Fall Quarter 2025 will open mid-August.
2025-2026 Application Deadline and Notification Dates
Applicants to Medill’s graduate journalism program can choose to apply to one of three deadlines for the 2025-2026 school year. The application review process is the same for all three rounds, and all admitted students will be considered for merit-based scholarships regardless of the round they choose. Please note that Round 1 and Round 2 applicants will be given priority consideration for the following scholarships: Dean’s scholarship, Comer, NABJ-Reuters, Sagan-ProPublica, Trienens, and Simmons.
Each deadline has a corresponding decision notification date. Decisions are not released on a rolling basis; instead, applicants who have submitted completed applications by the deadline can expect a decision by the notification date. A completed application is one that has all transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation and required essays that have been received by our office and included with your application. Applicants can view their application status by checking their application portal. Applications that are submitted but missing required elements, such as a letter of recommendation or missing transcript, will not be reviewed until all materials have been received. As a result, applications that are incomplete are not guaranteed a decision by their corresponding notification date.
Applicants must choose ONE journalism specialization on their admissions application.
Application requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- Academic transcripts
- Admissions interview
- GRE or GMAT test scores (optional)
- Test scores for English language proficiency (for international applicants)
- Resume
- Essays
- Work samples (optional)
- Recommendations
- Application fee
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The diversity of students, faculty and staff at the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications has been a source of innovation, excellence and leadership throughout our history.
Today Medill continues its commitment to creating an inclusive environment and to providing equity in opportunities regarding research, teaching, administration and student services. Medill is dedicated to creating a socially just community by strengthening policies, developing programs, and fostering acceptance for a broad range of communities and concepts. We aim to welcome students, staff and faculty from diverse backgrounds and support them so they may thrive in our community.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are also essential to the professional skills we teach in preparing our students for careers in media.