Academic Programs Catalog

College of Communication Arts and Sciences

Graduate Study

The School of Journalism offers several graduate options. A Master of Arts degree (M.A.) for students with a background in journalism or related professions and for those whose degrees are in areas other than journalism or who have not worked professionally in the field. For exceptional MSU students (those whose GPA is 3.5 or above) who want to combine their undergraduate education with an M.A. degree in journalism, the School of Journalism offers a dual bachelor’s-master’s program. The School also offers a graduate certificate in journalism that help professionals and graduates update their knowledge of the field of journalism. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Information and Media focuses on research in journalism and news, audiences, media technology, media effects or other subjects of students’ choice related to journalism and media. They learn how media and society influence each other. 

 


Journalism - Master of Arts

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:

  1. An official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work.
  2. Three letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with the applicant's academic and professional work.
  3. A 750–word autobiography.
  4. 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.

Journalism - Doctor of Philosophy

The School of Journalism participates in the interdepartmental doctoral program in Information and Media and in the interdisciplinary doctoral emphasis in American Studies.

The doctoral program in Information and Media is described under the College of Communication Arts and Sciences listing.

A description of the American Studies emphasis may be found under Interdepartmental and Interdisciplinary Programs in the College of Arts and Letters section of this catalog.

Additional information about graduate study in Journalism and Information and Media may be obtained from the School of Journalism.


Journalism/Law Institute

The Journalism/Law Institute was established in the School of Journalism to study areas of common interest to the mass media, the courts, and the legal profession. The Institute holds seminars and workshops and fosters research and study into First Amendment concerns.

 


Journalism - Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Journalism is designed to help students understand the fundamental processes of gathering, organizing, presenting and disseminating news and information in various text, audio and visual forms for different news media platforms. Students learn about the field of journalism studies, the variety of disruptions that continually shape and reshape the field and the newest innovative media technology. They develop an understanding of the influence and effects of media in society.

Admission

To be considered for admission into the Graduate Certificate in Journalism, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree and submit a short academic essay. For additional information, refer to the Admission section in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Journalism

Students must complete a minimum of 9 credits, through selection of a minimum of three JRN courses at the 800-level, in consultation with the academic advisor.