Announcements about Northwestern University in Qatar’s first-ever minor program came on short notice for NU-Q students, with the application being due a day after the university sent out emails confirming the new program.

The minor in Media and Politics, which is being offered in conjunction with Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar, was first announced by Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation, at the QF graduation CEREMONY in early May.

The response has been enthusiastic despite that short timeframe. A total of 10 NU-Q and GU SFS-Q students have submitted applications and several others have showed an interest in applying for this minor in the future, according to Michelle Telafici, an academic adviser at NU-Q.

Aisha Jassim, a journalism sophomore at NU-Q, says the minor combines the academic strengths of each institution.

“[It] could be vital for a career in political journalism,” Jassim said.

The program, which is equivalent to a minor at NU-Q and a certificate at GU SFS-Q, requires the completion of a total of 6 courses at the two institutions. According to NU-Q’s website, the courses include topics in advanced media theories, comparative politics and the changing role of media in politics.

The new program will also provide a great alternative to existing certificate options at GUSFS-Q, said Salman Ahad, a sophomore at the school.

“We are continually seeing how the rise of media is affecting domestic and foreign policy in many nations,” said Ahad, who is interested in pursuing the minor.

But scheduling the courses may prove to be a hassle given the difficulty of coordinating class timings across two different campuses, says Telafici.

She advises students to consider applying for the minor program during the second half of their sophomore year, as that allows enough time to complete all the required courses.