The following are posted for your convenience. Please feel free to call 212.229.5150 to speak with a member of our admissions staff.
General
Admission Process
General
How are classes scheduled to accommodate working adults?
Balancing a career and coursework can be challenging but The New School makes it easier to earn your MA degree by holding most classes in the late afternoon and evening.
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What is the benefit of attending classes online?
Earn your master's degree at your own pace and enjoy the convenience of "going to class" at any hour of the day or night. The online program of study allows you to satisfy all the requirements for the MA in Media Studies anywhere you have access to the internet.
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Where can I find more information about film festivals, showcases and student exhibits?
The department coordinates the following showcases: Digital Design Show, Critical Themes in Media Studies, Hirshon Film Festival, Immediacy Online Journal, Video Show, Televisuality, Film Show and Mixed Messages.
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What production resources are available at The New School?
As a Media Studies student, you have access through University Academic Computing to professional equipment and production facilities in video, audio, and multimedia, as well as access to our recently remodeled 16mm film production facility, not to mention all the resources of the media capital of New York City. The Media Studies Film Production Office houses all 16mm filmmaking and digital equipment for students pursuing film production coursework. Cameras, lights, sound equipment, tripods, etc. can be checked out by those currently enrolled in associated production courses.
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What certificate options are available?
In addition to the master's program, the department of Media Studies at The New School offers challenging certificate programs. On the graduate level, Documentary Studies and Media Management; and for undergraduate credit (or on a non-credit basis), Film Production and Screenwriting.
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Admission Process
How can I speak with someone one-on-one with my questions about applying to the program?
Admission counselors for the program are glad to assist in developing a strong application to the program. You can contact the Office of Admission by phone (212.229.5630) or email (nsadmissions@newschool.edu) to speak with a counselor, or attend an admission information session and speak personally with a counselor afterward.
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What should an accepted student do after receiving an admission letter?
You will receive an Admission Reply Form by mail in your accepted students package. This form must be returned along with your tuition deposit to reserve your place for the upcoming academic term. The accepted students package is available online and the Admission Reply Form can be downloaded in PDF format.
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What factors are used in the admission decision? Is there a minimum GPA requirement?
Applicants are evaluated on a number of factors. One of the primary considerations is candidates' ability to articulate their goals, specifically addressing how our master's degree program will assist in their academic and professional pursuits. The admission committee uses the applicant's essays, transcripts, and résumé as the basis for their decision. For students who have recently completed their undergraduate degree, a 3.0 cumulative GPA is preferred. For students who have been out of college for a number of years, professional experience and learning may offset a low GPA. However, each applicant is reviewed on the overall application and there is no specific GPA requirement.
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How do I apply for financial aid and/or scholarships?
All applicants are automatically considered for a departmental merit scholarship. The only document required for financial aid consideration is the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This form can be submitted online at www.fafsa.ed.gov (be sure to list our school code of 002780); students need not wait for an admission decision to begin the financial aid process. The New School provides a comprehensive program of financial services for degree-seeking students, including significant institutional scholarship support to eligible students on the basis of both merit and need.
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I am a student in the Documentary Media Studies program, and want to apply to the Masters program. What do I submit?
Applicants from the graduate certificate in Documentary Media Studies will need to submit the following to be considered for the MA in Media Studies:
- Application for the Master of Arts in Media Studies (the fee is waived)
- An updated résumé/C.V.
- Transcripts (the office of admission will obtain your transcripts internally.)
- A revised Statement of Purpose
- 2 Recommendation Letters (One new/recent academic letter of recommendation. Please request that your previous recommendation from the documentary studies application be used as your second letter.)
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What is the policy for deferred admission?
Deferral requests are considered in extreme circumstances only. If you feel that you qualify for deferral consideration, you must make a written request to the Office of Admission. If approved, you must pay the tuition deposit to hold your place. Additionally, merit scholarships and financial aid are not deferred. Applicants must re-apply for financial aid and will be re-reviewed to determine if a merit scholarship will be awarded for the new term.
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Is a tuition deposit required to confirm enrollment for admitted students?
Yes, a tuition deposit is required to confirm enrollment. The tuition deposit for the 2011-2012 academic year is $500. Admitted students will receive instructions on how to pay the deposit with their admission packet. This fee is non-refundable and will be applied to the cost of tuition during the first semester of study.