What is a Master’s Degree in Journalism? A Complete Overview

A Master’s degree in journalism provides advanced training for journalism professionals looking to enhance their skills or transition into the field This graduate program equips students with specialized expertise to excel as investigative reporters, digital journalists, broadcast anchors, and more

In today’s fast-paced news environment, a Master’s in journalism offers a competitive edge for aspiring journalists. This article provides a comprehensive guide on what a Master’s in journalism entails, its key benefits, career paths, program options, and more.

What is a Master’s in Journalism?

A Master’s in journalism is an advanced graduate degree program that focuses on honing skills in researching, investigating, writing, and reporting the news

The curriculum covers core journalism skills like news gathering fact-checking interviewing, writing, and editing. Students also gain hands-on experience through internships at media organizations.

In addition, programs allow students to specialize via elective courses in areas like:

• Investigative reporting
• Data journalism
• Visual journalism
• Digital media
• Broadcast journalism
• Sports journalism
• Business journalism

The coursework equips students with specialized expertise to excel in their chosen concentration.

Programs blend theory and practice to prepare students for journalism careers. Students take classes in journalism history, communications law, ethics, and trends. The programs teach how to apply journalism skills across print, broadcast, and digital media platforms.

Most Master’s in journalism programs require 30-50 credits and take 1-2 years to complete full-time. Some schools also offer part-time options that allow working journalists to earn their degree while working.

Key Benefits of Earning a Master’s in Journalism

Pursuing a Master’s in journalism offers many advantages:

• Learn cutting-edge skills: Master’s programs teach the latest tools and technologies used in the journalism field like data analysis, digital media, and social media.

• Specialize: Programs allow students to focus on a particular journalism discipline like sports reporting, arts journalism, or business journalism. This enables them to gain valuable expertise.

• Boost job prospects: A graduate degree makes candidates more competitive for journalism roles and leadership positions.

• Higher salary potential: According to PayScale data, journalists with Master’s degrees earn around $14,000 more per year compared to those with Bachelor’s degrees.

• Prepare for academia: A Master’s degree can qualify candidates to teach journalism at the collegiate level.

• Change careers: Professionals looking to shift into journalism from other fields can acquire the skills needed through a Master’s program.

Career Paths with a Master’s in Journalism

A Master’s in journalism opens doors to rewarding careers across all media sectors. Common positions include:

• Print and digital reporters: Research, investigate, and write news stories or in-depth features for newspapers, magazines, or online publications. Median salary – $43,800

• Broadcast reporters: Present news stories or conduct interviews for TV/radio programs. Median salary – $49,300

• News editors: Oversee the editing and production of news content. Median salary – $59,300

• Online content managers: Create and manage content across an organization’s online platforms like websites and social media. Median salary – $73,400

• Media relations specialists: Build relationships with media outlets and journalists to gain positive publicity for brands/organizations. Median salary – $68,500

• Multimedia journalists: Report and produce news content in various multimedia formats like video, photos, audio, graphics, and animation. Median salary – $49,300

• Freelance writers/editors: Take on writing or editing projects for publications on a contract basis. Average hourly rate – $28

With substantial experience, Master’s graduates can move into journalism leadership roles such as:

• News directors – Oversee all aspects of a broadcast news department
• Managing editors – Manage editorial operations for a publication
• Associate editors – Help manage and execute high-level editorial decisions

Types of Master’s in Journalism Programs

Master’s in journalism programs are offered in different formats:

On-Campus

Traditional on-campus programs require students to attend classes and complete coursework at the university campus. This option facilitates rich in-person interaction and access to campus facilities/resources.

Online

Online Master’s programs offer flexibility to juggle work and academics. Live online classes and recorded lectures allow students to study anywhere via internet access. This format gives professionals the ability to earn their Master’s degree part-time.

Hybrid

Hybrid programs blend online and on-campus components. Students complete some coursework online but are also required to physically attend classes periodically. This model combines flexibility with face-to-face learning.

When researching programs, be sure to check each school’s specific format and attendance requirements.

Admissions Requirements

While specific requirements vary, below are typical admissions criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, ideally in journalism or communications

• Minimum 3.0 GPA

• Official transcripts

• Letters of recommendation

• Resume

• Statement of purpose articulating career goals

• Sample published articles or writing portfolio

• GRE/GMAT test scores (optional)

Meeting English proficiency scores on TOEFL/IELTS is required for non-native English speakers. Relevant work experience can help strengthen applications.

Program Accreditation

When evaluating Master’s in journalism programs, it is advisable to choose an accredited school. Accreditation ensures programs meet rigorous academic and professional standards.

Key accreditors for journalism programs are:

• Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)

• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Graduating from an accredited program can improve career prospects and provide access to federal financial aid. Over 100 schools currently hold ACEJMC accreditation for their journalism programs.

Program Costs

The total costs for a Master’s degree include:

Tuition: For the 2021-2022 school year, the average annual tuition costs* for a journalism Master’s program were:

• Public colleges: $22,598 (in-state), $31,584 (out-of-state)

• Private non-profit colleges: $41,880

Fees: $100-$1,000 for application fees, lab fees, facilities usage, etc.

Books/Supplies: $1,500 per year

Room and Board: $12,000+ per year for living costs like housing, food, transport, etc.

Scholarships, grants, teaching/research assistantships, and financial aid can help lower overall costs. Employer tuition reimbursement programs are also an option for working students.

*Source: College Board

Finding the Right Journalism Master’s Program

Those considering a Master’s in journalism should evaluate schools based on factors like:

• Specializations offered
• Curriculum aligning with career goals
• Teaching methods – lectures, workshops, seminars
• Internship/industry tie-ups
• Instructor expertise
• Location preferences – campus, online, hybrid options
• Costs and financial assistance available
• Program duration and graduation requirements
• Job placement rates for alumni
• Accreditation status

Researching program outcomes and graduate reviews provides helpful insight into program quality and value.

Is a Master’s in Journalism Worth It?

A Master’s degree is a major investment of time and money. Prospective students should weigh the costs versus expected return carefully.

For current journalism professionals, a Master’s can fast-track their career advancement and leadership opportunities in the field. Specialized skills and networks gained from the degree can translate to higher salaries and fulfillment in their work.

For career-changers, the degree provides the tools and training needed to successfully transition into journalism. It also makes them much more employable compared to only having an unrelated Bachelor’s degree.

Ultimately, the value derived from a Master’s in journalism depends significantly on the student’s career objectives and ability to leverage the advanced expertise effectively. For those with clear goals of reaching higher positions in journalism, the intensive graduate study pays dividends in unlocking their professional potential.

A Master’s degree in journalism equips students with the cutting-edge skills and industry connections to excel as reporters, multimedia producers, editors, and more. The focused, hands-on curriculum allows journalists to gain expertise in specializations from data journalism to visual storytelling.

For seasoned professionals, a Master’s degree enables them to take on leadership roles and shape the future of journalism. Aspiring journalists also benefit greatly from the rigorous preparation and networks offered by graduate programs.

With the media landscape undergoing rapid transformation, a Master’s in journalism degree is a worthwhile investment for motivated students with a passion for the industry. The advanced training and portfolio of work make candidates stand out when seeking rewarding careers in today’s dynamic journalism field.