Program Overview

Journalism and Africana Studies (MA)

The Journalism and Africana Studies (MA) program is a joint degree offered by NYU Journalism's Global & Joint Program Studies. This program provides students with rigorous journalistic training alongside in-depth contextual study of a specific region or culture.

Program Description

In this program, students gain a fluency in journalistic methods and an exceptionally rich base of knowledge in a region or culture. With a small cohort size of 15 students, participants receive exposure and training in myriad media platforms. The program focuses on Africa and the African Diaspora, allowing students to explore concepts key to international affairs.

Admissions

To apply for the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS), students must submit the general application requirements, which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation
• A non-refundable application fee

Program Requirements

The program consists of the following courses:

• Major Requirements
  • Journalism
    • JOUR-GA 1021: Writing/Report Wkshp I (4 credits)
    • JOUR-GA 1022: Writing/Report Wkshp II (4 credits)
    • JOUR-GA 1290: Fieldwork in Journalism (1 credit)
    • JOUR-GA 1299: Directed Reading (1 credit)
  • Africana Studies
    • AFRS-GA 2000: Proseminar in Africana Studies (4 credits)
• Electives
  • 4 Africana Studies electives (16 credits)
  • Three Journalism electives (at least two reporting-oriented) (12 credits)
• Total Credits: 42

Additional Program Requirements

Master's Thesis

Students must complete a Master's thesis while enrolled in JOUR-GA 1299 Directed Reading.

Sample Plan of Study

The sample plan of study is as follows: 1st Semester/Term:

• JOUR-GA 1021: Writing/Report Wkshp I (4 credits)
• Africana Studies Course 1 (4 credits)
• Africana Studies Course 2 (4 credits) Total Credits: 12 2nd Semester/Term:
• JOUR-GA 1022: Writing/Report Wkshp II (4 credits)
• JOUR-GA 1182: Specialized Reporting: (Journalism Elective 1) (4 credits)
• Africana Studies Course 3 (4 credits) Total Credits: 12 3rd Semester/Term:
• JOUR-GA 1182: Specialized Reporting: (Journalism Elective 2) (4 credits)
• JOUR-GA 1182: Specialized Reporting: (Journalism Elective 3) (4 credits)
• Africana Studies Course 4 (4 credits) Total Credits: 12 4th Semester/Term:
• Africana Studies Course 5 (4 credits)
• JOUR-GA 1299: Directed Reading (1-4 credits)
• JOUR-GA 1290: Fieldwork in Journalism (1-4 credits) Total Credits: 6 Total Credits: 42

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Write clear, accurate, and engaging prose in an audience-appropriate manner.
2. Demonstrate critical thinking, independence, and creativity.
3. Interview subjects, conduct research, and evaluate information.
4. Work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness, and diversity.
5. Explore concepts key to international affairs, with specific focus on Africa and the African Diaspora.

Policies

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Graduate School of Arts and Science Policies

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page.