This section answers most questions that occur to prospective and current applicants regarding the M.A. in Media, Culture and Technology. Please read the information below carefully. If you have questions not addressed here, you may contact the Director of Graduate Studies at DGS_MDST@virginia.edu.
Applicants for the MA in Media, Culture, & Technology must have completed an undergraduate degree in an accredited college or university. Admission depends not only on the achievement and promise of the applicant as attested through transcripts, writing sample, and two letters of recommendation but also on the clarity of the applicant's personal statement and research interests and on the compatibility of the applicant's interests with the resources of the department.
Applications open in fall (go to the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences web page for details). The deadline is May 1, with priority given to applications received by January 15, for the following fall.
1. Personal Statement
This statement should be two to three pages long. Its main task is to outline your intellectual background and interests, and why graduate study is best pursued in Media Studies at the University of Virginia. The personal statement is also an appropriate place to discuss any anomalies, challenges, or work history that is relevant to your academic path.
2. Writing Sample(s)
The writing sample should be approximately 20 pages of academic writing; this may be one long essay, or two shorter pieces. Your chosen writing sample should be academic in nature, showcasing your research and/or analytic skills. While it may reflect the precise academic interests for which you are pursuing graduate education, it is more important that it be an example of your strongest academic work.
3. Optional Media Sample
The media sample is an optional element of the application intended primarily for students considering graduate school after some time in the workforce. If you have a background in media production, you may wish to submit 1-3 examples of your professional or creative media work. This could include: journalistic writing; short films; video essays; digital media such as games, apps, or websites; photography; or audio media.
If you choose not to submit media samples, click on the “Your Portfolio” tab to continue to the next phase of the application. When you review the application, you will receive a warning that this section of the application has not been filled out. You can ignore this warning and submit your application.
4. Graduate Record Examiniation Scores
The GRE is not required to apply to this program.
5. Letters of Recommendation
The application requires two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic work and/or aptitude for graduate study. Most commonly, you should request letters of recommendation from faculty who have known you in an academic setting.
6. Faculty of Interest
Please take the time to acquaint yourself with our faculty and their areas of expertise, using our website, reading their work, or reaching out via email. Consider who could best support your intellectual interests.
7. Application Procedure
Create your account and submit your application through the Graduate School’s application management system. All graduate applications to the University of Virginia Graduate School of Arts and Sciences are handled by the Admissions Office of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
*Fee waivers are avilable in some circumstances, through the office of Graduate & Postdoctoral DIversity Programs. Those who do not qualify for a fee waiver through this process may contact the Director of Graduate Studies for futher consideration of their needs.*
8. Tuition and Costs
See the UVA Graduate School of Arts & Sciences web page for Frequently Asked Questions and the Student Financial Services web site for Estimated Graduate Cost of Attendance.