MS in Journalism Curriculum
The MS in Journalism is offered in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences. In the School of Communications, students receive journalism-specific theoretical grounding and skills-based instruction. Once matriculated, students must choose an area of inquiry. In collaboration with their academic advisor, students design a course of study that uses elective courses—selected from a pre-approved menu—to deepen their understanding of particular areas of interest.
To earn the master’s degree, students must complete 30 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA and no grade less than a C. Any course with a grade of less than C must be retaken. Full-time students can complete the program in two semesters and one summer term.
Sample Full-Time Schedule
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Before Fall Semester Begins: | ||
| Boot Camp (if necessary) - Boot Camp credits do not count toward degree. | ||
| First Semester | ||
| JRN 501 | Reporting and Fact-Checking | 3 |
| JRN 504 | Digital Essentials | 3 |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| JRN 546 | Digital News Production | 3 |
| JRN 552 | Media Law and Ethics | 3 |
| JRN 600 | Capstone Proposal | 3 |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| Summer Semester | ||
| JRN 601 | Capstone Project | 3 |
| Elective Course | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| JRN 501 | Reporting and Fact-Checking | 3 |
| JRN 504 | Digital Essentials | 3 |
| JRN 546 | Digital News Production | 3 |
| JRN 552 | Media Law and Ethics | 3 |
| The capstone is a two-semester course that culminates with a professional quality master's project. | ||
| JRN 600 | Capstone Proposal | 3 |
| JRN 601 | Capstone Project | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Students will select four courses in a concentration they will determine with their adviser. | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
Students may take other electives with permission of their adviser. Electives are offered on an as-needed basis and may not be available during a given student’s program of study.
Courses and curriculum requirements are subject to change.