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M.S. in Journalism

The WVU Reed College of Media’s Master of Science in Journalism (MSJ) program provides students with an advanced understanding of media disciplines, preparing them for careers in the industry or academia.

What is it?

The 30-hour MSJ program offers students the choice of two tracks: the teaching-research track for those who wish to go pursue a doctoral degree and the professional track for those seeking professional opportunities in mass communications. MSJ students have the opportunity to work with faculty on research projects and to participate in and help lead web-based, immersion journalism projects, such as 100 Days in Appalachia.

MSJ → PhD:

Since the MSJ program was launched in 1961, a number of our graduates have earned doctoral degrees. Some have come home to teach at WVU, and others have gone on to make an impact on the future of the industry at institutions across the world, including:

  • Boise State University
  • DePaul University
  • Michigan State University
  • Ohio University
  • University of Hartford

Thesis / Professional Project

All students in the Master of Science in Journalism (MSJ) degree program must complete a thesis or professional project involving original work in the student’s area of interest.

Students in the teaching-research track normally take research and theory courses both inside and outside of the Reed College of Media, statistics and social science courses. The student’s program culminates in a thesis, which is a scholarly study of an important aspect of mass communication.

Students in the professional track typically take communication and outside area courses that will help them become better practitioners. Students eventually research and write a professional project, which helps a student expand his or her knowledge about a given aspect of mass communication and is a large-scale project on which the student might work as a professional.

There are many steps to writing a thesis or producing a professional project. Students should review the Thesis/Professional Project Process documentation for complete details. Each student must select a Graduate Committee Chair, who will provide guidance on developing the initial idea into a preliminary thesis or professional project proposal. Once the proposal is complete, each student must assemble a Graduate Committee, the governing body of the student’s thesis or project.

Early in the program, students begin to formulate ideas for the thesis or professional project and assess College of Media faculty interests and areas of expertise. Each student must select a Graduate Committee Chair, who will provide guidance on developing the initial idea into a preliminary thesis or project proposal.

Once the proposal is complete, each student must assemble a Graduate Committee, the governing body of the student’s thesis or project. Students should review the specific details regarding Graduate Committee Composition.

The Graduate Committee reviews the proposal and provides feedback for revisions. The student works with the Chair to prepare the proposal for formal defense before the Committee. Once the student’s proposal is approved by the Graduate Committee, the student may begin further research on the formal thesis or project.

Typically during the second year of the program, the student works toward a final draft of the thesis or project with the Chair and his or her Committee. The student then defends the thesis or project before the Committee.

After the final thesis or project is approved, the Committee signs the Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) signature form. The student then uploads the final thesis or project to the ETD site. Directions and information are available on WVU’s thesis website.

Review the Thesis/Professional Project Process

View Thesis Details   View Professional Project Details

Assistantships and Financial Aid

The College of Media offers a number of merit-based graduate assistantships each semester. Graduate assistants teach laboratories and assist professors with their courses and research. Graduate assistantships are generally granted for an academic year during which GAs work an average of 20 hours per week. For consideration, make sure your application has been submitted to the College's director of graduate studies before March 1.

Get More Financial Aid Info

Find your Niche

The WVU Reed College of Media hosts a variety of student organizations. These clubs offer students opportunities to engage in University activities and connect with other students and professionals nationwide.

Explore Student Orgs
Steve Urbanski

Steve Urbanski, Ph.D.

is the director of graduate studies for the College of Media. He has been with the College since 2007 and spent 28 years in newspaper reporting, editing and design prior to that.

Contact Dr. Urbanski