Journalism
The Master of Arts program in Journalism (36 hours) is a carefully designed professional course of study in public affairs reporting that can be completed in three semesters of year-round full-time study or two years of part-time coursework. Qualified candidates are educated in government organization and practice, as well as in the many pressures applied from lobbyists of every kind. They emerge as more sophisticated news consumers and are trained across media platforms so that they will be prepared for the fast-paced news environment of the 21st century where they are likely to be called upon to report and deliver stories in various media. While intense and rigorous, the program also allows for the thoughtful consideration of ethics and best practices.
Public affairs course offerings cover education, housing, welfare, criminal justice, politics and the electoral process, science, health, medicine, the environment, transportation, business, labor, the economy, the arts and international relations. The aim is to prepare aspiring as well as experienced journalists to assume responsible positions with leading news organizations.
Under the direction of faculty with award-winning professional experience and advanced academic study, this program combines principles and practices in an innovative curriculum. After providing an essential academic base in practical political science, the program stresses first-hand reportorial experience in the living laboratory of Chicago's metropolitan area and in regular visits to Springfield, the state capital, as well as opportunities to practice in Washington, D.C. and internationally.
Internship opportunities, with media organizations, government agencies and legislators, add an insider's perspective, helping to develop career opportunities for insightful interpretive and investigative public affairs reporters. Using the skills learned and personal contacts made in the program, alumni work as writers, reporters, researchers, editors and producers for newspapers, magazines, book publishers, documentary filmmakers, news services, radio, TV and online news sites as well as in public affairs and community relations for non-profit organizations and government agencies. Graduates of the program also have become college instructors and political consultants. Some have created their own publications and many of them are successful freelancers.
The College is within walking distance of federal, state, regional, county and city offices. It also is near national and state organization headquarters; Chicago's major newspapers and broadcasting studios; public and specialized libraries as well as consulates. Special events and lectures regularly bring prominent journalists from all over the world to campus.
Please note: All students who are accepted into the Journalism M.A. program are required to complete Foundations of Journalism. The class meets twice a week 9a.m. to 5p.m. for the last three weeks in August and will count for 3 graduate credit hours. Students must pass the course with a "B" or better before the beginning of the graduate program in the fall.
DEPARTMENTAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Department Chair: Nancy Day
Graduate Coordinator: Leonard Strazewski, 312-344-8910, lstrazewski@colum.edu
Public affairs course offerings cover education, housing, welfare, criminal justice, politics and the electoral process, science, health, medicine, the environment, transportation, business, labor, the economy, the arts and international relations. The aim is to prepare aspiring as well as experienced journalists to assume responsible positions with leading news organizations.
Under the direction of faculty with award-winning professional experience and advanced academic study, this program combines principles and practices in an innovative curriculum. After providing an essential academic base in practical political science, the program stresses first-hand reportorial experience in the living laboratory of Chicago's metropolitan area and in regular visits to Springfield, the state capital, as well as opportunities to practice in Washington, D.C. and internationally.
Internship opportunities, with media organizations, government agencies and legislators, add an insider's perspective, helping to develop career opportunities for insightful interpretive and investigative public affairs reporters. Using the skills learned and personal contacts made in the program, alumni work as writers, reporters, researchers, editors and producers for newspapers, magazines, book publishers, documentary filmmakers, news services, radio, TV and online news sites as well as in public affairs and community relations for non-profit organizations and government agencies. Graduates of the program also have become college instructors and political consultants. Some have created their own publications and many of them are successful freelancers.
The College is within walking distance of federal, state, regional, county and city offices. It also is near national and state organization headquarters; Chicago's major newspapers and broadcasting studios; public and specialized libraries as well as consulates. Special events and lectures regularly bring prominent journalists from all over the world to campus.
Please note: All students who are accepted into the Journalism M.A. program are required to complete Foundations of Journalism. The class meets twice a week 9a.m. to 5p.m. for the last three weeks in August and will count for 3 graduate credit hours. Students must pass the course with a "B" or better before the beginning of the graduate program in the fall.
DEPARTMENTAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Department Chair: Nancy Day
Graduate Coordinator: Leonard Strazewski, 312-344-8910, lstrazewski@colum.edu