Qualifications Needed

• Bachelor’s degree with a good academic record.
• Solid writing skills and a desire to report on government, politics and other public affairs topics. Some journalism experience, such as with a college news organization, is a plus but not required.
• The Graduate Record Exam is not required.

Ready to Apply?

Submit an online application: A PAR-specific portion of this application will require you to provide samples of written work, write a narrative statement about your qualifications and interest in the program and a career in journalism. Three letters of reference are also required.

Applications will be considered as they arrive, with a goal of making admission decisions within three weeks of all required application materials being received. To avoid being denied admission due to the class being full (our capacity is typically around 12 students), we recommend submitting an application by April 1. We'll continue to consider applications until the class is full or Aug. 1, whichever comes first. Applicants who successfully pass an initial screening round will be asked to complete a news writing test on deadline.

Have more questions? Fill out our PAR request info form or contact PAR director Jason Piscia at jason.piscia@uis.edu or (217) 206-7494.