{"id":45765,"date":"2026-03-25T17:41:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T21:41:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/?post_type=bu-program-page&#038;p=45765"},"modified":"2026-03-25T17:41:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T21:41:25","slug":"frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"bu-program-page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/com\/programs\/journalism\/ms-in-journalism\/frequently-asked-questions\/","title":{"rendered":"MS in Journalism Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"<article itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage>\n<h2>Program Focus &#038; Experience<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-focus-of-the-ms-in-journalism-program itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-focus-of-the-ms-in-journalism-program-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What is the focus of the MS in Journalism program?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-focus-of-the-ms-in-journalism-program-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>The MS in Journalism at Boston University&#8217;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\u2019s 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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-hands-on-experiences-are-available itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-hands-on-experiences-are-available-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What kinds of hands-on experiences are available?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-kinds-of-hands-on-experiences-are-available-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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\u2019s dynamic media market also offers additional opportunities to cover civic issues, culture, science, government, education, and community stories in local newsrooms.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-i-specialize-within-the-journalism-program itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-i-specialize-within-the-journalism-program-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Can I specialize within the Journalism program?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-can-i-specialize-within-the-journalism-program-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Although the MS in Journalism doesn&#8217;t require formal tracks, students customize their education through electives, internships, and the Master\u2019s 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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-facilities-and-resources-will-i-have-access-to itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-facilities-and-resources-will-i-have-access-to-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What facilities and resources will I have access to?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-facilities-and-resources-will-i-have-access-to-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Students benefit from professional-grade production facilities including TV and radio studios, editing suites, high-quality camera and audio gear, and multimedia workstations. You\u2019ll use industry-standard tools for digital journalism, analytics, and newsroom publishing. BU\u2019s location provides direct connections to leading local media outlets, and COM\u2019s faculty and alumni networks support reporting opportunities and internships.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Curriculum &#038; Structure<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-long-does-the-ms-in-journalism-take itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-long-does-the-ms-in-journalism-take-toggle itemprop=name><strong>How long does the MS in Journalism take?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-long-does-the-ms-in-journalism-take-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-are-the-required-courses itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-are-the-required-courses-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What are the required courses?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-are-the-required-courses-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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\u2019s Project, a professional-quality piece of journalism that serves as a portfolio centerpiece.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-electives-can-i-take itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-electives-can-i-take-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What electives can I take?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-electives-can-i-take-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-masters-project itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-masters-project-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What is the Master\u2019s Project?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-is-the-masters-project-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>The Master\u2019s Project is the capstone experience of the program. Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-are-internships-part-of-the-program itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-are-internships-part-of-the-program-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Are internships part of the program?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-are-internships-part-of-the-program-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Career Outcomes &#038; Alumni<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-careers-does-the-ms-in-journalism-prepare-me-for itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-careers-does-the-ms-in-journalism-prepare-me-for-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What careers does the MS in Journalism prepare me for?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-careers-does-the-ms-in-journalism-prepare-me-for-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-where-do-alumni-work itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-where-do-alumni-work-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Where do alumni work?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-where-do-alumni-work-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-successful-are-graduates-in-finding-jobs itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-successful-are-graduates-in-finding-jobs-toggle itemprop=name><strong>How successful are graduates in finding jobs?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-how-successful-are-graduates-in-finding-jobs-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>Thanks to BU\u2019s strong industry reputation, extensive alumni network, and access to Boston\u2019s media market, many students secure employment through internships, faculty mentorship, or portfolio work completed during the Master\u2019s Project. The combination of hands-on experience, published work, and professional support positions graduates strongly in the rapidly evolving media industry.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Admissions &#038; Application<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-is-work-experience-required-to-apply itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-is-work-experience-required-to-apply-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Is work experience required to apply?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-is-work-experience-required-to-apply-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-makes-an-application-stand-out itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-makes-an-application-stand-out-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What makes an application stand out?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-makes-an-application-stand-out-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Why Study Journalism at BU?<\/h2>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-makes-bu-coms-journalism-masters-unique itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-makes-bu-coms-journalism-masters-unique-toggle itemprop=name><strong>What makes BU COM\u2019s Journalism master\u2019s unique?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-what-makes-bu-coms-journalism-masters-unique-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>BU\u2019s 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\u2019s most vibrant media markets. This blend of practice, mentorship, and real work prepares graduates to succeed across platforms and formats.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div itemprop=mainEntity class=\"icon-style-plus-minus is-style-plain js-wp-block-bu-collapsible wp-block-bu-collapsible\"id=bu-collapsible-id-who-will-be-teaching-me itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Question data-default-open=false>\n<h2 class=bu-collapsible-heading><button class=\"bu-block-collapsible-toggle js-bu-block-collapsible-toggle\"id=bu-collapsible-id-who-will-be-teaching-me-toggle itemprop=name><strong>Who will be teaching me?<\/strong><\/button><\/h2>\n<div itemprop=acceptedAnswer class=\"bu-block-collapsible-content js-bu-block-collapsible-content\"id=bu-collapsible-id-who-will-be-teaching-me-panel itemscope itemtype=https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer>\n<div itemprop=text>\n<p>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.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Program Focus &#038; Experience What is the focus of the MS in Journalism program? 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