Master of Arts [M.A] [Journalism] From University of Iowa

The M.A. program in journalism focuses on communication. Its approach is academic and theoretical, balanced with substantial development of professional skills, to prepare students for careers in media education. The program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in journalism and/or mass communication and wish to continue their education in the field; for experienced journalists or communicators who wish to prepare to teach by earning an M.A. and then a Ph.D.; and for persons who hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline and would like to enter journalism by earning an M.A.

Students in the M.A. program in journalism who wish to enter the school's Ph.D. program in mass communications must complete all M.A. requirements, including the creative thesis, before they may be considered for admission to the Ph.D. program. Professional course work from the M.A. program cannot be applied to the requirements of the Ph.D. program.

M.A. students gain grounding in concepts, theories, and research methods while they pursue a curriculum that emphasizes technology, innovation and media, creative and collaborative multimedia, design for media, cross-media studies, transformed social interactions, and visual communication. They also hone technical skills in reporting, writing, visual and graphic storytelling, design, and digital imaging.