Program Contact: Ben Bogardus 203-582-3417
The MS in Journalism program emphasizes the command of journalism fundamentals and new technologies—all in the service of effective and innovative storytelling. A core of foundational courses stresses the development and practice of reporting and digital skills, and provides a solid underpinning in media ethics.
The program is designed so that students, in consultation with their adviser, develop areas of inquiry to engage in a deep exploration of current issues. By taking elective courses in communications and other areas of the university, students are equipped with the knowledge and insight that lead to high-quality journalistic work.
Our graduates are nimble and adaptable journalists who excel at gathering facts, conducting interviews, writing and producing informative and engaging stories, and expertly using a variety of digital tools.
Courses and labs are offered in our professional all-digital broadcast production environment. Our facilities include two high-definition studios, two podcast studios, two LiveU units for performing live shots in the field, two 4K video editing suites, HD editing suites for single or group projects and other areas designed to support both studio and remote productions.
Video cameras, audio recorders, lights and other gear required to capture interviews and events in the field are available to students through our well-stocked and expertly maintained equipment inventory.
Prior to entering the program, students who do not have a journalism background may be required to complete a journalism boot camp course.
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 adviser, 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 3.00 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.
Program of Study
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses 1 | ||
| 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. 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. | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
Courses and curriculum requirements are subject to change.
Examples of concentrations include, but are not limited to:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Cultural Reporting | ||
| Audio Journalism | ||
| Business Journalism | ||
| Criminal Justice Reporting | ||
| Foreign Correspondence | ||
| Government Reporting | ||
| Immigration Reporting | ||
| Race and Social Justice Reporting | ||
| Sports Reporting | ||
| Environmental Journalism | ||
Contact the Graduate Journalism Director for more information, corresponding courses and more.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students should be able to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Understand professional journalistic practices, ethical standards and technologies and be able to apply reason to develop ideas within these structures.
- Analyze information based on journalistic practices of research, interviews and observation.
- Evaluate information in determining the story’s narrative structure and reach via social media and other applications.
- Report and compose a story, either visual, multimedia or text, that informs, enlightens, entertains and is useful to the reader or audience within professional journalistic reporting and writing practices and ethical standards.
Admission
To qualify for admission, candidates must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning and have a minimum GPA of 3.00. Journalism experience is not required.
Admission to the MS in Journalism program is competitive and based on undergraduate performance as measured by GPA, experience in any career field for students returning to school and the required documents listed below.
Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and students apply to enter during the fall. Applications are evaluated once all materials are received by Quinnipiac.
A complete application consists of the following:
- application form
- application fee
- two professional recommendations
- personal statement explaining decision to pursue graduate study
- current resume
- portfolio of writing or work samples (i.e., college papers, videos, audio clips or published work of any kind)
- official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work