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 Shared Programs - Undergraduate to Graduate (Shared Programs-UG2G) master's in journalism. This program provides undergraduate students an opportunity to receive a master's degree in as little as a year.
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 shared 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
MSU Undergrad to Grad Shared Program
Formally Linked/Dual Program
If you are an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree at Michigan State University, you may apply for the Shared Undergraduate to Graduate (UG2G) in Journalism master's program. You can complete a master's degree in a shorter amount of time while also saving money on tuition and other associated costs.
The UG2G program allows undergraduates at MSU to use 9 credits of qualifying 400-level courses (journalism courses preferred) toward the 31 credits required for our master's degree.
Program Policies
- Students initiate interest in the UG2G Program by completing the Request for Shared Enrollment Status form.
- The form can be completed once the student has achieved 56 credits.
- Students must submit the form before beginning any shared course work.
- Upon entering their final year of their bachelor's program, students will then apply for admission to the master's program.
- Students must complete their first bachelor's degree prior to beginning the master's program.
- Completion of the form does not guarantee future admission into the master's program.
- Full details can be found in the Academic Programs catalog.
Student Planning
There are three significant pieces when considering applying for the Shared Program:
- Any time after you have completed 56 credits, you can fill out the Request for Shared Enrollment Status form to indicate your interest in the UG2G program. There is no commitment or anything to lose by filling out and submitting the form.
- You can count up to 9 credits toward both your bachelor's and master's degree programs. You must submit the Request for Shared Enrollment Status form BEFORE taking these 9 credits during your bachelor's program.
- In your last year of your bachelor's degree, you will apply for the master's degree program for the semester following your bachelor's degree completion.
Scenarios
- You are currently enrolled in Fall 2024, you will reach 120 credits and graduate in Spring 2025, you should apply now!
- You are currently enrolled in Fall 2024, you will reach 120 credits and graduate in Fall 2025, you should wait and apply in Spring 2025.
- You are currently enrolled in Fall 2024, you will reach 120 credits and graduate in Spring 2026, you should wait and apply in Fall 2025.
Further Assistance
If you still have questions, please consult Nicole Bond, Academic Program Coordinator, for guidance.
