Graduate School of Journalism

University of California, Berkeley

Overview

The goal of the Graduate School of Journalism is to produce professional journalists who move on to positions of leadership and influence in American journalism. The Master of Journalism (MJ) program provides intensive training in journalism skills and a knowledge of the traditions and principles of the field. A professional project is required to complete the two-year program. The program is rooted in the idea that the best possible preparation for careers in journalism is a sound liberal arts education followed by training in journalism at the graduate level. Concurrent degree programs with Law, Asian Studies, International and Area Studies, Latin American Studies, and Public Health are available.

The school offers courses in print, broadcasting, documentary film, radio, television, multimedia, and photojournalism. All students must take a focused and demanding core course that stresses reporting and writing skills. This is because members of the faculty believe that the best way to train students for careers in journalism is to place them under the supervision and guidance of seasoned journalists in small classes; give them instruction in the skills and attitudes of the craft; and introduce them to intensive practice in reporting, writing, and editing. Professors give exhaustive critiques of students' work. Students are also required to take Journalism Law and Ethics and to complete a summer internship at a media outlet.

Beyond the core course, there are courses in specific areas such as political, business, environmental, community, science, international, and cultural reporting. There are also courses that focus on different techniques such as investigative reporting and magazine reporting. The curriculum also includes courses in copyediting and photography, as well as a sequence of courses in television and radio reporting.

Another group of courses is intended to increase understanding and practice of multimedia reporting. A host of web skills and software classes are offered to give students expert level training with these tools.

Applicants for graduate study should hold a bachelor's degree comparable to that given by the University of California. Requirements and procedures are outlined in the Graduate Application for Admission and Fellowships brochure, available at the Office of the Dean of the Graduate Division, and in the Announcement of the Graduate School of Journalism. Complete admissions information is available on the Journalism website.

The Graduate School of Journalism also offers courses for undergraduates designed to give them insight into journalism.

Undergraduate Program

Journalism: Minor

Graduate Program

Journalism: MJ

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Courses

Journalism

Contact Information

Graduate School of Journalism

121 North Gate Hall

Phone: 510-642-3383

Fax: 510-643-9136

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Dean

Geeta Anand

121 North Gate Hall

geeta_anand@berkeley.edu

Associate Dean

Jeremy Rue

jrue@berkeley.edu

Assistant Director of Graduate Student Services

Daniel Marquez

school-studentservices@berkeley.edu

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