Undergraduate Preparation

Students entering the Social Documentation program are expected to have completed the equivalent of a four-year undergraduate degree in a discipline such as Anthropology, History, Sociology, Politics/Political Science, Literature (with concentration in writing), Education, Art, Journalism, Photography, Graphic Design, Film, or Communications.

Candidates for admission must also have demonstrated skill in some area of social documentary practice (e.g., photography, film or video production, sound recording, oral history, or journalism) and a demonstrated interest in the study of social life. Preference will be given to students with well-conceived plans for their work in the program and their final projects and to those who have experience working with community organizations or movements which aim to improve people's lives and living conditions. Individuals who have worked with groups that have been historically underrepresented in society are especially encouraged to apply.

If a student's weakness in either documentary skills or social science/humanities training is matched by exceptional preparation in the other area, admission to the program with an approved plan for remediation (for example, taking undergraduate courses) may be a possibility.