MA Journalism and Media, Professional

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Texas Austin

Program Overview

UT Austin’s MA Professional Track in Journalism is a 30-credit, one-year program designed for students entering journalism from another field or deepening an existing journalism career. It is ideal if you want intensive, hands-on reporting and multimedia storytelling experience, followed by a professional summer internship at a media outlet.

Curriculum Structure

In the fall semester, you begin with a rigorous foundation in reporting, visual storytelling, and the principles of American journalism. You will take Reporting Texas I, Visual Journalism, and Proseminar in Journalism, developing the ability to report and produce stories with intensive editorial support and an accountability-journalism mindset.

In the spring semester, you build on that foundation with advanced reporting and professional context. You will study Reporting Texas II, Media Law, and Business of News, learning how to report responsibly within legal and commercial realities while strengthening your storytelling across platforms.

In the summer, you complete a professional media internship worth at least three credit hours. You also choose 12 credit hours of electives to specialize in a medium or subject area, such as foreign correspondence, visual storytelling, data journalism, sports, politics, or another professional focus.

Focus Areas

Accountability journalism, reporting, visual journalism, multimedia storytelling, media law, the business of news, professional internships, and specialization through electives.

Learning Outcomes

You will learn to report and produce professional-quality stories, apply accountability journalism principles across beats, develop visual and multimedia storytelling skills, understand U.S. media law and news business models, and gain real-world newsroom experience through a supervised internship.

Professional Alignment

The program is strongly career-focused: it includes a required summer internship at a professional media outlet and hands-on training from faculty with extensive industry experience. Past internship placements include The Texas Tribune, The Texas Observer, Sports Illustrated, Texas Monthly, Spectrum News, The Austin Chronicle, The Austin Monitor, and AARP.com.

Reputation and Employability

UT Austin reports that graduates have gone on to work for newspapers such as the Dallas Morning News, digital outlets such as the Texas Tribune, and broadcast networks including NBC News and local affiliates. The program’s full-time, internship-integrated structure is designed to make students job-ready upon completion.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Texas at Austin, the MA in Journalism and Media, Professional program is designed to immerse students in hands-on experiences that prepare them for the dynamic world of media. Students gain practical skills through a combination of cutting-edge facilities, advanced tools, and real-world projects that enhance their learning and professional readiness. The program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing students to engage with the community, collaborate on impactful projects, and utilize state-of-the-art technology.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the program:

- Multimedia Labs: Access to fully equipped multimedia labs where students can create and edit video, audio, and digital content.
- Professional Internships: Opportunities to intern with leading media organizations, providing invaluable industry experience and networking connections.
- Collaborative Projects: Engage in group projects that simulate real-world media challenges, fostering teamwork and innovative problem-solving skills.
- Field Trips: Visits to local newsrooms, media companies, and industry events to gain insights into the workings of the media landscape.
- Digital Tools: Training in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, and various content management systems.
- Research Facilities: Access to specialized research labs and resources that support in-depth exploration of media trends and technologies.
- Libraries and Archives: Utilize the extensive resources of the UT Libraries, including archives and databases that are crucial for journalism research.
- Media Institutes: Collaborate with institutes like the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas, which offers workshops and resources for aspiring journalists.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MA in Journalism and Media, Professional at the University of Texas at Austin equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a dynamic media landscape. Alumni of this program often find themselves in exciting roles such as multimedia journalists, content strategists, and public relations specialists. With a strong foundation in both theory and practical application, graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions to the field.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of progression and future opportunities:

- University Services: The university offers robust career services, including personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events that connect students with industry professionals.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, over 90% of graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $55,000 annually.
- University–Industry Partnerships: The program has established partnerships with leading media organizations such as The Texas Tribune and Austin American-Statesman, providing students with invaluable 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 your degree holds significant value in the job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates have gone on to work for major media outlets, non-profits, and corporations, often advancing to leadership positions within just a few years.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MA in Journalism and Media, students have the option to pursue a Ph.D. in Media Studies or related fields, allowing them to delve deeper into research and academia. Additionally, graduates may choose to specialize further by enrolling in certificate programs or workshops that focus on emerging media technologies or advanced storytelling techniques. This continued education can enhance your expertise and open even more doors in your career.