Journalism and Media Innovation MA Curriculum Requirements

Emerson College’s online Journalism and Media Innovation graduate program offers a 32-credit Standard Format option as well as a 28-credit Experienced Journalist Format option. Housed in the School of Communication, both formats of the program are entirely online and asynchronous, meaning you can take courses from anywhere and at any time that works best for your schedule. Students can begin in the fall or spring term.

Journalism and Media Innovation Curriculum

Standard Format 32-Credit Curriculum

Our 32-credit Standard Format curriculum can be completed full-time in one year or part-time in two years. The curriculum consists of:

  • 4 core courses (16 credits);
  • 3 elective courses (12 elective credits);
  • 1 Capstone or Internship course (4 credits);
  • 1 Group mentoring program (0 credits).

Experienced Journalist Format 28-Credit Curriculum

5+ years of professional experience or an undergraduate degree in journalism

Our Experienced Journalist Format curriculum consists of just 28 credits. Working professionals with at least five years of relevant work experience or students who graduated with a bachelor’s in journalism can waive the core course, Foundations of Journalism and Media Creation (4 credits), to complete the program for a total of 28 credits.

The Experienced Journalist Format requires the remaining 3 core courses (12 credits), 4 elective courses (16 credits), and 1 Capstone or Internship Course (4 credits). Your eligibility for the Experienced Journalist Format will be reviewed when you apply. This format can be completed full-time in one year or part-time in two years.

Sample Curriculum Map

For full course information, review our course catalog.

One-Year Full-Time Sample Curriculum Map (September–August)

The following is a sample curriculum map based on the Standard 32-credit one-year-long and full-time schedule. You can also start the degree in the spring (January) semester to fit your needs.

Fall Semester 1 (12 Credits)

  • 2 Core Courses
  • 1 Elective

Spring Semester (12 Credits)

  • 2 Core Courses
  • 1 Elective

Summer Semester (8 Credits)

  • 1 Elective
  • Capstone or Internship

Two-Year Part-Time Sample Curriculum Map (September–December)

The following is a sample curriculum map based on the Standard 32-credit two-year-long and part-time schedule. You can also start the degree in the spring (January) semester to fit your needs.

  • Fall Semester 1 (4 Credits): 1 Core Course
  • Spring Semester 1 (4 Credits): 1 Core Course
  • Summer Semester 1 (8 Credits): 2 Core Courses
  • Fall Semester 2 (4 Credits): 1 Elective Course
  • Spring Semester 2 (4 Credits): 1 Elective Course
  • Summer Semester 2 (8 Credits):
    • 1 Elective Course
    • 1 Capstone or Internship