Master's Programs in Journalism in Boston, Massachusetts

Boston University

The College of Communication at Boston University offers a Master of Science (MS) in Journalism with a focus on digital and visual journalism. This master's program covers topics like news judgment, reporting, narrative skills, media law and ethics, history, and criticism in its 48-credit curriculum; it also includes an internship and professional project to offer real-world experience.

Emerson College

The Master of Arts (MA) in Journalism at Emerson College is a 13-month hybrid program that combines online and on-campus classes and includes a 12-week online capstone project (a cross-media portfolio) and an internship. This program covers topics like multimedia storytelling, editing, web producing, reporting, public policy, journalism laws, visual storytelling, and it also introduces newsroom and production facility training.

Northeastern University

The Master of Arts in Journalism at Northeastern University is available in two tracks: the 18- to 36-month Professional Journalism track, which focuses on the study of journalism theory and practice, and the 18-month Media Innovation track, which focuses on digital journalism. This 32-credit program is available in both full-time and part-time formats and includes the foundations of digital journalism in both the tracks; the Professional Journalism track also offers a six-month job assignment at a media organization.

Harvard University

Harvard Univerisity features a 48-credit Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: Journalism degree that explores topics like feature writing, news reporting for web and print media, laws, and a capstone project along with an elective internship. This program includes 12 courses, and students need to complete at least one of the courses on-campus; students also have to complete this master's degree within five years.

Source: *NCES

Master's Programs in Journalism: General Information

A Master's degree in Journalism gives detailed insights into the art of reporting, various media forms, media ethics, and laws associated with media. The curriculum of this program includes some of the core courses described below.

Laws and Media Ethics

Courses like these generally discuss the laws associated with the media and the ethical implications and obligations of media. It may also delve into the First Amendment, copyright and intellectual properties, conflicts between disclosure and national security, freedom of the press, and protection of sources. Often students have a chance to learn about corporate ownership, codes of ethics, councils, and journalism reviews.

Digital Journalism

In this course, students might learn the fundamentals of digital journalism, multi-platform journalism, and news delivery via digital platforms. The introduction of several multimedia tools, analyzing digital content such as texts, audios, videos, photos, and using them in reporting could also be a part of this course.

News Reporting

This kind of course generally introduces newsroom environments and teaches techniques of news writing and presenting. It typically explores news reporting techniques for different media platforms, focuses and meeting deadlines, and includes several discussions on current affairs and controversies. Students can learn research and interviewing skills, writing enterprise articles, and computer-assisted reporting skills. Students may also get a chance to look at handling critical issues like corruption in the government, criminal issues, and risks to the environment.

Admission Requirements for Master's Programs in Journalism

Generally, the applicants need to hold a bachelor's degree to apply for a master's program in journalism. The list of required documents often includes official transcripts, a professional resume describing the career and educational work, an essay or a personal statement explaining the student's career goals and interests in journalism, and two to three recommendation letters. Some schools ask for a portfolio of candidates, and some other schools allow students to submit samples of published work.

Several schools in Boston and the greater Boston area offer a master's program in journalism with several options like online and on-campus training, and part-time and full-time study options. A master's degree is designed to equip students with skills in reporting, digital journalism, media ethics, and constitutional laws; these programs often include capstone projects or internships to offer practical experience.