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At the University of Arizona, an interest in journalism can take you as far as you can dream. The school’s programs are designed for students who have a journalism background as well as those who have no previous journalism experience. Full-time students can complete the curriculum in two years. Part-time students are welcome. Excellent undergraduate students can earn an M.A. degree in one extra year through our Accelerated Master's Program.
The School of Journalism offers master's degrees for students wishing to become working journalists in the United States or abroad—our professional option—as well as for those interested in studying the impact of the media on social, political, economic and cultural decisions and events around the world—the journalism studies option.
The School of Journalism's mission is to prepare students to face the complex challenges confronting journalists in the 21st century. In the school's computer laboratories and seminar rooms, students work on stories that appear in real-world news media, and study the political, economic, legal and ethical issues that journalists face in the global information age.
In addition, see the Academic Plan information about our master's degree in Bilingual Journalism and our Studies of Global Media online master's program.
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
Thank you for your interest in the University of Arizona School of Journalism. Your application will be considered once you have submitted all required documentation. Paper applications will no longer be accepted; please submit all materials via this online application.
Through the Graduate Admissions Application you will have the ability to upload various requirements for consideration by the admission committee. For this application you will be asked to upload the following:
1. Statement of Purpose (one to two pages) explaining how this program will help you achieve your goals.
2. Résumé/Curriculum Vitae
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. The names and contact information of those who will be your recommenders.
5. Two to three journalistic writing samples in print, audiovisual or online format that exemplify your best work; reasearch papers are also acceptable if you don't have journalistic samples.
6. GRE is not required.
If you have specific questions, please contact the Graduate Coordinator Jennifer Bates in the School of Journalism via email at jmbates@arizona.edu.
Once your application has been submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time by logging in to this account and opening this application. You will be notified via email as soon as a decision has been reached.
Information regarding the School of Journalism, our faculty, and the courses we offer can be found at http://journalism.arizona.edu/
English Language Proficiency
Success in the School of Journalism demands a high degree of proficiency in both spoken and written English.
International Applicants Only: Demonstrated fluency in both written and spoken English is a basic condition for all applicants whose native language is not English. Acceptable options can be found here: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/requirements/international-applicants#english-proficiency. International students whose native language is not English will provide high scores on the TOEFL or IELTS exams. Minimum required TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores are 600 (paper-based), 100 (Internet-based) and 250 (computer-based). The minimum required IELTS (International English Language Testing System) composite score is 7 (no subject area below a 6). Upload a copy of proof of English proficiency scores taken within the last two years. In addition, international students will be interviewed by Zoom or phone by a faculty member to ensure that they have the necessary English skills to succeed in this highly competitive, communication-driven field.
As an alternative to the TOEFL, candidates can elect conditional acceptance. That means they would precede their journalism classes by enrolling in the College for English as a Second Language for as long as it takes to meet an acceptable level of English proficiency. More information can be found here: https://grad.arizona.edu/admissions/types/international-admission-types#intl-conditional.
International students requiring a student visa also need to provide a completed Financial Guarantee Form. See information on Proof of Financial Resources.
**Please note that incomplete files will not be reviewed.**
Required English-proficiency test (choose one):
Minimum TOEFL: 100
Minimum IELTS: 7
GRE: Optional (not required)
Graduate Tuition Scholarships
Graduate Access Fellowships
https://journalism.arizona.edu/tuition-financial-aid-and-scholarships
Domestic Applicants
International Applicants
International applicants may be considered for conditional admission to this program at the department's discretion.
4832
ETS Major Field Code(s) for this program: 4503
33
Required Courses (12 units)
All courses are 3 units
JOUR 508 Journalism Theory and Practice
JOUR 509 International and US Media Law
JOUR 589 Research Methods
JOUR 909 Project or JOUR 910 Thesis*
*Some dual degrees may require 6 units of 909 or 910.
Electives (21 units)
Professional Option recommended courses
All courses are 3 units
JOUR 506 Introductory and Advanced Reporting
JOUR 507 Reporting with Multimedia
JOUR 590F or 590C (School Media - select one)
Journalism Studies Option courses
All courses are 3 units
JOUR 539 - Ethics and Diversity in the News Media OR GLO 535: Media Ethics and Representation in a Global Context (online)
JOUR 573 - Reporting in the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands
GLO 560: Disinformation and Information Security in a Global Media Context (online)
GLO 570: Documentary Studies (online)
Other Electives
All courses are 3 units
JOUR 505 Media Apprenticeship
JOUR 520 Digital Communication Law
JOUR 528 Product Development
JOUR 533 Digging with Data
JOUR 547 Art of Access: Info Sleuthing
JOUR 555 Environmental Journalism
JOUR 565 Issues in Covering Science and the Environment
JOUR 572 Science Journalism
JOUR 582 Drone Zone
JOUR 584 News App Development
JOUR 586 Health Journalism
JOUR 511 Feature Writing
JOUR 547 Art of Access: Info Sleuthing
JOUR 572 Science Journalism
JOUR 580 Advanced Multimedia
Language requirements: A high level of fluency in written and spoken English is required. In addition to acceptable TOEFL or IELTS scores (see above), international applicants who do not speak English as their first language may be interviewed via Skype or Facetime before being considered for acceptance. Pending high enough scores in the TOEFL or IELTS, candidates can elect "conditional" acceptance. That means they would precede their journalism classes by enrolling in the Center for English as a Second Language or a similar program for as long as it takes to meet an acceptable level of English proficiency.
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.
| Program-level Information | |
|---|---|
| Application Acceptance Rate | 72.73% |
| Avg. Time-to-degree (years) | 2.00 |
| Department-level Information | |
| Enrollment Percent Male | 38.71% |
| Enrollment Percent Female | 61.29% |
| Enrollment Percent International | 3.23% |
| Enrollment Percent URM | 48.39% |