Journalism

The Master of Science degree is the foundational program of the Journalism School.

As an M.S. student, expect to be challenged and to work like you've never worked before. You'll be on the street reporting from day one, learning to think critically and act ethically. You'll get one­-on-­one critiques and intensive feedback from your instructors. You'll attend small classes with a pass­-fail grading policy that fosters collaboration. The result: A grounding in the fundamental skills that will allow you to stand out and make a difference throughout your career.

Reporting

All M.S. students begin with the 11­-week Reporting course, which includes four weeks devoted to digital training and use of social media and digital news design to build and retain audience. Students learn the fundamental practices of journalism, including how to gather and evaluate information; how to interview sources; and how to write a compelling story.

Modules

All M.S. students select one seven­-week course in each of three modules:

• The Written Word: An opportunity to hone your writing skills. Choices include deadline, profiles and feature writing.
• Image and Sound Intensive: Skill development in video, audio, photography or data visualization.
• Investigative Techniques for Journalists: How to obtain and analyze public records and data; get information about individuals and groups using a variety of sources; use social media for reporting and verification; and evaluate scholarly literature.

Essentials
All M.S. students complete four short courses in journalism essentials: law, business, ethics and the history of journalism.

Spring Classes
The spring term allows students to take seminars or production classes in their areas of interest. Choices include Human Rights Reporting, Video Newsroom, Food Writing and Data Visualization. Explore the spring 2016 course offerings.

Master’s Project
All M.S. students complete a Master's Project that spans the autumn and spring terms (or the summer for part­-time students). The Master’s Project will test your ability to conduct and sustain in­-depth research, challenge you to gather and organize large amounts of material and train you to present this material in a clear and professional way.

The Master’s Project is your opportunity to practice the highest level of long­form reporting, writing and producing.

Fall

• Digital Media and Audience Engagement Intensive 
• Reporting 
• M.S. Essentials: Business, Ethics, History & Law
• Image & Sound or Investigative Techniques (you will take the other in the spring)
• Master's Project

Spring

• Seminar/Production Class #1
• Seminar/Production Class #2
• Image & Sound or Investigative Techniques (whichever you didn't take in the fall)
• Master's Project
• Optional: On-air Skills for Broadcast Journalists 

M.S. students may apply for the general M.S. degree program or may choose an area of specialization:

• Data Journalism Intensive training in data and computing to expand reporting techniques to find and tell new kinds of stories.
• Stabile Center for Investigative Journalism Rigorous focus on investigative reporting techniques and methods.
• The Documentary Program A full­-time third semester designed to train students in the art of documentary filmmaking.

Students accepted into one of the specialty areas take designated classes in their specialty areas in addition to the general M.S. curriculum.

Students applying to one of the specialty areas may opt to also be considered for acceptance into the general M.S. program if they are not accepted into the specialized program.

Requirements

• $100 nonrefundable application fee
• Official transcript(s) 
• Three letters of recommendation 
• Writing test
• Proof of English language proficiency (where applicable for non-native speakers of English)
• General essays on personal and professional interests
• Specialization essay (for applicants to Stabile investigative, documentary and data programs)
• Resume
• Journalistic or written work samples
• No GRE or other exams required except for in some dual degree programs

Scholarships

• Global Education