MS in Journalism

Changes to this program will take effect in the 2020–2021 academic year.

The MS in Journalism program is designed to produce graduates trained to analyze and explain the complex events of our times, as well as raise journalistic standards in all media. Journalism students at Boston University learn about the profession by covering local, state, and national government as well as various political, business, and cultural activities. Assignments are under the direction of experienced, accomplished journalists who are current or recent leaders in professional journalism.

Students have the opportunity to pursue a specific area of interest. They work with an assigned academic advisor to design a focus in politics, photojournalism, sports, magazine journalism, foreign reporting, or other areas listed below. A range of interests can be explored with the help of University faculty and other resources during the additional semester, including further enhancement of skills they have gained through previous journalism courses, such as multimedia, magazine, radio, and—of course—writing.

Degree Requirements

Candidates for a Master of Science in Journalism may enroll as either full- or part-time students in the Journalism program, which focuses on the full spectrum of writing and reporting skills. The degree requires 12 courses (48 credits).

Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average each semester, in addition to earning a minimum grade of B– in COM JO 721 Journalism Principles and Techniques, to continue in the program. Any student failing to meet this standard may be dropped from the program, although the requirement may be waived by the chair of the department in consultation with appropriate faculty members. In such cases, the student is considered to be on probation, and any subsequent failure to achieve the mandatory academic standards will result in dismissal without review.

The Department of Journalism places a great emphasis on student performance in COM JO 721 Journalism Principles and Techniques, the most intensive writing and reporting laboratory course in the core curriculum. It challenges the student under real-life pressures and deadlines and serves as an excellent indicator of a student’s pre-professional ability and suitability for the working newsroom.

Students select electives from 500-level or above courses in the College of Communication. Students who have strong interests in a special field are sometimes permitted to substitute a course in their area of interest from graduate-level courses in other schools and colleges of the University. Students must receive an approved petition to receive credit for courses taken outside of the College of Communication. Students are advised to attain petition approval prior to the start of the course.

With approval via petition, graduate students in the Journalism program may also receive credit for appropriate 300-level courses. Students are advised to attain petition approval prior to the start of the course.

Journalism Curriculum

Required Courses (24 credits)

• Graduate Seminar in Journalism (2 cr)
• JO 706 Journalism Toolkit (2 cr)
• JO 525 Media Law and Ethics
• JO 704 Online Journalism
• JO 721 Journalism Principles/Techniques
• JO 737 Internship
• JO 955 Professional Project

Recommended Focus Areas (choose any six courses—24 credits)

Students are encouraged to cluster courses within one or more recommended focus areas. Throughout their careers, journalists are called upon to tackle a number of issues and stories; as such, a cross-platform knowledge of the industry is essential.

In addition to the Bulletin, master’s students should refer to the College of Communication Graduate Handbook for a comprehensive guide to policies, academic regulations, and resources.