Instructions for Application
MS Program in Science and Technology Journalism
Texas A&M University
Please follow these instructions to apply for the master's degree program in science and technology journalism at Texas A&M University. If questions arise, please contact Dr. Barbara Gastel at 1-979-845-6887 or bgastel@cvm.tamu.edu.
Candidates should apply online. Please use the Texas Common Application, which can be accessed at https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/gen/c_start.WBX?s_logon_msg=Y. For college within Texas A&M University, list Veterinary Medicine (VM); for major, list Science and Technology Journalism (STJR); and for degree, list Master of Science (MS).
Students typically enter the STJR program in the fall. If possible, candidates for fall entry should apply by February 1. However, applications from US candidates can be submitted until July 1. To allow sufficient time for paperwork, international candidates for fall entry should apply no later than March 1. The earlier an application is submitted, the greater the chances of receiving an assistantship or other financial assistance. Under special circumstances, applicants may be considered for spring or summer entry.
The application includes a statement of purpose. Given the nature of our program, we look at both the content of the statement and the quality of the writing. Questions the statement typically should address include the following: How did you become interested in science and technology journalism? What background do you bring to the field? Why does our program interest you? What might you envision doing during your career? The writing need not (and generally should not) be fancy; it should, however, be clear, concise, well organized, and mechanically correct. Feel free also to include a curriculum vitae or resume and some published or unpublished samples of your writing.
The Texas A&M University graduate catalog, which can be accessed at http://www.tamu.edu/admissions/catalogs/index.html, includes further information. Additional information also is available from Dr. Gastel at the phone number and e-mail address noted in the first paragraph above.
