The Master of Arts degree program provides students with the exciting opportunity to acquire lifelong skills and knowledge as critical thinkers, excellent writers, and visual communicators in preparation for journalism careers in new media technologies and traditional media anywhere in the world. It provides flexibility to adapt to the needs of individuals for advanced study or for those without prior media experience or journalism education. It also encourages students to gain expertise in an area of study outside journalism that coincides with their future goals.
The program appeals to applicants who seek employment in related areas of innovative journalism, including mobile or online media, radio and TV news, documentaries, newspapers, magazines, photojournalism and other visual communication, media management, public relations, and journalism for domestic or international markets. It serves applicants who seek fundamental, advanced and specialized courses in journalism and related fields, who wish to pursue doctoral study, who are professional journalists planning to advance in the industry, and those who will seek opportunities in fields such as environmental journalism and international journalism.
In addition to the requirements of the University and of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below.
Admission
In addition to meeting the established standards required for admission to graduate study in the college, applicants for admission are asked to provide the Journalism Graduate Committee with the following:
- An official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work.
- Three letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with the applicant's academic and professional work.
- A 750–word autobiography.
- A 1000–word statement of goals for the master's degree.
Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Journalism
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| A minimum of 31 credits is required for the master’s degree in journalism under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis). |
|
| Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B |
|
| All of the following courses (10 credits): |
|
| JRN |
802 |
Journalism ProSeminar |
1 |
| JRN |
804 |
Journalism Studies Seminar |
3 |
| JRN |
805 |
Disruptions in Journalism |
3 |
| JRN |
806 |
Contemporary Issues in Journalism |
3 |
| Additional Requirements for Plan A |
|
| 1. |
All of the following courses (12 credits): |
|
|
JRN |
803 |
Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods |
3 |
|
JRN |
816 |
Applied Research Methods in Journalism |
3 |
|
JRN |
899 |
Master's thesis Research |
6 |
| 2. |
Complete 9 additional credits of elective course work approved by a program plan committee which may include a 9 credit concentration in: Environmental, Science, and Health Journalism; or International Journalism. |
|
| Additional Requirements for Plan B |
|
| 1. |
All of the following courses (12 credits): |
|
|
JRN |
800 |
Multiple Media Reporting I |
3 |
|
JRN |
801 |
Multiple Media Reporting II |
3 |
|
JRN |
896 |
Journalism Professional Project |
6 |
| 2. |
Complete 9 additional credits of elective course work approved by a program plan committee which may include a 9 credit concentration in: Environmental, Science, and Health Journalism; or International Journalism. |
|
| Optional Concentrations |
|
| The following concentrations will fulfill elective requirements in either Plan A or Plan B. |
|
| Environmental, Science and Health Journalism |
|
| All of the following courses (9 credits): |
|
| JRN |
872 |
Environment, Science and Health Reporting Topics |
3 |
| JRN |
873 |
Environment, Science and Health Journalism Seminars |
3 |
| Any advisor approved environmental, science, health or risk course. |
|
| International Journalism |
|
| Select 9 credits from the following: |
|
| JRN |
475 |
International News and Government Dynamics |
3 |
| JRN |
875 |
Global Affairs Reporting |
3 |
| JRN |
887 |
Journalism Study Abroad Topics |
6 |
| Any advisor approved international course. |
|