MS in Journalism Frequently Asked Questions

The MS in Journalism at Boston University's College of Communication prepares students to become versatile, ethical, and impactful journalists capable of producing high-quality reporting across platforms. The curriculum emphasizes strong reporting fundamentals, compelling writing, multimedia storytelling, and an understanding of journalism’s role in society. Students learn to investigate complex issues, verify information rigorously, and craft high-quality stories for digital, broadcast, audio, and print media. Whether you want to cover breaking news, produce documentaries, explore data-driven reporting, or specialize in areas like politics, science, sports, or arts and culture, the program builds a rigorous foundation in professional journalistic practice.

From the first semester, students work as journalists in professional settings. Many report for BU News Service, produce content for BUTV10 and WTBU Radio, and participate in independent student media like The Daily Free Press. The curriculum integrates real newsroom experience with faculty guidance from active journalists, including Pulitzer Prize winners and award-winning practitioners. Boston’s dynamic media market also offers additional opportunities to cover civic issues, culture, science, government, education, and community stories in local newsrooms.

Although the MS in Journalism doesn't require formal tracks, students customize their education through electives, internships, and the Master’s Project. Elective choices allow you to explore investigative reporting, multimedia and video journalism, audio storytelling and podcasting, sports journalism, data journalism, documentary production, photojournalism, and more. Faculty advisors help tailor coursework to align with your professional goals.

Students benefit from professional-grade production facilities including TV and radio studios, editing suites, high-quality camera and audio gear, and multimedia workstations. You’ll use industry-standard tools for digital journalism, analytics, and newsroom publishing. BU’s location provides direct connections to leading local media outlets, and COM’s faculty and alumni networks support reporting opportunities and internships.

Most full-time students complete the program in three semesters (fall-spring-fall). Part-time study is also available, giving students flexibility to balance work or other commitments.

Core courses introduce students to essential skills such as reporting, multimedia storytelling, media law and ethics, and journalism fundamentals like news judgment, verification, and digital production. The curriculum includes a required internship and culminates in a Master’s Project, a professional-quality piece of journalism that serves as a portfolio centerpiece.

A wide range of electives allows you to tailor your degree around your interests and career goals. Options include investigative reporting, data journalism, documentary production, narrative writing, photojournalism, sports reporting, foreign reporting, audio storytelling, arts criticism, and more. With approval, students may take graduate-level courses outside the Journalism department that support their interests.

The Master’s Project is the capstone experience of the program. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, you’ll pitch, develop, and complete a long-form story or multimedia project, often involving written reporting, audio, video, photography, data visualization, or interactive elements. Many projects are published, broadcast, or submitted for professional competitions, giving students a standout item for their professional portfolio.

Yes. Internships are an integral part of the MS in Journalism and one of its most valuable professional development components. Students intern at leading news organizations, digital media outlets, broadcast stations, nonprofit journalism platforms, and public media stations in Boston and across the country. COM faculty and career services support students in connecting with competitive opportunities.

Graduates enter a wide range of journalism careers, including as reporters, correspondents, editors, producers, multimedia journalists, photojournalists, documentary filmmakers, podcast creators, digital content strategists, fact-checkers, and investigative reporters. Because the curriculum covers both traditional and emerging media skills, alumni are also competitive for roles in media strategy, communication, and storytelling across industries.

BU Journalism alumni have gone on to work at major news organizations and media outlets such as The Boston Globe, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, WBUR, WGBH, CNN, NBC, PBS, NPR, ESPN, ProPublica, and many more, across platforms and beats.

Thanks to BU’s strong industry reputation, extensive alumni network, and access to Boston’s media market, many students secure employment through internships, faculty mentorship, or portfolio work completed during the Master’s Project. The combination of hands-on experience, published work, and professional support positions graduates strongly in the rapidly evolving media industry.

Professional journalism experience is not required. The program welcomes recent graduates and career changers from diverse academic backgrounds. Strong writing skills, curiosity, and an interest in storytelling can strengthen an application.

Strong writing samples and a clear personal statement that articulates your journalistic interests, evidence of intellectual curiosity, and engagement with real-world issues help distinguish applicants. The admissions committee looks for students who are motivated to tell stories that matter and demonstrate potential to contribute meaningfully to the field of journalism.

BU’s MS in Journalism combines traditional reporting fundamentals with forward-looking multimedia training and an emphasis on ethical practice. Students learn from active journalists and award-winning practitioners, gain hands-on newsroom experience, and build a professional portfolio in one of the country’s most vibrant media markets. This blend of practice, mentorship, and real work prepares graduates to succeed across platforms and formats.

Faculty are active journalists, documentary filmmakers, editors, and producers from leading newsrooms around the world. They bring current industry expertise, high journalistic standards, and mentorship into the classroom, ensuring students learn both foundational skills and emerging practices.