In-Depth Documentary Training from Day One

NYU’s News and Documentary (NewsDoc) program at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute is for the curious, the natural observers who strive to dig deep and tell the unexplored stories of the world. Here, they learn in-depth writing, reporting, filmmaking, and editing techniques from day one, work with professional documentary makers in the business, and graduate ready to take on positions in news and documentary organizations or as independent filmmakers.

Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute

New York University

20 Cooper Square, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10003

212-998-7980

Curriculum

The Reporting I class begins with the basics of short form stories in a variety of formats and genres. After a progression of reporting classes, the curriculum culminates with each student producing a thirty-minute documentary. Our Art of Video Editing class coincides with the Advanced TV Reporting class to give extra support to the production of the documentary. News Doc students have the opportunity to take electives university wide.

The students’ work has won many awards from the Academy of TV Arts and Science Student Awards, the Christopher Awards and American Women in Radio and Television and appeared in many prestigious film festivals. They have also received travel grants from the National Television Academy Foundation and the Student Academy Awards.

Required courses: Television Reporting I; Writing, Reporting Workshop I; Television Reporting II, and Advanced TV Reporting, Press Ethics, Visual Thinking, Political Cinema or a documentary related seminar; TV Newscast.

Students must take at least one documentary seminar course: Political Cinema or Master Class in Documentary.

A typical (full-time) schedule

Semester 1: 11 points

• Writing, Research, and Reporting I
• Television Reporting I
• Media Ethics

Semester 2: 14 points

• Television Reporting II
• Elective (Recommended – Digital Newsroom)
• Seminar (Recommended – Political Cinema or Fall Semester Master Class in Documentary) or elective
• Visual Thinking

Semester 3: 11 points

• Advanced TV Reporting
• Internship
• The Art of Long Form Video Editing
• Seminar Master Class in Documentary option or elective

Required Courses

GRADUATE TV REPORTING I – Elemental Storytelling – (JOUR-GA.1040)

This beginning course introduces students to all aspects of short form storytelling including shooting, editing and writing. The course begins with visual storytelling and then expands to different storytelling techniques for different kinds of topics, from traditional news reporting to the cinema verite style. By covering neighborhoods in New York, students learn to develop story ideas, conduct interviews and structure a story. Detailed script analysis is combined with in-depth discussions of student work. This course also includes viewing assignments based on understanding the historical development of the form. Students work in teams of two.

GRADUATE TV REPORTING II – (JOUR-GA.1172)

Prerequisite: JOUR-GA.1040 (required)

This intermediate second semester course builds on the storytelling skills learned the first semester by doing a combination of magazine, short investigative and enterprise stories pieces as well as assignments aimed at preparing them for long form documentary work. Students also learn how to write a proposal and treatment for their half-hour documentary project.

GRADUATE ADVANCED TV REPORTING – (JOUR-GA.1175)

Prerequisite: JOUR-GA.1040 and JOUR-GA.1172 (required)

This class is unique to our news and documentary curriculum. The focus of the course is on developing an interesting in-depth story that will have a complex story structure and style. The emphasis is on understanding process, from research skills to the final edit of a documentary length story. Students work on advanced interviewing techniques and more complex methods of gathering audio and video, effective writing to pictures. The goal is that students understand how style can enhance the meaning of the story. Research and primary shooting occurs over the summer with the equipment support from the department.

The professor works closely with the students in and out of class with attention to every detail of the production process. This means the student learns how to pitch a story and present it during the various stages of production. This one on one contact is an essential part of the learning process and distinct to our program.

WRR I: NEWS & DOCUMENTARY – (JOUR-GA.1021.009)

The best journalism flows from logical thinking, solid research, and comprehensive journalism. Through short deadline pieces and longer writing assignments this class will simulate a newsroom and teach you how to think like a journalist. New York City will be your reporting lab and you will be sent out into the city hunting for stories from day one. While the primary focus of this class is text and photography, the skills that will give you a strong journalism foundation that can be used in any media. The final project is a substantial multi-media site on a chosen topic.

PRESS ETHICS – (JOUR-GA.0012.002)

This course offers through the case method a critical examination of current and recurring ethical and legal issues in journalism. Areas covered include reporting practices, roles of editors and executives, conflict of interest, sources, defamation and privacy, criminal justice and national security.

LONG FORM VIDEO EDITING – (JOUR-GA-1182.07)

The class will explore the complexity of long form visualization and the various structural options possible through editing. It will examine not only how stories get told, but the different ways of telling them. Through various exercises the students will experiment with various approaches and editing styles. Simultaneous with this class, students will be working on their own documentaries in Advanced TV Reporting. Whereas that class is more focused on concept and structure, the editing class will look closely at specific editing choices and techniques.

VISUAL THINKING – (JOUR-GA.1148)

The class explores the complexity of documentary visualization through cinematography. It will examine not only how stories get told, but also how we might inspire new ways of telling them visually. This class will immerse the students in the challenges of different approaches and shooting styles through production exercises and through significant documentary examples.

The students’ work has won many awards from the Academy of TV Arts and Science Student Awards, the Christopher Awards and American Women in Radio and Television and appeared in many prestigious film festivals. They have also received travel grants from the National Television Academy Foundation and the Student Academy Awards.

Required courses: Television Reporting I; Writing, Reporting Workshop I; Television Reporting II, and Advanced TV Reporting, Press Ethics, Political Cinema or a documentary related seminar; TV Newscast.

TV NEWSCAST: THE DIGITAL NEWSROOM – (JOUR-GA.1070)

(Open to all graduate journalism students)

Students learn broadcast writing skills in a real time situation by producing a live broadcast that goes out over the NYU cable to the dorms and public buildings. The emphasis of the class is on developing news judgment under tight deadline pressures. The students in the class perform all the editorial and technical roles on the newscast and report stories as well. We have national and international video footage from the CNN Pathfire news service and we have the AP ENPS news system that provides wires and software for formatting the newscast. Interview skills are developed during the newscast with in-depth newsmaker interviews. Positions are rotated to give students a sense of the different roles in a newsroom and the importance of teamwork.

Select a Seminar

POLITICAL CINEMA – (JOUR-GA.1182.11)

In contemporary war, “the other” is viewed not only as an enemy to be fought but, often, as one to be eliminated. How do journalists and filmmakers fight against (or, alternately, reinforce) such deadly representations? This class will focus primarily (though not exclusively) on one of the world’s most conflict-ridden regions–the Middle East–though it will also explore films from Soviet Russia, Nazi Germany, and the United States. Through journalistic readings and film screenings, we will explore how “the other” is constructed: politically, aesthetically, ethically. This class is designed for anyone interested in contemporary politics and history, especially those of the Mideast; the journalism of conflict and violence, and the ethical questions associated with them; filmmaking; and film criticism.

MASTER CLASS IN DOCUMENTARY – (JOUR-GA 2004)

This course, while not a production class, is designed to give students the opportunity to learn each stage of the documentary filmmaking process from the best working professionals in their field. Each week we will watch a documentary and meet someone who had a pivotal role in the making of that documentary. Our guests will include producers, directors, cinematographers, sound engineers, editors, writers, film composers and sound mixers. These professionals will share their experience and expertise with the class and answer questions about their work thereby providing a foundation of insight into the decisions, tools and skills that go into the making of good documentaries. Class discussions will explore the creative and technical decisions involved in the making the film.

The Graduate School’s Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)

GSAS encourages students to apply for external assistance and provides tuition support to recipients of external awards. Students receiving external awards of $13,000 or more from recognized, academic sources of funding outside of the University can apply for matching tuition points up to the amount of their outside award. Students receiving external awards of less than $13,000 may apply for matching tuition points up to 50 percent of the amount of the external award. Find information about TIP eligibility and terms of the award (Adobe Acrobat Reader required). Visit the TIP application and instructions for 2020-21.

Requests must be received in Graduate Enrollment Services by August 31 of the award year. Late requests will be considered if funds are available.

How to Apply

Please read the application requirements carefully. Write to the Administrative Aide for Graduate Affairs or Marcia Rock if you have any questions.

• Bachelor’s degree in any field and with a wide variety of experience.
• A 3.0 or higher GPA
• All of your undergrad academic transcripts.
• Three letters of recommendation
• Three work samples that can be print, video or multimedia. We prefer Vimeo URL submissions.
• The personal statement is very important. We want to get to know you and why you want to attend the program and what documentary ideas you have for the third semester. A journalism background is not required, but we’re interested in knowing what your interests are and how you’ve developed them. We would like to know what you are considering as a topic for your thesis documentary.
• You should have an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or B.
• It is strongly suggested that both US and international students take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). If you do not wish to take the GRE, please reach out to Marcia Rock.
• Non-native English speakers must also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) OR the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). The TOEFL or IELTS requirement is waived if your undergraduate or graduate degree was completed at an institution where the language of instruction is English.
• A 5.0 minimum score on the TWE (Test of Written English) portion of the TOEFL test [if taking the paper- or computer-based version] is required, however a score of 5.5 or 6.0 on the TWE is preferred. GSAS recommends that applicants achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 100 on the internet-based test (equivalent to 250 on the computer-based test or 600 on the paper-based test). For the IELTS, a minimum overall band score of at least 7 is recommended.
• Come visit us. Meeting in person is always helpful. We can also arrange for you to meet with alumni in other locations.

Applications are accepted for Fall admission only.

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit a complete application for admission, which includes:

• Program-Specific Requirements
• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation, and
• A non-refundable application fee.

For International Students

Our journalism programs have been classified as STEM under the CIP Code 09.0702 – Digital Communications and Multimedia. This means that in addition to your one year of OPT on an F1 visa, you could potentially qualify for a two year extension. This will all be part of your F1 student visa. So you could potentially have three years to work in the U.S. after graduation.

You can find more information from our Office of Global Services. They will help you throughout your F1 visa application through to your OPT and OPT Stem extension application.

Also, during school you’ll qualify for CPT after two semesters — which means you can do paid internships summer and fall. All of this is for students with F1 visas sponsored by NYU.

Information for international applicants is here.

Journalism international students with F1 visas now qualify for up to 29 months of U.S. work authorization. Most students apply for post-completion OPT and will receive 12 months. Toward the end of the first 12-months of OPT, they can apply for a 17-month STEM extension if they are working for a company that uses the government’s eVerify system.

OGS information on this can be found here.

With respect to tuition fees, there is no distinction between the tuition costs for international students and domestic students. The distinction is that international students do not qualify for U.S. government-sponsored financial aid.

For international students, please make sure you visit NYU’s Office of Global Services online for more information.

Note: You must receive your undergraduate degree (U.S. baccalaureate or equivalent) from an institution of recognized standing before enrollment in the Graduate School. Students from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh must show completion of both the baccalaureate and master’s examinations prior to registration in the Graduate School. The examinations for the Bachelor of Engineering and the Bachelor of Technology meet the application requirements for the Graduate School. For students holding three-year degrees from Australia, GSAS also requires a four-year degree to apply.

Programs & Deadlines

The online application is open for spring, summer, and fall 2023 — please see a list of programs accepting applications. 

Applications and all supporting materials must be submitted online by 5PM Eastern Time on the deadlines listed under the Program-Specific Requirements and Deadlines. If a program's listed deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or U.S. federal holiday, then the next business day will be the actual deadline.

Often ­— as a direct result of these networking opportunities and strong contacts — NYU journalism students have landed jobs and internships at places like: ABC News (20/20, Nightline, World News with Diane Sawyer, etc.), Al Jazeera America, Associated Press, BBC.com, Bleacher Report, Bloomberg, CBS News (60 Minutes, 48 Hours, etc.), CNN (Amanpour, Documentary Unit, New York News Desk, UN, etc.), The Documentary Group, Fusion, The Futuro Media Group, Huffington Post and Huffington Post Live, NBC News (Dateline, NBCNews.com, Today Show, etc.), NY1, NYMag.com, New York Times (Metro Desk, NYT Magazine, Video, etc.), PBS, ProPublica, Quartz, Reuters, Slate, Storyhunter, Storyville Films, Time Inc., Univision, Us Weekly, VICE/HBO, Village Voice Media Group, Wall Street Journal/WSJLive, WNYC, and various production companies and TV affiliates across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a special application process or deadline for international applicants?

No — all applicants to GSAS use the same application, due at the same time. Please refer to the deadline for your specific program.

Are international students considered for GSAS fellowships and assistantships?

All applicants to the GSAS are considered for fellowships and assistantships. There is no separate application form.

What degree must I have in order to enroll?

You must receive your undergraduate degree (U.S. baccalaureate or equivalent) from an institution of recognized standing before enrollment.

Students from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh must show completion of both the baccalaureate and master's examinations. The examinations for the Bachelor of Engineering and the Bachelor of Technology meet our application requirements. 

Students from Australia holding a three-year degree must show completion of a four-year degree to apply.

How will my international transcript be evaluated?

Your application is referred to our advisors for review, who ensure that you have received (or will receive by the expected enrollment date) the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree. If so, the application will then be forwarded to the department you have applied to. GSAS advisors are expertly trained, familiar with the educational systems and transcripts of many countries throughout the world, and have a wide variety of resources to call upon to assist them in reviewing credentials.

My transcripts are not written in English. What should I do? Am I required to get a WES evaluation?

All applicants must ensure that certified English translations accompany all documents written in languages other than English. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records. We must have your transcripts in both the native language and in English for us to evaluate your credentials. 

You are not required to provide a WES evaluation for foreign transcripts, but you may do so if you already have it.

Do I need to report or calculate my GPA?

If you attended a U.S. institution, you should report your GPA in the online application. If your transcript does not calculate your GPA, you will need to do so. 

If you attended an institution outside of the U.S., do not report your GPA — leave the field in the application blank. Part of the training GSAS advisors receive prepares them to calculate U.S. equivalent GPAs based on the grades and grading scales used on international transcripts.

Do I need to take the TOEFL/IELTS?

For more information about the TOEFL and IELTS, see our Test Scores page.

Who can I turn to for other information about being an international student at NYU?

The Office of Global Services (OGS) serves as a central reference point for immigration matters, providing assistance in legal, cultural, social, and personal spheres. OGS offers immigration resources, advising, and workshops, as well as community-building events. OGS can also guide international students in finding other offices at the University that can be helpful. 

The International Student Center is a hub for events and programs that foster meaningful connections among all global thinkers and help students from around the world make the most of their NYU experience. 

International students may also consult a Graduate Enrollment Services advisor in the Graduate School.