Frequently Asked Questions

When can I begin the Medill journalism program?

You may apply for entry to the fall quarter, which begins in September. All specializations have a fall entry.

Northwestern University is on a quarter, not semester, system. Each quarter is 10 weeks long with a break between quarters. The graduate journalism program is four quarters long, which is roughly 12 months.

Is the Medill MSJ program STEM certified?

Yes, Medill’s Master of Science in Journalism is a STEM degree. For eligibility and additional details on the STEM OPT extension for F-1 International Students, please visit Northwestern’s Office of International Student Services. Medill’s CIP code is 09.0702.

What is the average GPA score of admitted students?

The Office of Admissions does not have a stated minimum score. We pursue a holistic review of applicants and consider many items, including your work experience, prior academics, essays, recommendations and demonstration of success.

Does Medill require GRE or GMAT scores?

Medill has made the GRE/GMAT tests not required; however, you may choose to submit scores to demonstrate your academic ability.

Medill employs a holistic review process dedicated to determining an applicant's preparedness to meet the academic rigors of Medill’s MS Journalism graduate program. In addition to reviewing academic and supplemental records, Medill also pays close attention to other indicators of likely success, such as professional achievement, commitment towards field, interview performance and other relevant factors that demonstrate motivation and perseverance.

Is there a minimum TOEFL or IELTS or Duolingo score required?

No. We review applications holistically, and the TOEFL or IELTS or Duolingo score is just one of several criteria we consider for admission.

Does Medill accept transfer students and/or credits?

No. Medill does not accept transfer students to the graduate program. In addition, admitted students are not able to transfer academic credits earned at another university to replace courses at Medill. In some cases, entering students may be granted a waiver for a course that would substantially replicate prior graduate-level coursework or equivalent professional work experience. However, students granted such waivers must still complete the required number of credits at Medill for their degree program. Waivers do not shorten the time it takes to earn a degree.

Does Medill allow students to defer their enrollment?

Deferrals are intended to assist you if you encounter unexpected changes in your life or work situations that make it difficult or impossible to start at Medill in the quarter for which you were admitted. To defer enrollment, you should send a written request via email to the Office of Graduate Admissions. Your request should include your reasons for seeking the deferral.

If the deferral is approved, you will need to submit a $500 enrollment deposit. This deposit will hold your place in a future class. This enrollment deposit will not be refunded if you do not ultimately enroll at Medill.

If you received a merit-based scholarship for the 2025-2026 school year, you will not be able to transfer that scholarship to the 2026-2027 school year. Instead, we will reevaluate you for a merit-based scholarship in early 2026 and will notify you at that time if we are able to offer you a merit-based scholarship for the 2026-2027 school year. You will be asked to submit additional documentation such as an updated resume for scholarship consideration in early 2026.

If I applied before and was denied admission, may I reapply?

Yes. If you applied to a graduate program at Medill within the past two years, you may reapply by submitting a new essay, an updated resume, an additional letter of recommendation from a person who did not previously write one for you and any additional transcripts of academic work you completed since you last applied. An interview is required of all reapplicants.

Can I borrow enough to cover other school-related expenses?

Yes. Eligible students may use federal financial aid to pay for school-related expenses, which include books, supplies and the required computer equipment and software. Learn more about financial aid.

Where do graduate MS Journalism students typically live?

Most MSJ classes take place at Medill Chicago (303 E. Wacker). Students live in neighborhoods all over the city. They typically live near public transportation and commute an average of 30-45 minutes to Medill Chicago. Examples of some neighborhoods where MSJ students have lived in the past include Streeterville, River North, Uptown, Lakeview or Wrigleyville, the Loop and South Loop/Bronzeville.
As part of your Student Activity Fee, you will receive a U-Pass that will allow you to ride CTA buses and the CTA trains at no cost when classes are in session. Please note your U-Pass does not include the Metra, which is a separate commuter train system that goes to many of Chicago’s suburbs. As you look for housing, consider mapping potential apartments to 303 E. Wacker to determine how long your commute may be and remember, in Chicago, rush hour can add time to your commute. Many students typically take the Red Line and Purple Line “L” trains (the closest “L” stop to Medill Chicago is Lake) and bus routes 146, 143, 147, 136 and 135.
Keep in mind that housing will generally get cheaper the farther away from The Loop you get. Splitting a multiple-bedroom apartment with roommates will also be cheaper than paying for your own studio or one bedroom.
Please note that Northwestern University does not provide graduate student housing option on its Chicago campus.

What resources are there for students who require disability accommodations?

AccessibleNU serves, supports and empowers Northwestern students with disabilities by ensuring equal access to fully participate in academic programming and all other facets of university life. For more information about receiving accommodations, please visit AccessibleNU’s website.