Master’s Programs
Master’s of Mass Communication:
Journalism Specialization
The M.A.M.C. program in the College of Journalism and Communications combines study of the academic literature on the societal role and effects of mass communication in general and journalism in particular with courses designed to improve students’ practice of the journalism craft. Students work closely with faculty members who have a broad range of professional backgrounds in journalism as well as intellectual interests in journalism as a craft and as an institution in modern society. Adjunct faculty and guest speakers further broaden students’ exposure to professional practices and ideals.
The Journalism specialization at the master’s level is designed for students interested in all areas of non-broadcast journalism (i.e. newspapers, magazines and online publishing). Those who have an educational and /or professional background in journalism can enhance their understanding of the role of journalism in society, as well as improving reporting and writing skills. The program also gives such students the opportunity to develop expertise in the subject area (e.g. health, education, business, environment, etc.) in which they hope to work as journalists. Students whose background is outside journalism can develop reporting, writing, editing and visual communication skills through articulation courses that will enable them to work in the print or online journalism field, although such articulation courses do not count as graduate credit. Finally, students with a long-term interest in college-level journalism education can pursue the master’s degree as preparation for entry into a doctoral program.
The specialization normally requires two years for completion. Students in the journalism track may choose to complete a professional internship and take a comprehensive written examination [36 semester credit hours minimum] or to complete a professional project in lieu of the thesis (i.e. producing a series of in-depth articles on a complex topic, designing and producing a professional-quality Web site or online magazine, developing a prototype magazines, complete with business plan) [30 credit hours minimum].
For more information, please contact Dr. Kim Walsh-Childers .
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