Journalism Master’s Program Degree Requirements

During this one-year, 46-credit program, you’ll get a foundation in professional journalistic skills and the theory behind them. Consult the UO Class Schedule to find out when these courses are offered and register. To see what order most students take the courses, see the Sample Schedule page. To read descriptions of each class, see the Courses page.

Summer Preparatory Experience
All Students Complete

Your program starts with two summer courses to get you up to speed on the basics of storytelling and journalistic standards.

  • JCOM 508 Reporting and Information Gathering 4 credits
  • JCOM 508 Visual Journalism 4 credits

Core Courses

In fall, winter, and spring, you’ll dive deep into more advanced skill building and undertake a capstone project or internship where you’ll put what you’ve learned into action.

  • JCOM 611 Media and Society 4 credits
  • JCOM 610 Public Affairs Journalism 4 credits
  • JCOM 510 Law and Business for Documentary and Journalism 4 credits
  • JCOM 654 Rights and Responsibilities 4 credits

Terminal Project or Internship

You’ll work with your faculty advisor to complete your program capstone. There are two ways to meet this requirement:

  • JCOM 609 Terminal Project 6–9 credits
  • JCOM 604 Internship 6–9 credits

Electives
Complete 6+ Credits

You’ll need to choose at least two more graduate-level courses from the SOJC’s curriculum to complete your degree.

Here are some sample course electives you might choose from:

  • JCOM 521 Documentary Production 4 credits
  • JCOM 562 Reporting II 4 credits
  • JCOM 563 Audio Storytelling 4 credits
  • JCOM 563 Investigative Reporting 4 credits
  • JCOM 563 Solutions Journalism 4 credits
  • JCOM 563 Engaged Journalism 4 credits
  • JCOM 563 Data Journalism 4 credits
  • JCOM 566 Advanced Photojournalism 4 credits
  • JCOM 569 OR Magazine 4 credits
  • JCOM 575 Flux Magazine Production 4 credits
  • JCOM 583 Journalistic Interview 4 credits
  • JCOM 578 Science Story 4 credits

Concentrations

Journalists and other nonfiction writers often work on a beat or stand out from the pack with a specialization. Focus your work on the topics you’re most interested by selecting a concentration and enrolling in specialized classes:

  • Investigative and Long-Form Writing: Hone your writing chops and master the skills and methods of investigative journalism. Courses in this concentration include:
    • JCOM 534 Investigative Journalism
    • JCOM 535 Profiles and Narrative
    • JCOM 532 Solutions Journalism
    • JCOM 533 Catalyst Journalism Project
    • JCOM 531 Data Journalism
    • JCOM 536 Magazine Topics
  • Science and Environment: Scientific research can help us make better decisions about our lives and our world. But there’s an art to communicating science to the public in ways that create understanding and influence action. Courses in this concentration include:
    • JCOM 510 Living in Our Valley
    • JCOM 538 Science Story
    • JCOM 485 Science Communication and Decision Making
    • JCOM 385 The Science of Science Communication
  • Photojournalism and Multimedia: Journalism isn’t all about writing. Learn the tools of the trade to become a photojournalist, visual journalist, broadcaster, or videographer. Permission required from the program director. Courses in this concentration include:
    • JCOM 545 Photojournalism II
    • JCOM 546 Photojournalism III
    • JCOM 548 Topics in Multimedia
    • JCOM 541 Audio Narrative
  • COMING SOON: Sports Journalism

Questions?

Need some guidance? Here are a few options:

  1. Download our graduate handbook for more details about program requirements and resources.
  2. Contact program director Will Yurman as your first point of contact for academic and career guidance. 
  3. Contact our graduate recruiter with questions about the program, the application process, and admission.

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