ObjectivesThe new M.A. in Journalism Studies is aimed at students interested in acquiring the theoretical foundation and methodological skills necessary to conduct scholarly research in the field of journalism studies. It is a research-oriented program, designed with two kinds of students in mind: those interested in the scholarly study of journalism as a practice and as an institution and wish to acquire the necessary research skills to produce scholarly work, perhaps with the intention of continuing on to doctoral study; and mid-career journalists who are interested in familiarizing themselves with the scholarly literature in this field and in pursuing a specific research project.
Entry requirementsThis program is not intended for students interested in becoming journalists. Students interested in becoming journalists in the print, radio, television and/or on-line media should consult the program description of our Graduate Diploma in Journalism.
Academic titleMaster of Arts in Journalism Studies
Course descriptionThe program will require 18 credits of coursework (i.e., six three-credit courses), a six-credit literature review and thesis/project proposal, and a final thesis. The following core courses are required:
JOUR 601 Foundations of Journalistic Thought I (3 credits)
JOUR 602 Foundations of Journalistic Thought II (3 credits)
JOUR 603 Political Economy of Journalism (3 credits)
JOUR 604 Research Methods in Journalism Studies (3 credits)
Three to six credits of elective courses may be chosen from this list:*
JOUR 610 International Journalism (3 credits)
JOUR 620 Journalism Ethics (3 credits)
JOUR 630 Mediating Diversity (3 credits)
JOUR 640 Textual Approaches to Journalism (3 credits)
*Students (in consultation with their faculty advisors) may enroll in one three-credit elective course external to the Journalism Department, which the M.A. Program Director and the respective external department must approve.