Master of Arts in Journalism

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Journalism program is designed to prepare students for high-impact careers in our rapidly changing news media world. The program combines professional skills training and research for students interested in pursuing a career in media or academia.

There are two tracks that students can choose from – research thesis (Plan A) or professional project (Plan B). If students want to specialize further, they can select one of our optional concentrations: Science and Environmental Journalism, and International Journalism.

The School of Journalism also offers a 3-course graduate certificate program.

Undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor's degree at Michigan State University may apply to the Linked (Journalism majors) or Dual (all other majors) master's in journalism. Classes transferred from MSU's undergraduate programs to MA coursework may begin the semester that the student is accepted into the program.

MSU’s unique team of thinkers and doers helps graduate students elevate their careers with the analytical and creative tools that help them become innovators. Students engage with today’s diverse audiences to master the reporting, writing, visual, digital, and critical thinking skills they need to be versatile in a dynamic news ecosystem.

Expansive coursework

The program can be tailored to meet students’ diverse interests and skillsets. Our students are journalism professionals climbing to the next level, experts in other areas who want journalism and communication careers or who wish to use those skills, accomplished journalism undergraduate degree holders who want to specialize, and scholars who want careers in academia with an aim toward a Ph.D.

Learn from industry experts

MSU's School of Journalism offers top-tier training in visual and written storytelling as well as environmental and science journalism — provided by nationally recognized researchers and Emmy and Pulitzer Prize winners. Faculty encourage students to think "outside the box" and prepare them to step out of the classroom today and into a job tomorrow. Our graduates are rising stars as professionals in the industry and researchers in academia.

Apply for the Master's Degree in Journalism

The M.A. Studies Committee evaluates each application holistically. Selection criteria emphasize student's academic interests and goals, grade point average, coursework, TOEFL for international students, experience and letters of recommendation. We do not require a GRE score for application.

We accept applications on a rolling basis.

However, for international students requesting a student VISA, please note that the following deadlines:

  • International students outside the United States must enroll by Nov. 1 for Spring enrollment and mid-June for Fall.
  • International students already in the US or a SEVIS transfer must enroll by Dec. 1 for Spring enrollment and mid-June for Fall.

For domestic students wanting to be considered for financial aid from the Graduate School, please observe the following deadlines:

  • Grad School UDF: must be admitted and apply for aid by the end of January.
  • AAGA: must be admitted and apply for aid by the end of February.

Note: The School of Journalism will nominate and assist with Graduate School applications.

Apply Today

Degree Details

We tailor programs to students with diverse interests and skillsets. They include:

  • Journalism professionals climbing to the next level.
  • Experts in other areas who want journalism and communication careers or who wish to use those skills.
  • Accomplished journalism undergraduate degree holders who now want to specialize.
  • Scholars who want careers in academic research with an aim toward a Ph.D.
  • Current MSU students interested in pursuing a Master’s as they finish their Bachelor’s, regardless of major, through the dual/linked degree program.

We train our master's students to engage today’s diverse audiences. Students master the reporting, writing, visual, digital and critical thinking skills they need to be nimble and versatile in a dynamic news ecosystem. MSU students are recognized for their research and creative projects at international communication conferences, festivals and national competitions such as the Society of Professional Journalists, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Broadcast Education Association’s Media Arts Festival and more.

Learn more about the curriculum

Linked or Dual - Master's Degree in Journalism

If you are an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree at Michigan State University, you may apply for the Linked or Dual Master’s in Journalism program. You can complete degrees in a shorter amount of time while also saving money on tuition and other associated costs.

Requirements:

Current undergraduate student at Michigan State University, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Admission:

You may begin applying to the program in your final year of your undergraduate program. You will be able to select up to 9 credits taken during your final undergraduate year, to transfer to share with your master’s program. The 9-credits must be 400-level or higher and you must have received a 3.0 or higher. 

Contact the Program

Questions? Additional information about the Master of Arts program in Journalism may be obtained from:

Nicole Bond bondnic@msu.edu
Academic Program Coordinator

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