UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN · UNITED STATES
Master of Science in Journalism
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 4-year bachelor's degree requiredEntry Qualification
- 3.0 GPA minimumAcademic Requirement
- Focus on reporting, writing, and multimedia skillsCore Competencies
- Specializations in Science & Tech or Data Journalism availableSpecializations
- Professional project completionProgram Outcome
The Master of Science (MS) in Journalism program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prepares students for diverse professional roles in journalism and communication. It caters to recent bachelor's graduates seeking in-depth knowledge, mid-career professionals aiming to enhance their skills, and individuals with STEM backgrounds looking to communicate complex topics effectively to the public. The program emphasizes practical journalistic skills, including reporting, writing, multimedia production, and emerging media. Students complete coursework and a professional project, with options to specialize in science and technology journalism or data journalism through certificates. This program is designed for professional practice and is not a direct pathway to a PhD.
Curriculum
The Master of Science in Journalism program requires a total of 32 credit hours. This includes a core proseminar, a master's project, and electives. A minimum of 16 hours must be at the 500-level. Students must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.0 to graduate. All elective courses chosen as part of the degree must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.
- Year 1
- Journalism ProseminarJOUR 505
- Master's ProjectJOUR 515
- Electives
Careers
The MS in Journalism program equips graduates with skills highly valued in various professional settings, preparing them for impactful roles in the evolving media landscape.
- Journalist (online, print, broadcast)
- Communications Specialist
- Content Creator
- Reporter for news outlets
- Roles in nonprofit organizations
- Roles in higher education
- Roles in government communication offices
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic and English language requirements for the Master of Science in Journalism program?
- Applicants need a 4-year bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. International students must submit official TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency, adhering to the Graduate College's recommendations.
- What documents are required for the application to the MS in Journalism program?
- The application requires official academic transcripts, writing samples to showcase journalistic abilities, letters of recommendation, and English proficiency scores (like TOEFL) if English is not your native language. International students must also provide financial support documentation.
- How long does the Master of Science in Journalism program take to complete?
- The Master of Science in Journalism program requires a total of 32 credit hours, typically completed over one year of full-time study, including coursework and a master's project.
- What are the tuition and living cost expectations for international students?
- Tuition fees vary based on program and credit hours; please refer to the University's official rates. International students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover studies and living expenses for visa processing, though specific living cost estimates are not provided.
- What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the MS in Journalism program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Journalist (online, print, broadcast), Communications Specialist, Content Creator, and Reporter. Opportunities exist in news outlets, nonprofit organizations, and government communication offices.
- Are there any scholarship or funding opportunities available for MS in Journalism students?
- Limited merit-based fellowships and scholarships are available for select MS students, which may include a waiver of tuition and most fees.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeA 4-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or one of recognized standing abroad.
GPAA minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required for admission to the Graduate College. Exceptions may be granted by petition.
TOEFLOfficial scores are required for applicants whose native language is not English. The department adheres to the Graduate College's recommendations for English proficiency.
The program places a strong emphasis on journalism, and successful applicants typically demonstrate a clear interest in practicing journalism. Writing samples are mandatory for all applicants. While an interview is not required, it can be beneficial. Due to enrollment limits, meeting the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees vary based on program and credit hours. Please refer to the University's official tuition rates for the most current information.
Tuition (home)Tuition fees vary based on program and credit hours. Please refer to the University's official tuition rates for the most current information.
LivingInternational students must demonstrate the ability to self-support their studies in the United States. The University's Graduate College requires funding documentation for visa processing. Specific living cost estimates are not provided.
International candidates must be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds to cover their studies and living expenses to obtain a U.S. visa. Reliance on outside employment for self or spouse is generally not accepted as a primary means of support for visa purposes.
How to apply
1. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online application through the University of Illinois Graduate College admissions portal.
2. Provide Academic TranscriptsSubmit official transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions.
3. Submit Writing SamplesAll applicants must provide writing samples to demonstrate their journalistic abilities.
4. Letters of RecommendationProvide letters of recommendation as required by the application.
5. English Proficiency ScoresIf English is not your native language, submit official TOEFL scores. The department follows the Graduate College's English proficiency recommendations.
6. Demonstrate Financial SupportInternational applicants must provide documentation of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for the duration of their studies to be eligible for a visa.
Scholarships
FellowshipsWaiver of tuition and most fees
Merit-based scholarships—
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic and English language requirements for the Master of Science in Journalism program?
+
Applicants need a 4-year bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0. International students must submit official TOEFL scores to demonstrate English proficiency, adhering to the Graduate College's recommendations.
What documents are required for the application to the MS in Journalism program?
+
The application requires official academic transcripts, writing samples to showcase journalistic abilities, letters of recommendation, and English proficiency scores (like TOEFL) if English is not your native language. International students must also provide financial support documentation.
How long does the Master of Science in Journalism program take to complete?
+
The Master of Science in Journalism program requires a total of 32 credit hours, typically completed over one year of full-time study, including coursework and a master's project.
What are the tuition and living cost expectations for international students?
+
Tuition fees vary based on program and credit hours; please refer to the University's official rates. International students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover studies and living expenses for visa processing, though specific living cost estimates are not provided.
What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the MS in Journalism program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Journalist (online, print, broadcast), Communications Specialist, Content Creator, and Reporter. Opportunities exist in news outlets, nonprofit organizations, and government communication offices.
Are there any scholarship or funding opportunities available for MS in Journalism students?
+
Limited merit-based fellowships and scholarships are available for select MS students, which may include a waiver of tuition and most fees.