Admission Requirements
Ready to take the next step? The School of Journalism and Mass Communication accepts applications from current UW–Madison students during the fall and spring semesters. The vast majority of students who demonstrate a strong interest in earning a journalism degree are admitted.
- Completion of JOURN 201: Introduction to Mass Communication (students may apply during the semester that they are enrolled in JOURN 201)
Application Requirements
The application form currently cannot be saved midway and completed later. Here’s what to prepare ahead of completing the application.
- Resume (templates can be found here)
- 550-word (or less) statement of interest in the SJMC degree (statement should address why you want to be in the SJMC)
- Unofficial UW–Madison transcripts
- Transfer students must submit an official transcript from their previous college or university.
See FAQs below for more information about our admission requirements.
Application Deadlines and Key Dates
Application Deadlines
Spring Enrollment
October 1 – Application for spring semester enrollment opens
December 1 – Application for spring semester enrollment closes at 11:55 p.m. CT
Early January – Application decisions for spring semester announced
Fall Enrollment
February 1 – Application for fall semester enrollment opens
May 1 – Application for fall semester enrollment closes at 11:55 p.m. CT
Early June – Application decisions for fall semester announced
Admission Information Sessions
Fall 2025 Dates
- Tuesday, October 14 – 5:30 p.m. (Vilas Hall, Room 2195)
- Thursday, October 30 – 12:00 p.m. (Zoom)
- Friday, November 14 – 12:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Spring 2026 Dates
- Wednesday, February 11 – 5:30 p.m. (Vilas Hall, Room 2195)
- Tuesday, March 3 – 5:30 p.m. (Vilas Hall, Room 2195)
- Thursday, March 19 – 12:00 p.m. (Zoom – link coming soon)
- Friday, April 10 – 12:00 p.m. (Zoom – link coming soon)
Please note – info sessions are designed for current UW-Madison students. Students in high school interested in learning about the SJMC are welcome to meet with one of our academic advisors.
Director’s Fellows Drop-In Admissions Support
Drop-In support is conducted at the 5th floor lobby of Vilas Hall and is first-come, first-served.
- Monday, Oct. 27 4-6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 28 2-5:30 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 31 1-5:00 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 3 4-6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 4 2-5:30 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 7 1-5:00 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 10 4-6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 11 2-5:30 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 14 1-5:00 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 17 4-6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 16 2-5:30 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 21 1-5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 25 2-5:30 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 1 4-6:30 p.m.
Please note – the undergraduate academic advisors are not permitted to give feedback on application materials.
Ready to apply?
The Spring 2026 admissions application is now open! To apply, please click here.
The Spring 2026 admissions application deadline is December 1st.
Admission FAQs
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How many students does the School of Journalism and Mass Communication admit each semester?
The SJMC admits up to 120 students each semester (240 total for the academic year).
How many semesters does it take to complete the Journalism major requirements?
Once students are admitted to the SJMC, it takes a minimum of three semesters to complete the journalism-specific degree requirement courses.
What are the required classes I must take once admitted to the SJMC?
Students are required to take JOURN 202: Mass Communication Practices and JOURN 203: Information for Communication in their first semester admitted to the SJMC.
When are admissions decisions released?
Students applying to the spring semester will hear decisions by early January. Students applying to the fall semester will hear decisions by early June.
How many credits should I take in my first semester in the SJMC?
We recommend students carefully consider their credit total and overall workload during their first semester in the SJMC. If you have any questions about your specific schedule and course load, please reach out to our undergraduate academic advisors Sandra Kubat.
What types of courses should I enroll in while awaiting the SJMC admissions decision?
Examples of courses students enroll in while waiting to hear on admissions decisions include: Natural Science breadth, Literature breath, Humanities breadth (intermediate), Social Science breadth (intermediate) and 500/600 JOURN classes (open to all majors of junior credit standing).
What is deferred admission?
If we have a large number of qualified applicants, deferred admission offers may be extended to students to start the SJMC in the following semester. (i.e. a student applied to begin in the spring semester, but can be offered a fall semester spot). Students who are offered deferred admission will take JOURN 202 and JOURN 203 in the semester they officially start the program. Deferred admitted students do not reapply to the program – they will automatically start in the semester in which they are offered admission. Students who are offered deferred admission can work with our undergraduate academic advisor, for advising guidance before they officially begin the program.
If I am offered deferred admission, what Journalism and Mass Communication courses can I take in the semester before officially starting the degree?
Students can take the 500 and 600-level Perspectives, Topics and Advancements courses before officially starting the program.
Can I study abroad as a student in the SJMC? If so, when?
Yes! Most SJMC students elect to go abroad in the spring semester of junior year.
Please note – students are not permitted to study abroad in their first semester in the SJMC (they must be physically on-campus to take JOURN 202 and JOURN 203). For more information on studying abroad, please visit the Study Abroad Office’s website.
Can I double-major with other majors in the College of Letters & Science?
Yes! We frequently have students earn a second major within the College of Letters & Science. For a full list of majors in L&S, please visit the L&S website.
Can I double-major with majors outside of the College of Letters & Science?
The JBA/JBS is a special degree program; it is not considered a major. The JBA and JBS degrees are not available to students who intend to earn a degree outside the College of Letters & Science. (i.e. School of Business, School of Human Ecology, etc.) If you are majoring outside of L&S, please consider one of our certificate programs: Sports Communication, Digital Media Analytics or Digital Studies.
If I would like help with my resume or statement of interest admissions documents, what resources can I utilize?
SuccessWorks is a great place to have resumes reviewed before applying to the SJMC. Visit their website to check out their resume resources.
What happens if I am denied admission?
If you are not admitted on your first try, you are welcome to apply again. Please consult with our admissions chair about the reason for denial and how to improve your future application.
Meet with our Advisor
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers one-on-one advising for prospective students enrolled at UW–Madison. Schedule an appointment with our undergraduate academic advisor, Sandra Kubat, to help you prepare for admission.
Sandra Kubat
Make an appointment
sandra.kubat@wisc.edu
5136 Vilas Hall