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 three tracks for the Master of Arts degree (M.A. degree) in journalism: research
and theory , professional, or photojournalism.
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.
MA Research & Theory Track:
J 380
Introduction to Research Methods.
J 384
Mass Communication Theory.
J 395
Advanced Social Science Research Methods.
J 395
Mass Communication Theory II.
Twelve additional hours (four courses) supporting research topic. A minimum of 6 hours must be
taken outside of the School of Journalism.
J 698A
Thesis.
J 698B
Thesis.
Professional Track
The Professional Track, which is designed for students seeking professional journalism careers,
is for three 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 second type 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. The
third type of student has journalism experience in non-U.S. media and seeks to develop an
understanding of the purpose, principles and process of journalism in the U.S.
MA Professional Track:
J 380W
Writing and Reporting.
J 380V
Visual Journalism.
J 395
Advanced Writing & Public Affairs Reporting.
J 360
Media Law & Ethics or J395 Media Law & Freedom of Expression
J 389E
Professional Experience in Journalism.
J 3__
One additional skills course in Journalism.
J 3__
One additional conceptual course in Journalism.
Twelve additional hours (four courses) related to your area of specialty. A minimum of 6 hours
must be taken outside of the School of Journalism.
J 398R
Master’s Report.
Students in the Professional track produce a professional report (such as a substantial long-form
article based on investigative reporting), which is accompanied by a paper that places the work in
a historical and professional context. Students register for J 398R, Report, in the semester in
which they intend to graduate.
MA Professional Advising Sheet
PhotoJournalism
The Photojournalism track is designed for photojournalists who already have experience but wish
to enhance their visual communication knowledge and multimedia skills.
MA Photojournalism Track:
J 380M
Advanced Projects in Photography
J 380W
Writing and Reporting.
J 380V
Visual Journalism /J336/J395 or other approved visually-based graduate design
course
J 395
Advance Documentary Seminar
J 395 History of Photography
J 389E Professional Experience in Journalism.
_________ __ Elective
_________ __ Elective
_________ __ Elective
Six hours of additional out-of-department courses.
J 398R
Master’s Report.
Students in the Photojournalism track produce a professional report in the form of creative work
(such as photography or multimedia), which is accompanied by a paper that places the work in a
historical and professional context. Students register for J 398R, Report, in the semester in which
they intend to graduate.
MA Photojournalism Advising Sheet