The course of study for the M.A. in Journalism degree is challenging and hands on.

Students complete 43 credits of coursework in as few as 16 months, or they can extend their studies over a longer period to accommodate work and family obligations. All students work at a required, paid summer internship and can take January Academy enrichment workshops between the fall and spring semesters.

The curriculum is built upon seven foundational courses which students are required to complete during their first semester. Then, students can take a wide range of classes in different media formats and subject matter. All students must also complete a capstone project within an advanced course in their final semester.

The core courses stress the essential skills and mindsets that all good journalists must have, including reporting, writing and editing skills, and analytical thinking needed to approach complex subjects. Other core courses cover journalistic safety, ethics and legal issues, and foundational skills including data journalism, audio and video reporting.

Students studying for the M.A. in Journalism are required to declare one subject concentration–Arts and Culture Reporting, Business and Economics Reporting, Health and Science Reporting, International Reporting, Bilingual Journalism or Local Accountability. In addition to declaring a subject concentration, students may also choose to specialize in one media format– Audio, Data, Broadcast TV News, or Documentary Film.

Academic Planning and Program Completion

Students can choose to complete the program in 16 months (3 semesters plus a required summer internship). The SOJ Master of Arts Program Worksheet, is a helpful tool for planning the completion of your degree. If you are a student in the SOJ Master of Arts Bilingual Program, you will follow the Bilingual Program Worksheet. Students in the Engagement Journalism Program will reference the Engagement Journalism Program Worksheet.

Some students may extend their course of study to four semesters, or take fewer than nine credits per semester, spreading the program out beyond four semesters.

Students need to take  six credits to remain eligible for federal student loans. International students must maintain full-time status (9 credits) in order to keep their student visa.They will be required to discuss their plans with their academic advisor before each semester in order to ensure continued progress in the program.

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