The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a renowned institution for journalism education, offering a comprehensive program that prepares students for a career in the field. For students looking to transfer into the UMass Amherst Journalism program, it's essential to understand the requirements and process. As of 2025, the transfer requirements and process for UMass Amherst Journalism are as follows:
Transfer Requirements
To be eligible for transfer into the UMass Amherst Journalism program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 is required for transfer consideration. However, a GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended for competitive consideration.
- Completed Credits: Students must have completed a minimum of 27 transferable credits to be eligible for transfer. These credits can be from a community college, another four-year institution, or a combination of both.
- Prerequisite Courses: Transfer students must have completed the following prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher:
- English Composition I and II (6 credits)
- Introduction to Journalism (3 credits)
- Media Writing (3 credits)
- Additional Requirements: Transfer students may be required to submit additional materials, such as a personal statement, letters of recommendation, or a portfolio of their work.
Transfer Process
The transfer process for UMass Amherst Journalism involves several steps:
- Application: Transfer students must submit an application to UMass Amherst through the online portal. The application fee is $75.
- Transcript Evaluation: Official transcripts from all previous institutions must be submitted to UMass Amherst for evaluation. The transcript evaluation process typically takes 2-4 weeks.
- Prerequisite Review: The Journalism department will review the student鈥檚 prerequisite courses to ensure they meet the program鈥檚 requirements.
- Admission Decision: The admissions committee will review the student鈥檚 application, transcript evaluation, and prerequisite review to make an admission decision.
- Transfer Credit Evaluation: Once admitted, the student鈥檚 transfer credits will be evaluated to determine which credits will be accepted and applied to the Journalism program.
| Transfer Credit Category | Credits Accepted |
|---|---|
| English Composition I and II | 6 credits |
| Introduction to Journalism | 3 credits |
| Media Writing | 3 credits |
| Electives | Up to 12 credits |
UMass Amherst Journalism offers a range of specializations, including print journalism, broadcast journalism, and digital journalism. Transfer students can choose from these specializations and work with the department to create a personalized course plan.
Transfer Student Support
UMass Amherst offers various support services for transfer students, including:
- Transfer Student Orientation: A comprehensive orientation program designed specifically for transfer students.
- Academic Advising: Transfer students are assigned an academic advisor who will help them navigate the program and create a course plan.
- Career Services: UMass Amherst offers career counseling and job placement services to help transfer students achieve their career goals.
What is the deadline for transfer applications to UMass Amherst Journalism?
+The deadline for transfer applications to UMass Amherst Journalism is March 1st for fall admission and October 1st for spring admission.
Can I transfer into the UMass Amherst Journalism program with an associate's degree?
+Yes, students with an associate's degree can transfer into the UMass Amherst Journalism program. However, they must meet the program's prerequisite requirements and transfer credit policies.
In conclusion, transferring into the UMass Amherst Journalism program requires careful planning and attention to detail. By understanding the transfer requirements and process, students can ensure a smooth transition and set themselves up for success in the program.
