Journalism, Master of Journalism (M.J.)

Non-thesis only: 36 credits 

The master's degree is typically a 36-credit program (30 credits are required for students in the Returning Journalists specialization). The M.J. is a non-thesis degree and is the preferred program of those looking to enter the journalism profession. Students pursuing an M.A. take six credits preparing a thesis. Students admitted to the standard master's program in multi-platform or broadcast journalism are not required to possess prior training or experience in the field. Students admitted to the returning journalist program, however, must have significant professional experience. Students who enter the M.J. program with significant professional newsroom experience can request to opt out of the two required 500-level courses. Students on the 12-month track begin in the summer and take six credits each in summer session one and two, and 12 credits each in fall and spring. Students who start in the fall semester take their coursework fall, spring, and the following fall. The program's capstone experience is the Capital News Service, where students serve as full-time reporters in news bureaus in Washington and Annapolis, at the college's TV station, UMTV, and from our state-of-the-art multiplatform news facilities in Knight Hall.

For more information on our programs, visit: http://merrill.umd.edu/academics/masters-programs/

Detailed information on the requirements of our programs can be found in the master's program handbook, available online at the bottom of: http://merrill.umd.edu/academics/masters-programs/

Specialization Options

Multiplatform Journalism

Broadcast Journalism