M.A. in Journalism
Students pursuing a master’s degree in journalism have several options. They may choose either the professional track or the research and teaching track.
The master’s degree program also offers a one-year option as well as a variety of concentrations in outside areas and several dual degrees.
Professional track
Course requirements are a total of 30 credit hours, including theses core offerings:- J502 Quantitative Research Methods for Journalists
- J510 Media and Society Seminar
- J572 The Press and the Constitution
For students who enter the program without a journalism degree, J505 Intensive Reporting, Writing and Editing Workshop also is required. This course may be waived for students who have had professional media experience.
Students also must take one visual professional skills course, two other professional skills courses and nine additional credit hours. The additional credit hours may be all journalism electives or, upon approval of the student’s adviser, may include up to nine credit hours in a minor field.
A special arrangement with the School of Library and Information Science allows a 12 credit minor in that school.
Research and teaching track
Course requirements are a total of 30 credit hours, including these core offerings:- J500 Introduction to Mass Media Research
- J510 Media and Society Seminar
- J572 The Press and the Constitution
Students must complete a thesis (J800 M.A. Thesis or Creative Project) and 18 additional credit hours. The additional credit hours may all be journalism electives or, upon approval of the student’s adviser, may include up to nine credit hours in a minor field. A special arrangement with the School of Library and Information Science allows a 12 credit minor in that school.
More info:
- For information on the dual degrees available and their requirements, consult the School of Journalism graduate bulletin (PDF format).
- Check the All Courses page to see full course descriptions and syllabi.
- View the Graduate Admissions pages.
