Journalism, M.J.

About
Admission
Program Requirements
Contacts
Courses

LEW KLEIN COLLEGE OF MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

About the Program

The Master of Journalism program provides both introductory and advanced study for students who wish to begin or advance their careers in news and information, including broadcast and print reporters, magazine editors and writers, media managers, and those working in online news and information. Students receive instruction from award-winning media practitioners from the Philadelphia region and have the opportunity to study under a well-regarded faculty at a Research I institution. Students may find many freelance and internship opportunities in the nation's fourth largest media market.

As of Fall 2018, the M.J. degree program has been restructured to allow students to develop a broader range of skills and deeper knowledge required to work across media platforms. It does so within a curriculum and through reporting projects that focus more directly on the problems and opportunities of urban life. The M.J. requires 30 credits to be completed over the course of one year in a cohort experience. The program begins with an intensive three-week “boot camp” preparatory course offered during the Early Term in August; continues with two 12-credit terms of coursework in the Fall and Spring; and culminates in a capstone project during the Summer I academic term. In addition to the “boot camp” class and the capstone project, coursework is required on journalistic principles, editing, and law and ethics, plus two terms of intensive reporting work in an Urban Reporting Lab. The Reporting Lab allows students to work both individually and collaboratively in order to do in-depth reporting on specific urban issues.

Time Limit for Degree Completion: 4 years

Campus Location: Online

Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The degree program is expected to be completed on a full-time basis.

Study Abroad: M.J. students may participate in the London program offered by the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication in the Summer and Fall terms.

Ranking: Temple University's Master of Journalism program is the only one of its kind in the state and one of just a handful of programs in the United States. The program is proud that it provides professional training within a University liberal arts context appropriate for individuals who seek to be leaders in their field.

Areas of Specialization: Coursework is offered in communication history; law and ethics; magazine writing; news and magazine management; and news reporting for print, broadcast, and online distribution. Specialized classes are also offered in computer-assisted reporting, documentary photography, electronic information gathering, sports writing, Web design, and other areas.

Job Prospects: The program is dedicated to training professional practitioners in mass media, newspaper and broadcast reporters, magazine writers, and professionals in emerging fields such as Web design and the Internet. The program also emphasizes critical thinking, development of specialized knowledge bases, ethical concerns, and historical context.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy: Non-matriculated students may apply up to 4 credits to the program requirements with the permission of the Master of Journalism Program Director and/or the Master of Journalism Committee.

Financing Opportunities: The program offers limited Teaching and Research Assistantships, which are competitively awarded based on GRE scores, among other things. Applications for assistantships should be made at the time of application for admission and should include a statement of experience, areas of interest, and future goals; transcripts; and a curriculum vitae. Assistantships carry a stipend and full tuition remission for up to 9 credits each academic term.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline:

Fall: March 1
Spring: November 1

All application materials must be received by the appropriate deadline to be eligible for assistantships and scholarships. Any application completed after a deadline may be considered for the next term of admission.

APPLY ONLINE to this graduate program.

Letters of Reference:
Number Required: 2

From Whom: Letters of recommendation should be obtained from college/university faculty members familiar with the applicant's academic competence.

Coursework Required for Admission Consideration: No specific courses are required for admission, but a professional background is highly recommended.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: All applicants must present credentials that are the equivalent of the appropriate baccalaureate degree at Temple University.

Statement of Goals: Approximately 500 to 1,000 words include your interest in Temple's program; your research goals; your focus in the program; and your talents and achievements.

Standardized Test Scores:
GRE: Required. Scores in the 65-75% range on the verbal and quantitative sections are expected.

TOEFL: 105 iBT or 620 PBT minimum

Resume: Current resume required.

Writing Sample: Professional, published articles or papers are preferred as a writing sample.

Transfer Credit: Graduate credits from an accredited institution may be transferred into the M.J. program but must be a "B" or better in order to transfer. The maximum number of credits a student may transfer is 7.

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements:
Number of Credits Required Beyond the Baccalaureate: 30

Required Courses:

Year 1
Summer II
JRN 5301	Introduction to Urban Journalism	3
	Term Credit Hours	3
Fall
JRN 5302	Urban Reporting Lab 1	6
JRN 5303	Journalism Concepts	3
JRN 5304	Editing the News	3
	Term Credit Hours	12
Spring
JRN 5305	Urban Reporting Lab 2	6
JRN 5306	Journalism and the Public Interest	3
JRN Elective		3
	Term Credit Hours	12
Year 2
Summer I
JRN 5307	Capstone Reporting Experience	3
	Term Credit Hours	3
	Total Credit Hours:	30

Culminating Events:
Capstone Project:
JRN 5307 Capstone Reporting Experience constitutes the culminating event.

Courses

JRN 5001. Crit Perspectives Journ. 3 Credit Hours.

This course examines the concepts and functions of journalism in American society. Students explore underlying values associated with journalism, relationships among journalism and other social institutions, and current issues facing journalists. Students will also examine the nature of journalistic content.