Can students complete this degree while working?

Yes. The MATC is aimed at working professionals. Students pursue the degree on a part-time basis, taking two courses during the fall and spring semesters for two years and one course over the summer. After finishing the coursework, students will complete a final project.
 

Is travel to the UNC-Chapel Hill campus required?

Yes. Students come to campus at least twice: to participate in a two-day orientation before starting the degree and to take part in a weeklong residency in the summer between the first and second years.
 

Is it possible to waive the GRE requirement?

Applicants for any graduate degree program in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication must submit GRE scores that are no more than five years old at the time of application.  Only those individuals who hold a research doctorate will be exempted from this requirement.
 

What is the total cost of the program?

Every year tuition is set by the N.C. General Assembly. Therefore, exact tuition figures are not available for future academic years. Tuition estimates are provided based on the rate for the current academic year. Tuition and fees are subject to change and generally increase each academic year.
 

How are courses taught online?

Courses use online lectures, narrated slides, textbooks, case studies, blogs, social media tools and links to readings. Lively discussion boards simulate the give-and-take of the classroom. Courses are taught in an asynchronous format, meaning that students don’t have to be online at a specific time. While the program format is flexible, the degree is designed to be rigorous and challenging. Courses include strict deadlines for assignments and high standards for participation and performance.
 

How does the admissions process work?

The program seeks individuals holding a baccalaureate degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a minimum of three years of experience in a journalism- or communication-related field. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are required. The MATC admits no more than 20 students annually, who progress through the program together. The application deadline is January 10 for admission for the following fall. 

How does the MATC affect the school’s online Certificate in Technology and Communication?

The MATC builds on the success of the school’s online Certificate in Technology and Communication, which began enrolling students in spring 2003. The school continues to offer the certificate program separately from the MATC. Students who complete the certificate may apply to the MATC program. If admitted, certificate students may transfer credit for JOMC 711: “Writing for Digital Media” and JOMC 714: “Database and Web Research” into the degree program. The credit must have been earned within five years of admission to the MATC program.

What is the time limit for transferring credit from courses taken in the Certificate in Technology and Communication?

If admitted to the MATC, certificate students may transfer credit for JOMC 711: “Writing for Digital Media” and JOMC 714: “Database and Web Research” into the degree program. The credit must have been earned within five years of admission to the MATC program. For example, students completing JOMC 711 or JOMC 714 in the 2006-2007 academic year or later may transfer those courses into the MATC if they begin the program in the 2011-2012 academic year.  For the 2012-2013 academic year, transfer credit will be accepted from the 2007-2008 academic  year or later and so on.

How can I learn more about the MATC?

Please explore our website, matc.jomc.unc.edu, call the MATC office at 1.877.668.0674 or email matc [at] unc [dot] edu. You also may contact Rhonda Gibson, MATC academic director, at gibsonr [at] email [dot] unc [dot] edu.

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