MA in Journalism

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

City University of New York

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, City University of New York (CUNY), is a 43-credit, hands-on graduate program designed to prepare students for professional careers in modern journalism. The program combines reporting, writing, editing, multimedia storytelling and investigative research, allowing students to develop expertise in a subject area while gaining practical experience across different media platforms.

Curriculum Structure:

The program can be completed in approximately 16 months across three semesters, including a required summer internship. The curriculum combines foundational journalism courses, subject concentrations, media specializations, electives and a final capstone project.

First Semester: Students develop essential reporting and storytelling skills through Craft of Journalism, Fundamentals of Data Journalism, Fundamentals of Audio Reporting, Fundamentals of Video Journalism, and Law, Ethics and Safety. These courses establish a foundation in news gathering, research, multimedia production and responsible journalism.
Second Semester: Students advance their reporting and research abilities through Advanced Reporting and Advanced Research. They also begin their selected subject concentration, exploring areas such as arts and culture, business and economics, health and science, international reporting, or local accountability.
Third Semester: Students complete their required paid summer internship and advanced coursework before undertaking a capstone project within an eligible advanced course. They can further develop their expertise through specialized courses in investigative reporting, documentary filmmaking, data journalism, audio reporting and television news.

Focus Areas:

Investigative Journalism, Arts and Culture Reporting, Business and Economics Reporting, Health and Science Reporting, International Journalism, Local Accountability Reporting, Bilingual Journalism, Data Journalism, Audio Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Documentary Filmmaking, Multimedia Storytelling, News Writing and Editing

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop strong reporting, writing, editing, interviewing and investigative research skills while learning to produce engaging stories across print, digital, audio and video platforms. They gain the ability to analyze complex issues, verify information, interpret data, understand media law and ethics, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences. The program also strengthens their multimedia production, subject expertise, critical thinking and professional newsroom skills, preparing them for a dynamic journalism environment.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism is part of the City University of New York (CUNY). The school emphasizes professional journalism standards through its curriculum in reporting, research, media law, ethics and publishing. Its official program information does not identify a separate professional accreditation specifically for the MA in Journalism.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition):

The Newmark J-School offers strong practical industry exposure through its required paid summer internship, publishing requirements and professional workshops. The school guarantees students at least $4,000 in compensation for their summer internship and provides more than 30 enrichment workshops through its annual January Academy. Alumni have secured positions at leading media organizations, including The New York Times, NPR, NBC News, ABC, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press and ProPublica. Graduates can pursue careers as investigative journalists, news reporters, multimedia journalists, broadcast producers, documentary filmmakers, data journalists, editors and international correspondents.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the City University of New York (CUNY), the MA in Journalism program is designed to immerse students in real-world experiences that equip them with the practical skills needed to thrive in the fast-paced media landscape. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools, students can engage in hands-on learning that enhances their understanding of journalism and storytelling.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through various opportunities, including:

- Multimedia Newsroom: Work in a fully equipped newsroom that simulates a professional environment, allowing you to produce news stories across various platforms.
- Digital Tools: Gain proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign) and content management systems, which are essential for modern journalism.
- Group Projects: Collaborate with peers on investigative projects, fostering teamwork and enhancing your ability to work under deadlines.
- Internships: Benefit from strong connections with local media outlets, providing you with internship opportunities that offer invaluable experience and networking.
- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to news organizations, media events, and workshops, giving you insights into the industry and the chance to meet professionals.
- Research Laboratories: Access dedicated spaces for research and multimedia production, where you can experiment with new storytelling techniques and technologies.
- Libraries and Resources: Utilize CUNY’s extensive library system, which includes a wealth of digital archives, databases, and resources tailored for journalism students.
- The CUNY Graduate School of Journalism: Engage with faculty who are seasoned journalists and industry experts, providing mentorship and guidance throughout your studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MA in Journalism at City University of New York (CUNY) equips graduates with the skills and experience needed to thrive in a dynamic media landscape. Alumni have successfully transitioned into various roles, including investigative reporters, digital content strategists, and multimedia producers. With a strong foundation in both traditional and emerging media, graduates are well-prepared to make their mark in the industry:

- University Services: CUNY offers robust career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events with industry professionals. The Journalism School also hosts guest lectures and panels featuring leading journalists and media executives.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, over 90% of graduates find employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $50,000, depending on the role and location.

- University–Industry Partnerships: CUNY has established partnerships with major media organizations such as The New York Times, NBC, and NPR, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world experience.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), ensuring that the education you receive meets high standards recognized by employers.

- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates have gone on to work for prestigious outlets, including CNN, The Guardian, and BuzzFeed, showcasing the program's strong reputation in the field.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MA in Journalism, students have the opportunity to pursue further studies, such as a Ph.D. in Communication or Media Studies, or specialized certifications in areas like data journalism or digital media. This can enhance your expertise and open doors to advanced roles in academia or specialized sectors within the media industry.