Undergraduate Admission

The Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism (SOJ) uses the same undergraduate admission standards as West Virginia University (WVU) for pre-journalism students. Visit the WVU undergraduate admissions page for details on general WVU admission. Please indicate on your WVU application that you are seeking an SOJ major. For freshmen seeking to change majors to the SOJ, please call the WVU Office of Admissions and Records at 304-293-2124.

Pre-journalism or general studies students who wish to major in an SOJ program apply to the SOJ while enrolled in JRL 215 and must meet the following criteria for admission:

• Successful completion of JRL 215 with at least a “C” grade
• Successful completion of English 101 and 102 (or English 103) with at least “C” grades
• Successful completion of JRL 101 with at least “C” grades
• Successful completion of ULIB 101 with at least a “C” grade
• At least a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average at the time of application
• Demonstration of necessary skills by earning a competitive score on the SOJ’s Journalism Qualifying Examination (JQE)
• Completion of a contract, an application for admission to the SOJ and an Academic Status Change Form (completed during the JRL 215 term)

After thorough review, all candidates receive an acceptance or rejection letter regarding admission to the SOJ. An acceptance letter will include your newly assigned SOJ advisor’s name. You must consult with your SOJ advisor to pre-register for courses and to obtain a new personal identification number each term until you graduate.

Applicants also may qualify as a direct admit student to the SOJ if you are a freshman or transfer student with at least a 2.75 cumulative high school grade-point average and at least a 23 enhanced ACT English score or at least a 530 re-centered SAT verbal score. Learn more about our direct admit program to see if you qualify.

For more information, please contact Student Services Coordinator Jason Broadwater (jason.broadwater@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-3505, ext. 5402).

Graduate Admission

The SOJ offers two graduate programs: a Master of Science in Journalism (MSJ) program and an online Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications (MS-IMC) program. Admission to either of the graduate programs is limited to holders of baccalaureate or equivalent degrees from institutions of higher learning and specific requirements as set by the SOJ. Please refer to the programs’ websites for specific admission information.