The decision follows a 39% decline in graduate enrollment at the institution between 2016 and fall 2025. Cobb described the current period as one of "intense change" for the journalism school as it works to mitigate these losses, while some critics suggest the cost of the 9 month MA program, which reaches $90K, has contributed to the decline.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Visa Uncertainty Triggers Columbia Journalism MA Admissions Pause
Culture18 days ago
The head of Columbia’s journalism school cited a drop in overseas interest caused by visa processing hurdles as a factor in suspending graduate intake. Dean Jelani Cobb informed alumni in an email that these visa issues, alongside a need to conduct a "critical evaluation" and rework the current curriculum, led to the pause in admitting new Master of Arts students.
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