Admission to SHERP is highly competitive. Just 15 students are in a typical yearly class, so to be admitted applicants need to demonstrate a record of achievement in and out of school. SHERP students tend to have diverse backgrounds, and there is no single formula for admission and subsequent professional success. The only essential ingredients are a passion for journalism and an intense curiosity about the world of science.
Many SHERP students have undergraduate or graduate science degrees, and training in science is a significant plus for admission into the program. Some of SHERP’s most accomplished graduates came to the program with little or no formal scientific training, however. Experience in journalism, including published clips, is also a strong asset for admission but not a necessity.
The GRE is required for all applicants, and successful candidates tend to have test scores and grade point averages at or above the 90th percentile. Again, however, there have been notable exceptions. The essay section of the application is weighed heavily in admissions. Letters of recommendation and writing samples are important, too.
SHERP has a proud history of welcoming students from all over the world. However, because SHERP is a professional writing program, all applicants MUST demonstrate a fluent command of written English. In addition to the GRE, non-native speakers must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The TOEFL requirement is waived if your undergraduate or graduate degree was completed at an institution where the language of instruction is English. A minimum TOEFL score of 250 is required for admission, and successful applicants tend to score substantially higher. Just like American students, international students are eligible to compete for scholarships and other financial aid, and are also encouraged to consider outside funding from their governments or from foundations.
Tuition is assessed on a per-point basis by the NYU Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS). The SHERP program requires 44 points, or credits, for the M.A. in Journalism with an Advanced Certificate in Science, Health and Environmental Reporting. The tuition rate for the 2007-08 academic year is $1,139 per point. Registration fees are additional: around $385 for the first point each semester and $57 for each additional point. Please view the "Tuition & Fees" document (75K PDF) on the GSAS site for the most detailed and up-to-date information.
The application deadline is January 4 for students seeking to enroll the following September. We will consider late applications if space is available. However, admissions are done on a rolling basis starting in mid-January so we strongly encourage applicants to apply by January 4 to improve their chances of being admitted.
No interview is required but prospective applicants are welcome to visit classes and meet the faculty and students. E-mail SHERP to arrange a visit or request additional information.
Some financial aid is available, including partial tuition remission scholarships administered by SHERP as well as loans and work study opportunities administered through the NYU Office of Financial Aid.
Students seeking SHERP-administered scholarships should apply by January 4, and should indicate on their applications that they are seeking aid.
NEED AN APPLICATION?
Applications in various formats (online, downloadable, by mail) are available from the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) Admissions website.
Note: If you are applying by mail, application materials should be sent to GSAS directly, not the Department of Journalism.
