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We are happy to report that the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents has approved the changes to our program. Starting in fall 2008, the program's name will be the Master of Arts in Health Journalism and Communication. Our curriculum changes, including the development of separate emphasis areas in Health Journalism and Health Communication have been approved.
Look here for information on the revised curriculum.
Why should I get this degree?
This degree will prepare you for a wide range of careers in health journalism or communication. In particular, this program will help you understand the challenges of health journalism and communication today. You will gain knowledge of theories and concepts behind effective health communication and hone the skills of reporting, researching, writing, and developmeing a variety health journalism and communication projects for different media.
You can build a course of study dedicated either toward health journalism or health communication. You can also develop hands-on skills through practicum opportunities in local news organizations or in communications roles with health care organizations.
When should I apply?
We’re using a rolling admission process. That means the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll find out if you’re accepted. Applications and admissions to the program are now open again! The online Graduate School application is now available, and applicants may also send their departmental applications at any time. We will continue to accept applications through summer 2008 for enrollment in the fall 2008 semester.
Can I tour the facilities or speak with individual faculty members before deciding to apply?
Yes. To arrange a tour, call Leyla Kokmen at 612-626-1851 or e-mail her at hjournal@umn.edu
How soon will I find out if I’m accepted?
Once your application is completed and your application fee is received, the process takes about four to six weeks.
How do I get an application for admission?
You may complete the Graduate School online application for admission by clicking on http://www.grad.umn.edu/application.html. You can download the application forms for the Health Journalism Masters Program by clicking on http://www.healthjournalism.umn.edu/admissions.htm.
What are the requirements for submitting transcripts?
Please ask your schools to send official copies of your transcripts to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. They can be mailed directly to:
Office of Graduate Studies
School of Journalism and Mass Communications
University of Minnesota
206 Church St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Students who have attended the University of Minnesota should ask the registrar's office to send their Minnesota transcript directly to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. If you submit your application online, we encourage you to immediately fax copies of your transcripts to 612-626-8251.
When can I start taking classes?
You can enroll for classes that meet requirements before you are officially enrolled in the program as a "non-degree seeking" student. However, degree-seeking students have seating priority.
Do I need to submit GRE scores?
Generally, yes. It is one indication of your readiness for our program. The only situation in which a GRE waiver would be considered is if you have already earned another advanced degree or if you have many years of relevant experience in journalism or in some aspect of public health, medicine or science. Such applicants may request a waiver from the Director of Graduate Studies, Professor Gary Schwitzer, at schwitz@umn.edu. In the e-mail, please include your grade point average as a graduate student, how long since you completed your graduate degree and a brief account of your professional experience. \
Can previous coursework in public health or journalism fulfill requirements for this degree?
We are not inclined to accept credits from prior work unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid administered by the University's Office of Student
Finance, including loans and work-study, is also open to graduate
students. Click on http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/financialaid.html for more information. A wide range of regular and work-study jobs is available through the University¹s Job Center. Click on http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/openings.html."
A small number of teaching and research assistantships that would pay part or all of tuition costs and a small salary may be available in the School of Public Health or in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. We will work with you to find such opportunities, but there is no guarantee that they will be available.
Are the courses available online?
Some courses are available online. But most of the courses will require in-person attendance in classes.
But, for the sake of working professionals enrolled in the program, we make every effort to offer classes that meet only once a week and later in the day or early evening.
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