Specialized Journalism

Specialized Journalism at the University of Southern California offers students a rigorous and comprehensive education designed to prepare future journalists for the dynamic and evolving media landscape. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to excel across various media platforms, including print, digital, broadcast, and multimedia journalism. The curriculum emphasizes essential competencies such as investigative reporting, data journalism, storytelling, ethics, and media law, providing a solid foundation for a successful career in journalism. Students have the opportunity to learn from experienced professors who are active professionals in the field, gaining insights into contemporary journalistic practices and industry standards. The program encourages hands-on experience through internships, campus media outlets, and real-world reporting projects that help students develop their portfolios and build professional networks. With an emphasis on critical thinking and ethical considerations, the Specialized Journalism program at USC prepares graduates to deliver impactful, accurate, and engaging content to diverse audiences. The program also explores emerging technologies and new media platforms, ensuring that students are well-equipped to adapt to the rapidly changing media environment. By combining academic rigor with practical application, USC’s Specialized Journalism program aims to cultivate versatile journalists who can inform, engage, and influence society responsibly and effectively.

MA in Specialized Journalism students normally enroll in JOUR 594a (2 units), JOUR 594b (2 units) in their single year of study.

Course Requirements (34 Units)

• JOUR 580 Introduction to Specialized Journalism Units: 4
• JOUR 582 Specialized Journalism: Reporting Decisions Units: 2
• JOUR 594a Master's Thesis Units: 2
• JOUR 594b Master's Thesis Units: 2
• JOUR 595 Critical Thinking: The Art and Science of Not Getting Fooled Units: 3

One course from:

• JOUR 571 Advanced Sports Reporting Units: 3
• JOUR 572 Reporting on Entertainment and Popular Culture Units: 3
• JOUR 578 Reporting on Globalization Units: 3
• JOUR 584 Specialized Reporting: Education, Youth and Learning Units: 3
• JOUR 585 Specialized Reporting: Religion Units: 3
• JOUR 586 Specialized Reporting: Science Units: 3
• JOUR 588 Cities, Climate and Risk Units: 3
• JOUR 589 Specialized Reporting: The Changing U.S. Population Units: 3
• JOUR 596 Follow the Money: Business and Economics Reporting Units: 3
• Plus 18 units of approved elective courses Units: 18*

Note:

*One elective course must be taken from an Annenberg School program in COMM, CMGT, JOUR or PUBD.

Upload official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (including USC) to the Academic History section of the application.

• Include the legend for domestic institutions and the grading scale for international institutions.
• International transcripts should include the original language and the English translation as one document.
• Do not upload transcripts from your student portal.

Upload the following documents before submitting your application:

• CV/ Résumé
• Personal Statement
• Writing Sample
• Copy of your official passport (International Applicants only)
• Proof of Financial Support (International Applicants Only)

Official Transcripts

After receiving your USC ID*, mail official transcripts (original language and English translation) from all colleges and universities attended and any study abroad programs to:

University of Southern California
Office of Graduate Admission
3601 South Flower St., Room 112
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0915

*USC Graduate Admission will send your USC ID via email 2-3 days after you submit your online graduate admission application.

All program materials must be submitted online with the application in English. Once the application has been submitted, you may not upload or change any program materials. Once submitted, all materials and documents become the property of USC and will not be returned.

Recommendations

Create online profiles in the Program Materials section of the application by providing names and email addresses of your recommenders. Your recommenders will be sent instructions on how to submit a recommendation. USC Annenberg only accepts online recommendations.

Testing Requirements

Valid test scores must be reported electronically from the testing agency to USC (code 4852 for GRE and TOEFL. For IELTS, select University of Southern California Graduate Programs).

• GRE scores are valid if taken July 2012 or later.
• International applicants must submit valid TOEFL or IELTS scores; scores are valid if taken July 2015 or later.
• International applicants who completed their entire undergraduate degree in the United States or another Anglophone country where English is both the language of instruction and the only official language of the country are exempt from submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores. Completing a graduate degree in an Anglophone county does not exempt you from submitting TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Complete all admission testing as early as possible and no later than one month prior to the application deadline. 

Application Fee

Pay the $90 non-refundable application fee with a credit card or request an application fee waiver prior to submitting an application. 

The University of Southern California offers specialized journalism programs with a focus on preparing students for diverse career paths in media industries. The financing studies for these programs typically include a combination of tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, financial aid options, and payment plans. Tuition fees for undergraduate specialized journalism programs at USC generally range from approximately $63,000 to $70,000 per academic year, depending on the specific curriculum and semester credits. Graduate programs, such as master's degrees in specialized journalism or related fields, may have tuition costs ranging from $50,000 to $65,000 per year.

USC provides various scholarships for both incoming and current students based on merit, need, or specific eligibility criteria. These scholarships can significantly offset the cost of education and are awarded through application processes that require academic achievements, personal essays, and recommendations. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore federal financial aid options such as FAFSA to qualify for grants and loans. Loan programs at USC may include federal Direct Loans and private loan options, with terms varying according to creditworthiness and loan amount.

The university also offers payment plans to help students manage tuition payments across the academic year, easing financial burden through monthly installment options. Work-study programs are available to provide students with part-time employment opportunities on campus, enabling them to earn income toward educational expenses. For international students, USC offers specific scholarship programs and financial aid information tailored to non-U.S. residents, although funding options may be limited compared to domestic students.

Students are advised to consult the USC Financial Aid Office and the specific department of the specialized journalism program for detailed and up-to-date information about costs, scholarships, grants, and financing options. Overall, the financial planning for students in USC's specialized journalism programs involves a multifaceted approach aimed at making higher education accessible while covering the quality education provided by the university.

Specialized Journalism at the University of Southern California is a graduate program designed to equip students with the advanced skills necessary to excel in various specialized fields of journalism. The program focuses on developing expertise in areas such as business, science, technology, arts, and entertainment journalism, providing a comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students engage in rigorous coursework that emphasizes investigative reporting, storytelling techniques, multimedia skills, and digital journalism tools, preparing them to meet the demands of an evolving media landscape.

The curriculum includes hands-on training through workshops, seminars, and real-world projects, often involving collaborations with industry professionals. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and gain experience in various formats, including online media, broadcast, and print. The program also offers opportunities for internships and external collaborations that allow students to build professional networks and attain practical experience in specialized journalism settings. Faculty members are experienced journalists and industry experts who bring current insights into their teaching, ensuring students are well-versed in the latest trends and ethical standards in journalism.

Graduates of the Specialized Journalism program at USC are well-prepared for careers in media outlets, corporate communications, PR firms, and digital content creation. They possess a deep understanding of their chosen specialization, strong investigative skills, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively across multiple platforms. The program aims to foster journalistic integrity, critical thinking, and adaptability, enabling graduates to thrive in a competitive media environment and contribute meaningfully to public discourse.

In addition to coursework, students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as student journalism organizations, conferences, and writing competitions. The program supports continuous learning through alumni networks and industry events, providing a pathway for professional growth beyond graduation. The USC Specialized Journalism program embodies the university’s commitment to fostering innovative, responsible, and impactful journalism that serves the public interest and adapts to the digital age.