NYU mcc requirements

Last Updated on December 23, 2022

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Thinking about pursuing a degree in Media, Culture, and Communication at NYU? You’ve come to the right place! This article will provide you with information about NYU MCC Requirements, NYU MCC Degrees, and other pertinent details. Information on NYU MCC careers, NYC MCC rankings, and other pertinent current information may be found on Collegelearners.

About MCC

What is the Department of Media, Culture, and Communication?

MCC Undergraduate Study Abroad | NYU Steinhardt

Established in 1971, the department is at the forefront of scholarship and teaching in media studies. Our research and curriculum emphasize the study of global media and culture, digital media and new technologies, media history, visual culture, media industries and infrastructures, media activism, and political communication.

MCC faculty include some of the world’s most renowned scholars of media, technology, and culture. 

Their graduate coursework offers a theoretical foundation for examining global media within political, social, and cultural contexts. However, they do not provide practical training in media production, publicity or marketing.

NYC MCC Requirement

The Requirement to study MCC at NYU Steinhardt is determined whether you want to study as an undergraduate or a graduate.

This article would give you information about both categories and you have the discretion to choose which category you belong to.

HOW TO APPLY

UNDERGRADUATE

The Application Process

Whether you’re from Massachusetts, Manchester, or Mumbai, a first-year student or a transfer, there are a few key things you need to do to apply to NYU. But requirements such as standardized testing and English language testing vary for different applicants.

If any of the below apply, you should submit a first-year application:

  • You are participating in a dual-enrollment program, even if you are earning enough credits for an associate’s degree. (Dual-enrollment means that you are in high school and also in a college-level program.); or
  • You are currently enrolled in a college or university program in the United States that is not regionally accredited; or
  • You are currently enrolled in a non-degree seeking program in the United States after high school completion and you will have fewer than 24 credits complete by the time you plan to enroll at NYU; or
  • You withdrew from all your college level classes and have not received any grades for college coursework.

First-year applicants

On this page you’ll find step-by-step application instructions on applying to all three of NYU’s degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. If one of the following applies to you, follow the instructions below to apply as a first-year student:

  • Currently in high school, even if taking college courses.
  • Participating in a dual-enrollment program, even if you’re earning enough credits for an associate’s degree. (Dual-enrollment means that you are in high school and also in a college-level program.)
  • Graduated with a GED or high school diploma equivalency test and have not enrolled in a degree-seeking program.

How do I apply?

Step 1: Start and Complete the Common Application Online

The Common Application is required for students applying to any or all of NYU’s three degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, or Shanghai. You’ll be able to choose your campus(es) and program(s) of interest on the NYU-specific page of the Common Application.

You’ll need:

  • Contact information for the counselor or other school representative who will complete your Common Application School Report, where they are able to submit your high school transcript and a letter of recommendation.
  • Contact information for one teacher (or two, maximum) who will complete the Teacher Evaluation form.
  • Nonrefundable $80.00 application fee. Students who are unable to pay the application fee can request a fee waiver.

Step 2: Gather and Submit Necessary Documents

Depending on your educational background and the program you are applying to, you will need to provide the following:

  • Standardized test scores (see NYU’s standardized testing requirements). Standardized testing is optional for applicants applying to the fall 2022 semester.
  • A Self Reported Academic Record (SRAR). All applicants will be invited to complete this after submitting their application.
  • An audition or portfolio for specific artistic program applicants to the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development and Tisch School of the Arts. For applicants to these programs, testing is optional and a required audition or portfolio can be submitted in place of standardized testing: 
    • Steinhardt requires an audition or portfolio for all applicants to the Music Department and a portfolio for those applying to Studio Art.
    • Tisch requires an audition or portfolio for applicants to all programs. 
    • For programs that require an audition or portfolio NYU strongly recommends you submit your application one month in advance to ensure ample time to prepare your audition or portfolio.
  • English language testing: if you have not completed at least 3 years of study where English is the sole language of instruction at the time of application submission and English is not your native language.
  • Records of all college work that you have received academic credit for.
  • The Common Application Mid Year Report with updated academic record if mid-year grades are available. This should show your first semester senior year grades.

When should I apply?

Follow the key dates and deadlines below. 

For programs that require an audition or portfolio, submit your Common Application one month in advance to ensure ample time to prepare your audition or portfolio.

Notification PlanApplication
Deadline*
Decision
Early Decision INovember 1December 15
Early Decision IIJanuary 1February 16
Regular DecisionJanuary 5April 1

*The cut-off time for applications is 11:59 p.m EST.

Sending Documents

NYU will accept official or unofficial transcripts and test scores for the purposes of our application review process. Students can send unofficial documents by email to [email protected] or upload them through their applicant portal, which they will gain access to after submitting the Common App.

Include an official English translation if the document isn’t in English. A school official or a translation agency accredited in the country of the educational institution can issue the translation. NYU will only make exceptions for documents in Mandarin Chinese submitted to NYU Shanghai.

Documents not submitted through the Common Application can be mailed to:

New York University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
383 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003
USA

Or sent via email to:
[email protected]

International applicants

Like New York City, NYU’s New York campus is home to people from all over the world. In fact, our student body is comprised of students from more than 130 countries! No matter where they apply from, every NYU applicant is held to the same admissions standards, and generally follows the same application steps.

However, there are a few things international applicants applying to our New York City campus need to know. If either of the following apply to you, please read the information on this page in detail. You are:

  • a non-U.S. citizen applying to our New York campus; or…
  • a U.S. citizen applying to our New York campus from high schools located outside of the United States. 

f you will have completed your country’s pre-university education (equivalent to U.S. 12th Grade) before arriving on-campus for the fall semester, or if any of the following apply to you, you are eligible to apply to NYU as a first-year applicant:

  • You are completing an internationally-recognized equivalent, such as the IB Diploma; or
  • You are applying from countries with school leaving qualifications based on the British educational model, and will have completed the A-level equivalent (neither O-levels nor (I)GCSE results will be sufficient for admission); or
  • You are currently enrolled in a foundation year program outside of the United States; or
  • Your highest degree earned by the time you plan to enroll at NYU is either a certificate or diploma.

Transfer applicants must first meet the high school requirements above. You are then eligible to apply as a transfer student if one of the following applies to you:

  • You are currently or have been enrolled as a degree-seeking* student at a college or university in the U.S. that is regionally accredited;
  • You are currently or have been enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a college or university outside the U.S. that is nationally recognized by the country’s primary accrediting council/agency; or
  • You are currently or have been enrolled in a non-degree seeking program in the U.S. and will have completed 24 semester credits or more by the time you plan to enroll at NYU.

*A non-degree seeking student, sometimes referred to outside of the United States as a non-award/non-study student or auditor, refers to a student who is taking a course at a host university, but does not have the right to earn a degreeat the host university. But credits could be earned which are transferrable.

BS, Media, Culture and Communication Honors Program | NYU Steinhardt

How do I apply to NYU?

Our application process is the same whether you are a domestic or international student.

First-year applicants from countries where the academic calendar extends from February/March to November/December should note the following:

  • You can begin the application process in the August leading up to your high school graduation.
  • If you are applying for Early Decision I (deadline November 1) , you will be applying at the very end of your final year in high school.
  • NYU’s Early Decision II and Regular Decision deadline (January 1) will be shortly after you’ve graduated from high school. As your school may be closed for break, you should begin the process before graduating.

Your application, academic records, standardized testing results, recommendations and any supplemental materials should all be submitted by thedeadlines. If your standardized testing results will not be ready by our application deadlines, your high school can submit predicted results on your behalf. Official results must be sent to NYU from or high school or the examination board as soon as they are released.

While we will attempt to consider all academic records and scores received after our application deadlines, an admissions decision may ultimately be made on your application if we are unable to wait any longer.

How do I finance my education?

NYU is able to offer scholarships for non-U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents applying as first-year students. Students qualify for need-based assistance based on the information presented in their CSS Profile. You must submit the CSS Profile successfully by the deadline to be considered for scholarships.

All students applying for transfer admission or their second bachelor’s degree are not eligible for NYU institutional financial aid.

If you are offered admission and decide to accept the offer, you will be required to submit a certification of finances showing you’ll be able to fund your four years of study. Depending on your status, here are some things to plan for:

  • Fill out the NYU Application for Certificate of Eligibility (AFCOE) online after you’re admitted to the university and pay your enrollment deposit. Submit supporting documents as well. This must be done before you’re issued a student visa (Form I-20) or exchange visitor visa (Form DS-2019).
  • If you expect to use savings, parental support, outside private or government scholarships, or any combination of these to finance your studies, you’ll need to send official letters or similar certificates as proof of such support. Include your name and date of birth on each document.
  • If you’re in the U.S. at the time of your admission, you’ll need to submit a copy of your I-94 card.
  • Students who hold a F-1 or J-1 student visa are generally not allowed to work in the U.S. to help pay for their education and are required to pursue a full-time course load each semester.

How do I apply for a student visa?

Applicants do not need to submit a certification of finances or begin the student visa application process. Admitted students are, however, eligible for NYU sponsorship of F-1 or J-1 student status.

If I’m admitted, when do I start classes?

All first-year students will begin in September for the fall semester. Most transfer students begin in fall semester as well, but some programs permit transfer students to begin in late January, for the spring semester

Transfer applicants 

Admission for transfer students is highly competitive. NYU’s evaluation will focus primarily on your college/university grades and your high school/secondary school performance. Our most competitive applicants have completed at least 32 credits/points of coursework by the time they enroll at NYU.

If the following applies to you, follow the instructions below to apply as a transfer student:

You have completed the equivalent of a United States secondary school education (approximately 12 years of formal education starting at age six), and have either an appropriate diploma or leaving certificates.

AND any of the following apply to you:

You are currently or have been enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a college or university that is regionally accredited in the U.S.; 

You are currently or have been enrolled as a degree-seeking student at a college or university outside the U.S. that is nationally recognized by the country’s primary accrediting council/agency; 

You are currently or have been enrolled in a non-degree seeking program in the U.S. and will have completed 24 semester credits or more by the time you plan to enroll at NYU.

HOW TO APPLY

The Common Application is required for students applying as transfers to our New York campus. Please ensure that you complete the Common Application for Transfer Students rather than First-Years. Currently NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai do not accept transfer students.

You’ll need:

  • Official secondary/high school transcript (or General Education Diploma) with graduation date, regardless of when you graduated.
  • Official college/university transcripts from all institutions you have attended. See below for guidelines on sending official documents.
  • The Common Application Instructor Evaluation form OR a letter of recommendation completed by a college professor, or a direct supervisor if it has been more than a year since you were last enrolled in classes.
  • Many of our programs have additional requirements, which may include an audition, portfolio, or prerequisite courses. Please carefully review the additional program requirements for your school, college, or program.
  • Nonrefundable $80.00 application fee.

Other Considerations:

  • Standardized Testing must be submitted if you have not already completed at least one year of full-time study at a college or university or 32 semester credits of part-time study at the point of application. Certain programs do not require testing, so be sure to review our policy in detail. In recognition of continued challenges applicants have with standardized testing during COVID-19, NYU is extending its test-optional policy to students applying for first-year or transfer admission during the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.
  • An audition or portfolio for art and music programs at the Steinhardt School and Tisch School of the Arts.
  • English Language Testing must be submitted If you have not completed at least three years of study where English is the sole language of instruction or English is not your native language.
  • NYU reserves the right to request the Common Application Midterm Report from any transfer student, even though it is not required.

Please note: NYU will only allow one application to a program per term. If you apply to more than one program per term, your additional applications will be withdrawn automatically and you will not receive an application refund.

TIMELINE TO APPLY

Follow the key dates and deadlines below.

If you’re applying to a program that requires an artistic review, NYU recommend submitting your Common Application one month earlier to give you time to prepare your portfolio or an audition by the deadline.

Notification PlanApplication
Deadline*
Decision
Spring TransferNovember 1November – January
Summer/Fall External TransfersApril 1May – June
Summer/Fall Internal TransfersMarch 1April – May

*Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST.

Sending Documents

Submit original or certified copies only. A certified copy has an original signature of the registrar or other designated school official, or the institution’s seal. Include an official English translation if the document isn’t in English. A school official or a translation agency accredited in the country of the educational institution can issue the translation. NYU will only make exceptions for documents in Mandarin Chinese submitted to NYU Shanghai.

Official sources only include directly from a school official employed by the school, nationally or internationally recognized testing agency, or other community organizations as permitted by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Any other sources will need approval by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

You can send documents you don’t submit through the Common Application:

BY MAIL

New York University
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
383 Lafayette Street
New York, NY 10003
USA

BY EMAIL

[email protected]

Note: Transcripts and test scores must come from an official source to be processed.

Homeschooled applicants

To apply as a homeschool applicant, follow the same steps to apply as all NYU first-year applicants. You’ll also need to fulfill the requirements below. 

Transcripts

Your transcripts should:

  • Include completed and in-progress coursework, with grades
  • Have a brief summary of course content

If you’ve taken courses at a secondary or post-secondary school, submit official transcripts from those institutions. Detailed performance evaluations and materials such as course bibliographies or syllabi are also helpful, but not required.

Test Scores

Home schooled applicants and applicants applying from schools with narrative evaluations to programs that require an audition or portfolio (in our Steinhardt School and Tisch School of the Arts) may notice that testing is not required for these programs. The admissions committee, however, strongly advises these applicants to still submit testing if they want to increase their competitiveness for admission to these artistic programs. 

Home schooled applicants wishing to submit predicted examination scores in order to satisfy NYU’s standardized testing requirement are advised to contact our office directly before applying. 

Recommendations

Provide at least two recommendations:

  • One from your primary instructor or the person who assesses your academic performance
  • One from an individual (not a parent or family member) who can attest to your readiness to begin studies at NYU

Proof of Graduation

You don’t have to present an equivalency diploma when you apply. But if you are admitted, you will need to present proof of graduation before your enroll. Proof can be:

  • A homeschool diploma
  • A certificate of completion considered the equivalent of a high school diploma in your home state
  • Results from a GED or high school diploma equivalency test

Things to Know Before Applying

The review process. Admissions officers personally review every application. There are no formulas to making admissions decisions; NYU seeks a mix of students who have a variety of interests, talents, and goals. There is also no maximum number of students they can admit. 

Checking your application status. Within three weeks of the application deadline, NYU will let you know that they have received your application and give you information about how to track your status.

Original Documents. Please submit only documents or copies that you can replace because NYU does not return application documents.

Supplementary materials. Please only send supplementary materials (DVDs, pictures, articles, etc.) If you are applying to a program that requires an audition or portfolio

Transfer students seeking financal aid/support. At present, NYU does not provide institutional aid to transfer students with the exception of certain partner or specialty programs such as CCTOP, Phi Theta Kappa, Horizon, GUIDE, POISE, and Second Degree Transfer program at Rory Meyers College of Nursing. Our financial aid counselors are here to help prospective transfer students consider financial options including federal financial aid.

International students seeking financial aid/support. International students applying primarily to New York and seeking financial aid should be aware that your indicated financial need will be factored into an admissions decision. 

Missing Materials. NYU offers a (limited) window to submit anything that might be missing from your application.

Invited visits to Abu Dhabi and Shanghai campuses. If NYU is strongly considering you for NYU Abu Dhabi and/or NYU Shanghai, they may invite you to meet with students, faculty, and administrators on campus. Please note that you cannot request an invitation to these special visits.

Applicants with a previous criminal conviction.

NYU is committed to treating those with a criminal or disciplinary history with dignity and respect.

NYU are sensitive to the deep concerns many people have about the fairness of our justice system and whether it equitably serves all members of our society. The university knows that higher education can be an important engine of social and economic mobility and can enable people to make positive contributions to society.

NYU uses the Common Application, which is used by approximately 600 U.S. colleges and universities. In the NYU Member Questions, they ask our own narrow questions about convictions or disciplinary actions involving violence.

NYU believes these narrow questions strike a balance between giving people a second chance through higher education and providing the University with information that may have a bearing on our campus’ safety. Answering “yes” to these questions is not and never has been an automatic bar to admission, and an applicant’s answers to those questions will not even be reviewed until the school can make a preliminary decision based on academic merit.

NYU will review all candidates for admission holistically. Academic qualifications are the primary consideration of our holistic evaluation process, which also includes an analysis of one’s extracurricular accomplishments, work experience, letters of recommendation, essays, personal characteristics, talents, and life experiences.

Our Admission Process

In keeping with our commitment to treating those with a criminal history with dignity and respect, NYU made changes beginning with the 2016-17 admissions cycle (for admission in fall 2017):

  • Ignoring the questions on the universal section of the Common App: NYU will ignore any answers applicants provide to the disciplinary question in the main section of the Common Application because they believe it to be too broad. Instead, the school asks a more-focused question that is more relevant to the issues of campus safety.
  • “Box Blind” first reading: All applications for traditional undergraduate admission are initially reviewed by admission officers without knowledge of whether they have “checked the box” in the NYU section of the application indicating a criminal or disciplinary history that involves violence or physical harm.
  • Special Committee Review: Once an initial evaluation is completed, and if a positive recommendation by an admission officer based on our holistic review is proposed, the applications of those who indicate a criminal history in their applications are reviewed by a special review committee. This special review committee includes admission officers, university staff, and faculty trained to perform an assessment based on a multi-factor analysis to fairly determine whether a past criminal offense justifies denial of admission. This special review committee is responsible for making a final determination about admission. Candidates are then notified of their admission decision.
  • Special Scholarship: Students who were formerly incarcerated are eligible to apply for the NYU Horizon Grant. Scholarships are awarded independently of the admissions decision, with preference based on need. Scholarship recipients may receive up to the full cost of tuition, based on need. Both first year and transfer applicants can be considered for the Horizon Scholarship by submitting the scholarship application, which will require applicants to share their criminal record. This documentation will be cross-checked with the information provided in the application for admission. The Horizon Grant is only available to students on our New York City campus.

As indicated previously, answering “yes” to NYU’s questions is not an automatic bar to admission. NYU reviews all candidates holistically and will seek to understand the context of any “yes” answers. So, applicants are strongly urged to complete their applications regardless of whether they answered “yes

Equal Opportunity. NYU prohibits any form of discrimination in our admission process.

Application Authenticity. NYU has a strict policy on application authenticity and working with agents or third parties.

Students Affected by Natural Disasters, Political, and/or Governmental Decisions

There are a myriad of circumstances that can affect a student’s ability to successfully complete the application process. For students and families affected by natural disasters, circumstances imposed by national governments, or any extreme extenuating circumstances, the university is as accommodating as possible to avoid additional stress. They encourage any student in these situations to reach out to our office to inform them of the situation so that they can provide you with a recommended course of action. Depending on your situation, you may also follow these recommendations if you intend on applying to NYU.

Delayed Exam Results

If your standardized testing results will be delayed for any reason beyond your control, you can self-report your scores by emailing a screenshot of them to the school at [email protected]. This will enable the school to expedite their review of your application, but you must send official test scores before an offer of admission can be extended.

Supporting Materials

The school will be as flexible as possible when waiting for supporting application materials such as transcripts or teacher evaluations. Certain materials are required to enroll at NYU, so please be in contact with our office should you expect any materials to be delayed.

Submitting Your Application

On a case-by-case basis, they will consider application extensions for any student affected by a natural disaster, circumstances imposed by national governments, or any extreme extenuating circumstances.

If you have additional questions about NYU’s support for applicants affected by unforeseen circumstances please contact us at [email protected] or +1-212-998-4500

Degree Requirements

In conjunction with department advisors, you will select a sequence of courses that satisfy program and degree requirements while simultaneously exploring your own intellectual and professional objectives. A total of 128 course credits are required to graduate.

Students enrolled in the Media, Culture, and Communication/Global Public Health (MCC/GPH) combined major have different degree requirements.

Liberal Arts RequirementsCredits
Foreign Language8
Expository Writing EXPOS-UA 0001 Writing the EssayACE-UE 0110 Advanced College Essay 8   
Foundations of Contemporary Culture CORE-UA 04xx Text and IdeasCORE-UA 05xx Cultures and ContextsCORE-UA 06xx Societies and the Social Sciences CORE-UA 07xx Expressive Culture 16     
Foundations of Scientific Inquiry CORE-UA 01xx Quantitative ReasoningCORE-UA 02xx/03xx Physical or Life ScienceCORE-UA 03xx/02xx Physical or Life Science  12    
Liberal Arts Electives Any courses from CAS 16  
Unrestricted Electives Any undergraduate course at NYU 16  
MCC Major RequirementsCredits
MCC CoreYou must earn a B- or better to use the core course toward the MCC major or minor. You are allowed one unique opportunity to retake a core course during your time in the program. Students receiving below a B- in two or more MCC core courses will have to explore other options for majoring at NYU.MCC-UE 0001 Introduction to Media StudiesMCC-UE 0003 History of Media and CommunicationMCC-UE 0014 Methods in Media Studies 12        
Areas of Study Select 2 Areas of Study Framing Courses / Select 4 Areas of Study Focus Courses  24816 
Restricted Electives12
Additional Major Requirements: SAHS-UE 0001, New Student Seminar MCC-UE 1200 Inquiry Seminar (formerly Senior Media Seminar) 404 
Total Credits Required To Graduate128 Credits

Students enrolled in other undergraduate majors and schools at New York University are welcome to minor in Media, Culture, and Communication. Our department engages the sociological, political, and cultural dimensions of our media landscape. The program’s diverse faculty encourage MCC majors to think broadly and deeply about topics at the intersection of media and culture.

Degree Details

Official Degree Title

Minor in Media, Culture, and Communication Format: Full-time or Part-time Credits: 16

The requirements for the 16-credit minor include enrolling in two of our core courses and two four-credit courses. Please note that you must take all four classes to complete the minor within the MCC department. Transfer courses from other institutions will not be accepted.

If you wish to declare a minor in Media, Culture, and Communication, you must meet with an MCC academic advisor to discuss course selection and enroll in restricted courses. Please consult with an advisor from your home department and school before meeting with an advisor from our program.

Current NYU Steinhardt Students | NYU Steinhardt

Masters in Media, Culture and Communication

Degree Name: Media, Culture, and Communication

Academic Plan Code: MDCC

Degree: MA

Credits: 36

Academic Load: Full-time or part-time. Students have up to six years to complete the program.

Application Deadlines
Spring: 
n/a
Summer: n/a
Fall: February 1

Program Information
212-998-5191 | [email protected]

How to Apply

These instructions and requirements are for all applicants.

Your application will require the following items. The following are acceptable document types for uploads: .pdf, .jpeg, .jpg, .gif, .tiff, .png, .doc, .docx, and bitmap.

1. Prepare Your Application

Résumé/CV

You are required to upload a copy of your most recent résumé or curriculum vitae as part of your application.Statement of Purpose

You are required to upload a typed statement of purpose, comprised of three parts: 

  1. Describe relevant aspects of your educational and career background that have prepared you for graduate study in MCC. (no more than 500 words).
  2. Describe your scholarly interests and objectives for undertaking graduate study in MCC. You may include scholarship, books, and creative works that have shaped your thinking. (800-1,000 words).
  3. Describe your goals after completing the MA program. (no more than 250 words).

Letters of Recommendation

Submit two letters of recommendation. Be sure to request them well in advance of the deadline.

Transcripts: Upload one official copy of transcripts from every postsecondary school you have attended or are attending. Make sure to request them in advance of the deadline.

If you completed or are completing a degree at an institution outside of the US or Canada, you are required to provide a WES or ECE evaluation. Please review our requirements for translation and a course-by-course evaluation of your transcripts.

GRE Not required.

Although the GRE is typically required for this program, for the 2022 admissions cycle GRE scores will not be required.

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