Q1. I am interested in applying to the Media Studies major. When can I do it?

The application to become a Media Studies major is now open to rising 3rd year undergrads who have met all prerequisites as well as to 3rd year transfer students

In general, a matriculated student may apply in the Spring semester of the 2nd year or the summer prior to the start of the Fall semester of your 3rd year. If you are a third year transfer student, you can apply in the summer before your third year. (Please note: you must attend the summer orientation and be in enrolled in MDST 2000 in order to apply as a third year transfer.) Rising fourth year students cannot apply to the major.

Q2. Are there any requirements that I have to fulfill before applying?

Yes. You can apply to the major ONLY if you have fulfilled at least one of the following conditions:

• If you already took either MDST 2000 and your grade was a C+ or higher
• If you are currently enrolled in MDST 2000
• If you have completed two courses that can be applied towards the MDST major and you earned a C+ or higher in both
• If you have completed one course that can be applied toward the MDST major with a C+ or more AND you are enrolled in one course that can be applied toward the major
• If you are a newly matriculated rising third year transfer student

Q2.1. Besides MDST 2000, what courses can I use to apply to the major?

You can use all 3000 and above courses that start with MDST. In addition, Media Studies accepts some pre-approved courses from other departments. You can find these in the following lists. Some are in the Practice of Media Approved Course List (note that ONLY one course from this list can be applied toward the MDST major). Some are in the Diversity and Identity Approved Course List. And some are in the Media Concentrations list of courses.

Q3. Is there a minimum GPA to apply to the MDST major?

Yes. You must have an average GPA of 2.000 or higher as well as a GPA of 2.4 or higher in all classes that count toward the major.

Q4. When is the application process?

There are TWO application periods each year, one in the spring and one in the summer. The summer application is ONLY for rising third years and third year transfer students. The spring application is for second year students.

Q4.1. I am a second year student who did not transfer, when do I apply?

In the spring or summer prior to your third year.

Q4.2. I am a second year transfer student, when do I apply?

You can apply in either the spring of your second year or in the summer before your third year.

 Q4.3. I am a third year student who did not transfer, when do I apply? 

You can apply in the summer prior to the start of your third year. 

Q4.4. I am a third year transfer student, when do I apply?

You can only apply in the summer prior to your third year. You must have taken MDST 2000 or two other courses that count toward the major to apply.

Q4.5. I am a fourth year student. Can I apply to the major?

No. Fourth year students cannot apply to Media Studies.

Q5. When is the spring application process?

The application is typically due in the Spring semester (prior to Spring break), but the date changes year to year. Check our website for deadlines.

Q5.1. When is the summer application process?

Summer dates will be announced on this page prior to summer orientation. 

Q6. What do I need to do to apply?

The application is an online form, linked from our website. It consists of a report of your overall GPA and MDST courses taken to date (and your MDST GPA), two essays, and the contact information (generally email) for one professor or TA who has agreed to act as your reference.  You do NOT need to obtain a letter from this person, but they must have agreed to provide a short reference upon our request.

Q7. How long does it take to know whether I was accepted to the major?

We strive to get our decisions to you as soon as possible. For summer admissions, we expect decisions to me made within 10 days of the closing of the application.

Q7.1. If I didn’t get in, can I re-apply?

Yes, if you are a second year or first semester third year student.

Q8. If I am accepted into the major, do I have to fill out a Major Declaration Form?

Yes. As soon as you are accepted into the major, you need to set up an appointment with your assigned advisor and together complete a Declaration Form. One copy of the form needs to be turned into the Media Studies office and one copy is submitted to the Registrar located in Room 101, Monroe Hall. Declarations appear on SIS typically one week after the declaration was submitted.

Q9. Do courses from other departments at UVA count toward the major?

We will accept up to two elective courses from another department or university toward the major, this includes study abroad courses. Courses will be evaluated by the Director of Undergraduate programs prior to acceptance toward major requirements. Please see our website regrading transfer courses.

Q10. How many transfer credits can I apply toward the major?

We will accept up to two courses from another university toward the major. Courses will be evaluated by the Director of Undergraduate programs prior to acceptance toward major requirements. These will count as your non-departmental courses.