Program Overview

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Introduction to the Master of Journalism Program

The Master of Journalism program at Temple University is a one-year program that combines hands-on multimedia work with the study of journalists' evolving roles and practices. The 30-credit program is designed to help both current and aspiring journalists deepen their versatility as professionals, change-makers, and thought leaders.

About the Program

The program starts with a "bootcamp" course exploring the Philadelphia media landscape and ends with a summer capstone where students design an in-depth reporting or civic media project independently or in collaboration with a newsroom or organization. The program requires core courses in multimedia reporting and journalism concepts and ethics, as well as three elective courses to be taken from among graduate and upper-level undergraduate offerings in journalism and across Klein College.

Time Limit for Degree Completion and Campus Location

The time limit for degree completion is 4 years, and the campus location is Main. While the degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis, full-time enrollment is strongly encouraged.

Areas of Specialization

Coursework is demanding and prepares students to work as professional journalists in the media of their choice. Students may choose to develop a specialization through their electives and capstone with opportunities in:

• Community-centered and engaged journalism
• Solutions-oriented and collaborative journalism
• Data and investigative journalism
• Audio/podcasting
• Broadcasting and video
• Photography
• Sports journalism
• More

Job Prospects

The program is dedicated to training professional practitioners in journalism and media careers. Former students have also found success as freelancers and entrepreneurs.

Non-Matriculated Student Policy

Non-matriculated students are encouraged to begin with introductory and required courses. If accepted to the program, those courses may be applied toward the degree program, provided grade requirements have been met. Consistent with Graduate School policy, students are permitted to take up to 9 credits before deciding whether to apply formally to the program.

Financing Opportunities

Merit scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis by the admissions committee.

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

Application Deadline

The application deadline is February 15. Admission is open for the Fall term only. Applications are accepted after the deadline, but late applications cannot be guaranteed merit scholarship consideration.

Letters of Reference

Two letters of recommendation are required, obtained from college/university faculty members, professional supervisors, or others familiar with the applicant's academic and professional competence. At least one letter should be from an academic reference unless the applicant has been out of school and working professionally for an extended period.

Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline

A baccalaureate degree is required for admission. Applicants with undergraduate degrees in fields other than journalism and communication are welcome, provided they can demonstrate sufficient interest in and proficiency with journalistic communication and practice.

Statement of Goals

In approximately 1,000 words, present a statement that integrates answers to the prompts below into a coherent essay:

• Interest in journalism and view of its place in society
• Career goals in journalism/civic media
• Interests, experiences, and academic or professional achievements that you bring to the program

Standardized Test Scores

GRE scores are optional, but if submitted, should be at least 65% on the verbal section with a writing score of at least 3.5. If GRE scores are not submitted, a writing sample is required. Applicants who earned their baccalaureate degree from an institution where the language of instruction was other than English must report scores for a standardized test of English that meet the minimums:

• TOEFL iBT: 105
• IELTS Academic: 7.0
• Duolingo: 110

Resume and Writing/Multimedia Production Sample

A current resume or curriculum vitae is required. If GRE scores are not submitted, at least one of the following options is required:

1. Journalistic writing samples and/or other media work in multimedia formats
2. A formal academic paper from undergraduate work that represents the best academic writing

Program Requirements

General Program Requirements

The number of credits required beyond the baccalaureate is 30. Elective credits can be fulfilled through JRN graduate courses, graduate courses across Klein, or upper-level JRN undergraduate courses taken for graduate credit.

Required Courses

The plan of study includes:

• JRN 5301: Introduction to Journalism
• JRN 5302: Reporting Lab 1
• JRN 5303: Journalism Concepts I
• JRN 5308: Multiplatform Journalism
• JRN Elective
• JRN 5305: Reporting Lab 2
• JRN 5306: Journalism Concepts II
• Two JRN Electives
• JRN 9995: Master's Research Project

Culminating Event

The culminating event is the Master's Research Project, where students complete an independent reporting project that results in a journalistic masterwork analogous to a thesis.

Accelerated Programs

Undergraduate students may opt to pursue an accelerated +1 program, enabling them to complete both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time than the traditional route. The accelerated pathway for the Journalism MJ is available to all undergraduate students with two free elective courses available, except Journalism majors.

Graduate Courses Approved to Count for Both Undergraduate and Graduate Degrees

• JRN 5303: Journalism Concepts I
• JRN 5306: Journalism Concepts II

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan includes taking JRN 5303 and JRN 5306 in the fourth year.

Admissions Criteria

Candidates for the +1 program must apply in the Spring of their junior year by April 1, have completed 45 credits of coursework at Temple University, and provide a statement of goals, resume, and two letters of recommendation from full-time Temple University faculty members.