The M.A. in Technology and Communication is intended for mid-career professionals in journalism or another communication-related field seeking an immersion in digital media theory and applications.

Admission to the MATC is competitive. No more than 20 applicants are admitted each year.

Admission to the program is based on an analysis of each applicant’s academic record, GRE scores, years of relevant professional experience, reasons for pursuing the degree and references.

The MATC Admissions Committee expects applicants to have at least three years of professional mass communication experience and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference will be given to applicants with GRE verbal and quantitative scores in the 55th percentile or higher. Check the Graduate School website for more information on standardized test score requirements and average scores of admitted applicants.
 

Application Process

The application process is administered online by the UNC Graduate School at http://gradschool.unc.edu/admissions/instructions.html.  This site allows you to complete and submit an application and supporting materials electronically.  Within your online application, under Plans for Graduate Study, first select School of Journalism and Mass Communication then select "Technology and Communication" from the select a major drop-down listing. Then select "Master of Arts" from the select a degree drop-down.

Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by early January. Inside the application, you will be asked for the following items:

• Application fee (non-refundable $85). The Graduate School accepts credit card payments for online admission applications. Applications and fees must be received by the January deadline.
• Transcripts. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official sealed transcripts must be submitted by applicants offered admission into the program. Transcripts are required from institutions for classes appearing on a main transcript as transfer or study abroad courses if those courses are listed and have no accompanying grades. If grades are shown along with the credits, then another transcript is not necessary.
• Graduate Record Examination scores. Scores from computerized tests taken through mid-November should reach the graduate program by the January deadline. Do not plan to take the GRE after mid-November and expect to have test scores available to the selection committee in time. Test scores must be dated within five years of application or applicants must retake the exam. When taking the GRE, please note that UNC’s Institutional Code is R5816. The Graduate School requires an official copy of test scores be sent directly from the testing service.
• Resume with details about all communication-related work experience.
• Three letters of recommendation from academic and professional sources best qualified to evaluate the applicant’s potential as a graduate student. Recommendations must come directly from the recommender electronically. As part of the application, applicants provide email addresses for recommenders.  The UNC Graduate School will email  recommenders requesting recommendations be sent directly to the Graduate School. Please note that these recommendations must be submitted by your recommenders before the application deadline.
• A statement of reasons for pursuing the degree. Describe your career goals and research interests. Focus on how you think the MATC program will benefit you professionally and personally. Also address how you plan to incorporate a part-time master’s program into your schedule. Focus on time management strategies and your ability to meet the course demands and residency requirements. The statement should be double-spaced and no longer than three pages.

View additional Helpful Tips for submitting an application.

Admissions Interview

All applicants being considered for admission undergo an interview with the MATC Admissions Committee. These interviews may be conducted in person at UNC-Chapel Hill or remotely via web-conferencing.

During the interview, special attention is given to the student’s academic background and to his or her strategies for managing the program course load while meeting work and family responsibilities.

Application Notification

Students will be notified of their application status by mid-March.