Journalism (MA/MS)
In our full-time, one-year program in Eugene, journalism master’s students learn the fundamentals of writing and reporting for journalism, including story research and development, investigative journalism, fact-finding, all with an emphasis on writing fact-based non-fiction. They will also study the ethics and laws that are the underpinning of journalism.
The program is designed for students with little or no academic or professional journalism experience who want to acquire professional skills within an intellectual context.
The 46-credit program begins with a summer immersed in learning fundamental journalism skills including interviewing, research, writing, photography and video, and is followed by three full-time terms of classes, allowing students to earn their degree in 12 months. Over the course of the year students will create a professional project or complete an internship to finish their degree requirements. This program is offered on our main campus in Eugene.
Admission Process
Please visit the program's website.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Understand and analyze journalism's role in society.
- Apply research and reporting skills to produce journalistic stories.
- Identify news story structures and demonstrate an ability to write clearly.
- Understand and analyze the economics and delivery of contemporary news and media.
- Demonstrate an ability to produce and showcase professional, quality work.
- Use multimedia skills to produce journalistic stories across platforms.
The Eugene-based Journalism master's program is geared toward students of any background. It serves students who have worked professionally and are looking to expand their skills as well as students who are new to the field. No previous journalism experience is required for admission.
The program emphasizes writing and reporting for journalism and non-fiction. Every student will also take a course in basic multimedia skills. Advanced multimedia classes in audio, video and photojournalism are available with permission for students with previous experience.
Note: Please review the SOJC graduate student handbook for updated program requirements, which do not yet appear in the catalog.
Journalism Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JCOM 508 | Workshop: [Topic] (Reporting and Information Gathering) | 4 |
| JCOM 508 | Workshop: [Topic] (Visual Journalism) | 4 |
| JCOM 611 | Media and Society | 4 |
| JCOM 610 | Experimental Course: [Topic] (Public Affairs Journalism) | 4 |
| JCOM 610 | Experimental Course: [Topic] (Law and Business for Doc & Journalism) | 4 |
| JCOM 629 | Media and Communication Ethics: [Topic] | 4 |
| JCOM 609 | Terminal Project | 6 |
| or JCOM 604 | Internship: [Topic] | |
| Electives | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 46 | |
- At least 46 graduate (500 or 600-level) credits (at least 24 graded)
- At least 6 credits of JCOM 609 Terminal Project or JCOM 604 Internship
- At least 9 credits at 600 level
- Cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher
- This program awards an MA degree for students who have completed two years of foreign language within the past seven years. For students who have not completed this foreign language requirement, the program awards an MS. No foreign language background is required to receive an MS.