Columbia University in New York announced Thursday that it will pause admissions to its Master of Arts (MA) journalism program for one year. Dean Jelani Cobb said the school needs time to conduct a “critical evaluation” of the degree, which was created in 2005, and to address the sharp decline in applications from abroad.
Visa policy shifts drive enrollment drop
Four sources familiar with the matter, who asked to remain anonymous, linked the enrollment dip to the Trump administration’s recent changes to U.S. visa rules. The administration temporarily halted new student‑visa appointments last year and later resumed them with expanded screening of applicants’ online activity, a measure the White House says is necessary to identify potential threats to national security.
Columbia’s journalism MA program historically enrolls roughly half of its students from outside the United States. The sources said the uncertainty surrounding visa availability has deterred many prospective international journalists from applying, prompting the school to pause the program while it re‑examines its structure.
Program adjustments and new offerings
In addition to the pause, the school is reshaping its curriculum for the 2024‑25 academic year, combining science and politics seminars to better reflect the evolving media landscape. It also unveiled a two‑year, part‑time online Master of Science (MS) program that could admit international students without the need for a U.S. visa, though Cobb stressed that the online MS launch is unrelated to the MA pause.
Financial aid remains a cornerstone of the program, with about 80% of students receiving grants, loans, or scholarships from institutional, federal, and private sources. The MA’s tuition is listed at $120,000, while the year‑long MS in Data Journalism costs roughly $180,000.
Broader context for journalism education
The pause comes as news organizations grapple with the rise of artificial intelligence and declining advertising revenue, which have led to significant newsroom cutbacks in the United States and the United Kingdom. At the same time, Columbia continues to administer the Pulitzer Prize, the nation’s highest honor for journalism.
Critics on social media have questioned the length and cost of the MA program, but the school’s leadership argues that the temporary suspension will allow for a thoughtful redesign that better serves mid‑career journalists seeking expertise in politics, business, and science.
Trump administration’s stance
The White House maintains that its visa‑screening measures are essential for protecting the country’s security interests. While the administration’s policies have drawn criticism from higher‑education advocates who warn of reduced diversity and talent pipelines, officials argue that safeguarding national security must remain a priority.
Columbia University previously settled a federal investigation related to campus protests in 2024, agreeing to pay more than $200 million and regain most of its suspended federal funding.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
