Graduate programs in journalism and mass media prepare students to use broadcast, print, internet, and other media to research and report on important issues Graduates of these programs may use their skills to create well researched reports to educate, inform, persuade, or entertain broad audiences. Journalists could have many opportunities to work in the field and interact with many different people and organizations.
Individuals might consider applying to journalism and mass media graduate programs for the following reasons:
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Improve style or technique
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Expand understanding of multimedia tools
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Specialize in a particular subject
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Shifting to a career in advertising, reporting, writing, or another form of mass media
Journalism and Mass Media Graduate Programs and Curriculum
Journalism and mass media graduate degree programs generally offer two main area’s of study. One focuses on research and theory and prepares students for Ph.D. programs in communications or other related fields. The other focuses on the development of professional skills such as researching, reporting, writing, and editing.
Most master’s degrees in journalism and mass media take nine months to two years to complete. They’re offered in online, campus, and hybrid formats, students can earn a Masters of Arts or a Masters of Science.
Some journalism and mass media programs may require applicants to have experience with mass media, a bachelor’s degree in a complimentary discipline is sometimes preferred.,. Students with little experience in journalism or mass media, or those who do not have a bachelor’s degree in a complimentary subject, may be asked to take additional courses in preparation for their graduate program. Application requirements to some programs may include GRE scores, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation as well as TOFFEL scores if applicable.
Journalism and Mass Media Career Paths
Individuals holding journalism and mass media graduate degrees could have a wide range of career options. They may pursue careers in fields including the following:
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Broadcast media
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Print media
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Internet media
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Outdoor media
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Advertising and marketing
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Reporting
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Documenting
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Advocacy Journalism
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Investigative Journalism
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Broadcast Journalism
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Tabloid Journalism
Journalism and Mass Media Salary and Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Reporters, correspondents, and broadcasters earn a median wage of $36,000/year. Public relations specialists earn a median wage of $57,550/year. Desktop publishers earn a median wage of $36,610/year, and advertising, promotions, and marketing specialists earn a median wage of $108,260/year. All of the median salaries listed above are for specialists with a bachelor’s degree and no experience. Salaries vary depending on education, experience, industry and location.
Newspapers and magazines are shifting away from print and towards the internet. As such employment of reporters, correspondents, and desktop publishers is expected to decrease by 6% between 2010 and 2020. However, employment of broadcast news analysts and public relations specialists is expected to increase by 10% and 21% respectively. Similarly, jobs in advertising, promotions, and marketing are expecting to increase by 14 percent.

Data according to
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Public-relations-managers-and-specialists.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Office-and-Administrative-Support/Desktop-publishers.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Media-and-Communication/Reporters-correspondents-and-broadcast-news-analysts.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Media-and-Communication/Reporters-correspondents-and-broadcast-news-analysts.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Management/Public-relations-managers-and-specialists.htm
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm