Journalism BS-MS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Journalism and the Master of Science in Journalism
The Department of Journalism offers a 4 + 1 program leading to the Master of Science in Journalism for undergraduates enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Journalism program at the University of Illinois. Students can apply for this program in the first semester of their junior year and will be encouraged to select their remaining undergraduate journalism elective courses at the 200- and 300-level from courses listed in the professional option other than the one they elected to follow in completing their undergraduate degree.
Programs in Journalism
Undergraduate Programs:
- majors:
- minors:
- 4 + 1 joint program: Journalism, BS/MS
Graduate Programs:
- degrees:
- joint degree:
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Journalism and the Master of Science in Journalism
Choose one of two sequences:
Sequence 1. The Department of Journalism offers a 4 + 1 program leading to the Master of Science in Journalism for undergraduates enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Journalism program at the University of Illinois. Students can apply for this program in the first semester of their junior year and will be encouraged to select their remaining undergraduate journalism elective courses at the 200- and 300-level from courses listed in the professional option other than the one they elected to follow in completing their undergraduate degree. As graduate students, they will enroll in a minimum of four advanced electives at the 400- and 500-levels, in addition to required graduate courses. Electives may be in areas inside or outside Journalism to allow them to pursue a topical specialization. Those electives would require the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies. Students with approved undergraduate journalism degrees from other institutions also are eligible to apply for this sequence. Those without undergraduate degrees in Journalism -- and who do not qualify for the deep knowledge or Sequence 2 track -- will be required to take JOUR 501 as an elective. Total: 32 hours.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | Spring Semester | Hours |
| JOUR 505 | 4 | JOUR 500 | 4 |
| JOUR 515 (Section A) | 4 | JOUR 515 (Section B: Master's Project: Part 2) | 4 |
| Electives -- minimum of two JOUR 4xx courses, or other approved 400- and 500-level courses | 8 | 8 | |
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Total Hours 32 | |||
Students cannot repeat journalism electives at the 400-level taken as undergraduates. The Director of Journalism Graduate Studies must approve any non-Journalism courses that are chosen.
Sequence 2: Deep Knowledge. The Department of Journalism offers a 12- month program leading to the Master of Science in Journalism for applicants who possess or are working toward advanced degrees in such fields as, but not limited to, the sciences, engineering, mathematics, health and medical fields, and technology. Mid-career professional journalists interested in advanced journalism courses are also encouraged to apply. Total: 32 hours.
| First Year | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | Spring Semester | Hours | Summer Semester | Hours |
| JOUR 501 | 4 | JOUR 500 | 4 | JOUR 515 (Section B: Master's Project: Part 2) | 4 |
| JOUR 505 | 4 | JOUR 515 (Section A) | 4 | ||
| Electives -- minimum of 4 hours at the JOUR 4xx level | 4 | Electives -- minimum of two JOUR 4xx courses | 8 | ||
| 12 | 16 | 4 | |||
| Total Hours 32 | |||||
Other Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Other requirements may overlap | |
| Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall: | 16 |
| Minimum GPA: | 3.0 |
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Journalism and the Master of Science in Journalism
Student Learning Outcomes are adapted from requirements of the accrediting body for the Department of Journalism (ACEJMC)
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Journalism:
- Understand and apply principles and laws related to media and freedom of information
- Write correctly and clearly in appropriate forms and styles
- Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts
- Apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the communications profession and to understand the digital world.
- Demonstrate understanding of the history of journalism development and the role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications
- Demonstrate an understanding of journalism ethical principles
- Demonstrate understanding of diversity, both domestic and global
- Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images
- Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the profession
- Demonstrate an ability to think critically and evaluate their own work and that of others
- Document professional practice through internships, student media and other publication of student work.
for the degree Master of Science in Journalism:
- Knowledge of principles of journalism and its history and trends.
- Expertise in news gathering through documents and data, interviews, and field observation.
- Expertise in one of the major presentations methods in journalism, choosing among text, audio or video presentation, with an understanding of all of these presentation methods include the use of mobile devices.
- An understanding of professional journalism, including its changing business models, job descriptions and increasing cross-disciplinary collaborations.
- An understanding of various qualitative and quantitative methods in data journalism.