Master's Programs
Journalism Master of Arts Program Tracks
Journalism shares much with the social sciences and humanities; both seek to analyze and report on the social world. Unlike those fields, however, journalism education trains students to enter a specific profession. We believe that a well-rounded and rigorous program of graduate study provides the best training for a professional communicator. In an era of rapid change, both in careers and the industry, we feel it is the best long-term investment for the student and helps improve, rather than simply perpetuate, current practices in the profession. Students can choose one of two tracks for the Master of Arts degree (M.A. degree) in journalism: the research and theory track or the professional track.
Research and Theory Track
The research and theory track is designed for students desiring a general conceptual foundation for media-related careers or entrance into doctoral programs in communication.
Coursework: Emphasis in Research and Theory
Required Courses: (12 hours)
J 380 Introduction to Research Methods (fall only)
J 384 Mass Communication Theory (fall only)
J 395 Advanced Social Science Research Methods (spring only)
J 395 Mass Communication Theory II (spring only)
Additional Requirements: (12 hours)
Total of four courses (12 hours) supporting research topic. A minimum of two courses (6 hours) must be out-of-department/non-J courses.
Final Master's Project: (6 hours) J 698A and J 698B: Thesis
Professional Track
The professional track is designed for students seeking professional journalism careers. The professional track has two different emphases: the reporting and writing emphasis, which teaches general skills in reporting, writing and editing while building on a strong conceptual foundation; and the photojournalism and design emphasis, which teaches how to communicate with photography and graphic design.
Both tracks are open to two major types of students. One is the student with an undergraduate journalism degree and/or professional experience who is already familiar with journalistic techniques and can broaden and advance his or her job qualifications through M.A. work. The other kind of student has little journalistic background and seeks marketable professional training to accompany an undergraduate degree in another field such as liberal arts, engineering or political science. It may be recommended that students with little or no previous background in journalism take additional qualifying undergraduate coursework.
Coursework: Emphasis in Print
Complete a minimum of 36 credit hours, including three credit hours awarded for the Masters Report
Required Courses
1st Semester
J 380W Writing and Reporting
J 380V Visual Journalism
2nd Semester
J 395 Advanced Writing and Public Affairs Reporting
Other Required Courses
J 360 Media Law and Ethics
J 389E Professional Experience in Journalism
One additional graduate level skills course in Journalism
One additional graduate conceptual course in Journalism
Supporting Courses: Professional Master's Specialty
Twelve additional hours (four courses) related to your major or your minor field of interest. A minimum of 6 hours must be taken outside of the School of Journalism.
Masters Report: Final Semester J 398R
MA Professional Advising Sheet
PhotoJournalism
The professional photography and design track teaches students how to communicate effectively with photography and graphic design. In addition to principles and technique, the program emphasizes history, critical values and ethics. Students learn varied assignment approaches for print and new media, including the special concerns of social documentary.
The Graduate School requires that students in professional-report option master's programs, such as this one, are required to complete 36 credit hours, including three credit hours awarded for the master's report.
Students in the professional track emphasizing in photojournalism are required to take writing and reporting and visual design courses along with advanced photography courses. Students are advised each semester to help select courses that fit their desired interest and complete all requirements within the two-year program. The advising sheet is a guideline for the coursework to complete the Master of Arts in Journalism, photojournalism track.
Coursework: Emphasis in Photojournalism
Complete a minimum of 36 credit hours, including three credit hours awarded for the Masters Report.
Required Courses
1st Semester
J 380W Writing and Reporting
J 380V Visual Journalism
Other Required Courses
J 389E Professional Experience in Journalism
One additional graduate level skills course in Journalism
Supporting Coursework: Photo Specialty
1st Semester
J380M Introduction to Graduate Photojournalism
(Students without a strong technical skill level/background in photography are highly encouraged to consider taking J 355 Photography II prior to taking J 380M.)
2nd Semester
J 395 Documentary Video
J 336/395 Visual Design/Advanced Visual Design
Other Semesters
J 380M Advanced Projects in Photojournalism
J 388 Seminar in Photographic Criticism
Six hours of additional out-of-department courses
Masters Report: Final Semester J 398R
