Columbia Journalism School Pauses M.A. Admissions as US Visa Policies Hit Applications

Columbia’s journalism school said Thursday it will stop admitting students to its Master of Arts program for one year while it carries out a “critical evaluation.” Four people familiar with the matter say tougher, shifting US visa policies under the Trump administration sharply cut international applications and contributed to the decision. Dean Jelani Cobb confirmed that visa dynamics were part of the thinking and said the degree, created in 2005, needs rethinking because the journalism market looks very different now. The exact size of the application drop was not disclosed.

International Students and Visa Uncertainty

International students make up about half of the M.A. enrollment, according to the sources. Last year, the administration paused new student visa appointments and then restarted them with expanded online screening. A rule limiting how long foreign students and journalists can stay was blocked by a federal judge last month. The separate M.S. program is not affected, and a new two year, part time online M.S. launched Thursday.

Cost, Enrollment and a Changing Industry

The ninev month M.A. carries an estimated $120,000 price tag before aid, and about 80% of students receive some. Cobb said the school wants a new fundraising plan and may add a part-time version, as newsrooms face AI disruption and job cuts.