Religion-Journalism Dual MA/MS Program

Program Category: Dual-Degree Program
Chair: Matthew Engelke
Director of Graduate Studies: Zhaohua Yang
Website: https://religion.columbia.edu/content/journalism-religion-dual-msma-program
Degree Programs: Full-Time/Part-Time: MA (housed in the Department of Religion in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences) and MS (housed in the Graduate School of Journalism)

This special program enables a small number of qualified candidates to receive two master's degree, one from Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism (MS) and the other from the Department of Religion (MA), in two years of study. 

Candidates must apply simultaneously to both the Journalism School and the Religion Department (through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences) and must indicate on each application their intention to pursue the dual program. Admitted students complete the Journalism program (a one-year degree program) in their first year. For the general requirements for the Journalism degree, click here. 

In the second year, students concentrate in the program in the Department of Religion. Students must complete successfully either Theory and Method in the Study of Religion I or II (G6101x or G6102y) and J6002y, section 008 (Covering Religion) offered by the Journalism School. The six credits earned through J6002y apply to the MA in Religion. For the general requirements for the Religion degree, click here.

Special Admissions Requirements

Separate applications must be submitted to both GSAS and the School of Journalism.

Candidates may contact the Office of Admissions at the School of Journalism ([email protected]) and Zhaohua Yang at the Department of Religion ([email protected]) . 

In addition to the requirements listed below, all GSAS applicants must submit one transcript showing courses and grades for each school attended, a statement of academic purpose, a writing sample (a course paper, term paper, etc.), a personal statement, and three letters of evaluation from academic sources. Students accepted into the program must submit official transcripts.

All applicants whose undergraduate degree is from an institution in a country whose official language is not English must submit English proficiency exam scores. The English proficiency requirement can be fulfilled through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

For more information, refer to our Admissions Information and Frequently Asked Questions pages.

*To be eligible for admission in GSAS, at least TWO letters must be submitted by academic recommenders. You may include up to four letters in your application, regardless of the number required by your program of interest.

Additional Deadline Information: Applicants who wish to be considered for funding are strongly encouraged to apply by the early deadline date, March 13.