Emerson College's online Journalism and Media Innovation graduate program offers a 32-credit Standard Format option as well as an 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 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.
Courses
Core Courses
The following courses are required to complete the degree. Students enrolled in the Experienced Journalist curriculum waive the Foundations of Journalism and Media Creation course.
| Course | Credits | Modality |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Journalism and Media Creation | 4 | Online |
| Evolving Journalism and Media | 4 | Online |
| Community Storytelling | 4 | Online |
| Storytelling with Technology | 4 | Online |
Elective Courses
Students enrolled in the Standard curriculum choose three elective courses (12 credits) to complete the degree. Students can mix and match course electives from other programs including Media Design, Business of Creative Enterprises, Publishing and Writing, Communication Studies, and Writing to fulfill their professional goals.
The following courses are a sample of our elective course offerings. For a full list of electives and course descriptions, view our Graduate Course Catalog.
| Course | Credits | Modality |
|---|---|---|
| The Solopreneur Journalist: Surviving as a Freelance Media Creator | 4 | Online |
| Producing News Documentaries | 4 | Online |
| Advanced-Data Visualization | 4 | Online |
| Law & Public Policy | 4 | Online |
| Media Design Studio | 4 | Online |
| Publicity for Publishing | 4 | Online |
| Fundamentals of Online Content Strategy | 4 | Online |
| Web Analytics | 4 | Online |
| Leading Creative Collaboration with Empathy & Equity | 4 | Online |
| Emerging Communication Technology | 4 | Online |
Capstone or Internship
Students are required to complete one Capstone Portfolio Project or an Internship (4 credits).
Capstone Portfolio Project
Throughout your last semester, you will create an individual portfolio of work according to a project timeline and regularly check in with professors and mentors as they guide you through your Capstone. At the end of the semester, your work will be showcased to an online audience of working professionals, professors, and the graduate program director.
Internship
You may choose to do a semester-long internship with a news organization, a nonprofit news entity, or a media company instead of completing a Capstone project. Before taking the internship, you must complete the four core courses. You may be expected to assemble a portfolio of your internship’s work.
Mentoring Program
Each semester, you and a small group of classmates are paired with a professional mentor who guides you through your master's program. Your mentor provides career guidance and is available to help you better conceptualize and apply what you’re learning in the classroom in the real world. This benefit is not for credit and is designed to help you accomplish your goals confidently.
Sample Curriculum Map
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 (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–August)
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