School of Journalism and Mass Communication
students in caps and gowns at a commencement celebration

Apply for Admission

If you haven’t seen all the places a J-School degree can take you, check out our alumni stories.

We accept applications in fall and spring semesters. Here’s what you need to be eligible:

  • Completion of JOURN 201, Introduction to Mass Communication (you can apply during the semester you’re enrolled in JOURN 201, rather than waiting for the next semester).
  • Completion of 24 credits by the time of admission, including what you’re enrolled in when you apply (this usually means freshmen can apply in your second semester at UW-Madison and transfer students can apply during your first semester here).

The application requires a few things to help us get to know you:

  • Resume – be sure to include all relevant experiences, including any jobs you’ve had, regardless of whether they’re in communication (in other words, we like hard workers in any field, from waiting tables to lifeguarding to interning at an ad agency) – If you would like your resume reviewed, you can schedule an appointment with Pam Garcia-Rivera, the career advisor in SJMC or you can check out SuccessWorks resume resources: https://successworks.wisc.edu/resume-and-cover-letters/.
  • Transcript – Unofficial UW transcript (if you transferred in from another college/university, you must submit official transcripts). For the unofficial UW transcript, you can request this here.  For official transcript requests from your transfer college/university, we recommend reaching out to their Registrar’s Office for an initial inquiry.
  • Statement of interest in the major – this is 550 words (or less) to tell us why you want to be in the J-School and how the major can help you meet your goals (we’ll be looking at your interests but also at your writing, so focus on being clear, concise and clean). We recommend statements of interest be reviewed by the Writing Center for feedback prior to submission. Pam Garcia-Rivera is also available to provide feedback on the statements.
  • A few short survey questions – all the things you’re used to in admissions forms – name, hometown, year in school, etc.

**If you are offered admission to the SJMC, you are required to take JOURN 202 and JOURN 203 in your first semester in the program. Students are not eligible to study abroad during their first semester in the SJMC (students frequently go abroad in later semesters). Students may finish their major requirements in as few as three semesters (this does not count a study abroad semester, as most students do not take Journalism-specific courses abroad). 

Ready for the next step?

Let’s go! 

Here’s one thing you need to know. Our application form currently cannot be saved midway and completed later. So here’s what you need to do now.

  • Draft and proofread your resume 
  • Order your transcript
  • Write your statement of interest in the major (remember, 550 words maximum)
  • Save all of those things as PDFs (helpful tips on doing this)
  • When you’re all organized and ready, respond to the brief survey questions and upload your PDFs.

Application for Spring 2024

The Spring 2024 application for undergraduate admission to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication will open in October 2023.

Deadlines:

December 1, 11:55 p.m. CT: Deadline for admission to the spring class
May 1, 11:55 p.m. CT: Deadline for admission to the fall class

Getting into the J-School

If you hear hype on the street that you’ll never get into the J-School, don’t listen. The vast majority of students who have a strong interest in the J-School get in, graduate and go on to fulfilling careers.

We notify students of their admissions decision by early January for fall semester applications and early June for spring semester applications.

If you are not admitted on your first try, you are welcome to apply again.

Take advice from Rory Linnane, a J-School grad and award-winning reporter: "I didn't get into the journalism school the first time I applied, so don't give up on the field if you're passionate about it!"

Any questions?

We have admission information sessions scheduled on the following days:

  • Wednesday, October 4, 6-7 p.m., 5505 Vilas Hall
  • Wednesday, October 18, 5-6 p.m., 5505 Vilas Hall
  • Friday, November 3, 12-1 p.m., Zoom webinar 
  • Monday, November 27, 12-1 p.m. Zoom webinar for application questions before the submission deadline

The admissions info sessions are geared towards current UW students. You’re also welcome to contact your JOURN 201 instructor or any of the JOURN 201 guest lecturers of interest to you if you want to know more about how you might find your future in the major. Contact information for everyone is here.

Finally, you can meet with our undergraduate advisor for any and all questions. Contact Sandra Kubat at sandra.kubat@wisc.edu.