Journalism

The Journalism program at Georgetown University is a rigorous and comprehensive academic pathway designed to prepare students for successful careers in the dynamic field of media and communication. Rooted in the university's rich tradition of fostering critical thinking, ethical standards, and a commitment to public service, the program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills to equip students with the tools necessary for reporting, storytelling, and multimedia journalism in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers core subjects such as journalistic ethics, media law, investigative reporting, data journalism, digital storytelling, and broadcast journalism. They also have opportunities to specialize in areas like political journalism, international reporting, or multimedia production, aligning their academic pursuits with their career interests. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through newsroom simulations, internships, and projects with real-world media outlets, ensuring that graduates are workplace-ready and adaptable to emerging media technologies. Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars dedicated to mentoring students and advancing journalism excellence. The program also encourages critical engagement with issues of misinformation, press freedom, and the role of journalism in democratic societies. Graduates of the Georgetown Journalism program are well-prepared to enter various media professions, including newspaper reporting, online journalism, television and radio broadcasting, and digital content creation. They emerge from the program not only with a solid understanding of journalistic principles but also with the ethical awareness and technical proficiency to serve the public interest and contribute meaningfully to the media landscape.

The MPS in Journalism program is a 30-credit (10-course) program. Students have five years to complete the degree.

We offer two types of courses: core courses and elective courses. Students are required to complete all core courses with a grade of B or higher in order to graduate. Additionally, students who receive a grade of B- or below in any of the core classes are required to repeat them with a grade of B or higher before qualifying for graduation by the department. Although students can only count credit for a course one time toward their degree, all grades earned appear on the transcript and are used to determine academic standing.

Of the core courses listed below, Ethics, Reporting and News Writing, Video Journalism and Digital Essentials must be completed before students can take elective courses. Students can choose which electives to take, based on their own interest and the advising they receive from program staff. Students take Capstone in their last semester in the program, and the Capstone course requires students to go through a rigorous proposal process that begins before the last semester.

For more information about our core and elective courses, please see the list of courses below, which includes links to course descriptions. The electives are subject to change, based on curriculum updates and the changing needs of the industry.

Required:

• Digital Essentials for Journalists
• Ethics in Journalism
• MPS Journalism Capstone
• Reporting and News Writing
• Video Journalism

Elective:

• Audio Storytelling
• Data Reporting
• Entrepreneurial Journalism
• Feature Writing
• Internship
• Political Reporting
• Visual Storytelling

1. Completed online application
2. $50 Application fee
3. Personal statement
4. Resume or CV
5. Two letters of recommendation
6. Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions

Additional Requirements

• Communications Degrees - Writing Samples. Journalism: Writing samples can include blog posts, essays, or articles
• TOEFL: minimum score in the range of 550-600 (paper-based test), 225-250 (computer-based test), or 90-100 (iBT)
• IELTS: minimum score in the range of 7.0-8.0

Scholarships

• World Bank Group Staff Association Scholarship
• LaFarge BALS Scholarship
• Walter Ciszek BALS Scholarship

The undergraduate program in Journalism at Georgetown University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of journalism in the digital age. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical skills, preparing students to excel in various media environments, including print, broadcast, and digital platforms. Students engage in coursework that covers news reporting, investigative journalism, media ethics, communication theory, and multimedia storytelling. The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and the development of a strong ethical framework necessary for journalism professionals.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including digital media labs and editing suites, which allow for hands-on experience in multimedia production. Throughout their studies, students participate in internships and real-world reporting projects to build their portfolios and gain industry experience. The faculty comprises experienced journalists, scholars, and media professionals committed to mentoring and guiding students through a rapidly evolving media landscape. The program also offers specialized tracks and electives in areas such as political journalism, international reporting, and new media technologies.

Graduates of the Journalism program at Georgetown University are well-equipped to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including news organizations, broadcasting, digital media companies, public relations, and communications consulting. The university's location in Washington, D.C., provides unique opportunities for students to engage with policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and national news outlets. Overall, the program aims to foster responsible journalism, critical inquiry, and a deep understanding of the societal impacts of media.