Is the MCC major right for me?
Our media studies program foregrounds analysis, research, and historical understanding of media in its political and cultural context, as opposed to the practical skills associated with the media industries. Courses focus heavily on reading, research, and analysis — and students who do best in our program excel at those activities.
The major is not designed as a pre-professional program, but instead trains students to examine media through a critical lens. Students seeking additional practice-based coursework can enroll in the cross-school Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology minor. Juniors and Seniors can intern in the media industry for credit through MCC's internship program. This combination of rigorous academic coursework and industry experience has proven to be exceptional preparation for students' professional success.
Students interested in news and reporting often decide to major (or double major) in journalism at the NYU Arthur Carter Journalism Institute. Students who wish to pursue marketing exclusively should consider NYU Stern.
What are typical alumni careers?
Our major offers students a strong academic background for entry into a wide range of careers and graduate study. Alumni pursue advanced degrees in such areas as law, media studies, sociology, business, public policy, and journalism. We've found that a broad, humanities and social-scientific approach to media can be useful for those who pursue careers across sectors: from non-profits, to law, business, government, tech, and the entertainment and creative industries.
A recent survey of recent MCC alumni showed that 95% of responders were either full-time employees or in graduate school. In addition, 73% of responders had accepted offers for full-time employment in the first 3 months after graduation. Our undergraduate alumni work for companies and organizations such as Simon and Schuster, Disney, Meta, Google, NBC Universal, Sony Pictures, The New York Times, Spotify, the United Nations, the BBC, Nielsen, Council on Foreign Relations, Condé Nast, among many others. They are enrolled in graduate study at universities across the globe, including Harvard, Columbia, Duke, Brown, Cambridge (UK), McGill (Canada), and Ritsumeikan University (Japan).
Can I transfer into MCC?
The transfer process depends on the student's home school:
- Students transferring from within Steinhardt must fill out the transfer application and submit it and the recommendation letter to us via email (comm.advisors@nyu.edu) by April 1.
- Students transferring from another school within NYU must fill out the internal transfer application through NYU's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Note: Students transitioning from the Liberal Studies program have a separate process; please consult with your home school advisor for more information.
- Students transferring from an institution outside of NYU must fill out the external transfer application through NYU's Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Please note that enrollment in the MCC major for external transfers is very competitive. Applicants are encouraged to consider the MCC in London program for external transfers.
Can I visit campus and learn more about the MCC major?
Yes, NYU offers opportunities for both high school and transfer students to visit the campus and learn more about its academic programs. Students who wish to visit the Department should contact MCC's Associate Director of Academic Affairs Rebecca Brown.
Will all of my AP/IB credits transfer?
NYU does allow some AP/IB credits to transfer into the program. See Steinhardt's list of approved substitutions.
Any special information for international applicants?
Please review the admissions office's website for Special Instructions for International Applicants. In addition, MCC international students are eligible for the STEM OPT extension after graduation.
Is there an option to minor in MCC?
Yes, students can minor in MCC. Another popular option is the cross-school minor in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology and the minor in Disability Studies.
What is NYU housing like?
Visit the Residential Life website for descriptions and pictures of NYU residence halls.
Is financial aid available? Are there scholarships offered at NYU?
Yes, NYU awards financial assistance to many of its students. In addition, NYU offers several scholarships.
Can I intern for credit while a student at MCC?
Students with Junior and Senior standing can intern for credit. MCC's student media internship program benefits from the Department's close ties to cultural institutions and the NYC media industry.
I've heard that enrolling in the MCC major is competitive. How can I strengthen my application?
Acceptance into MCC is coordinated by NYU's central Office of Undergraduate Admissions. MCC faculty and staff are not involved in the selection of undergraduate majors, and cannot comment on the strength of a particular student's application.
How do I apply?
Undergraduate admissions at NYU is centrally coordinated. Prospective students should apply online directly through NYU's Office of Undergraduate Admissions.