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College of Communication & Information Sciences
Bryant Denny Stadium, where the Digital Media Center is located

Master's Degree in Journalism & Media Studies

The Department of Journalism and Creative Media (JCM) teaches students to make sense of information, sort truth from fiction, and tell stories with authenticity and inspiration. We prepare our graduates to find jobs and excel across many fields, be discriminating media consumers, and think critically about media and its role in a democratic society. We believe that those who can collect information, filter it for accuracy and importance, and tell it well can change the world.

In the past three years, more than 90% of our professional-track graduates started media jobs within six weeks of graduation. Previous graduates have gone on to work as writers, reporters, editors, digital content specialists, TV producers, social media strategists, media relations professionals, government correspondents, professors and attorneys.

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graduate catalog

Master’s Degree in Journalism & Media Studies

One Degree, Multiple Options

JCM offers multiple tracks for achieving a Master of Arts in Journalism & Media Studies:

• A flexible, online track in Sports Media
• An online professional track in Journalism
• An in-person, one-year track in Community Journalism
• An in-person, two-year thesis track in Journalism & Media Studies

Each track requires 31 credit hours. For more information, see track details below, visit the graduate catalog or email Dr. Elliot Panek (epanek@ua.edu), the director of the Master’s program, for more information.

“After 19 years in TV news, I pursued an advanced degree to grow my career and teach at the college level. I worried about staying engaged in an online program, but my professors were attentive, responsive, and made the experience enriching!"

Aundrea Self
Class of 2019: News anchor, WCBI

MA in Journalism & Media Studies: Tracks

Sports Media Track (online only)

This signature sports-media track allows students to take a sequence of online courses that will give them training to work in sports media and prepare them to make connections and find their niche within this field. The department, which has six faculty who teach in sports media, is an internationally recognized destination for sports media scholarship.

Students complete their degree with either a master’s project or by passing comprehensive exams.

Professional Track (online only)

This flexible online track gives students the advanced core of classes they need to grow in their careers, with a wide range of electives available to suit their interests.

Students complete their degree with either a master’s project or by passing comprehensive exams.

Community Journalism Track (in-person only)

This award-winning, one-year professional track is designed to strengthen community journalism by establishing trained professionals in the field. Students explore new ways to serve communities through evolving journalism practices and digital innovation. The hands-on curriculum relies heavily on experiential learning and includes a three-month internship at UA’s Digital Media Center.

Each cohort begins in August and takes classes for 12 consecutive months. Students submit a portfolio and final project to graduate.

Master’s Thesis Track (in-person only)

The research track allows students to study and think critically about Journalism & Media Studies from a variety of scholarly approaches. Students explore media and its role in society, factors that shape media professionals’ decisions, and media’s historical, legal and ethical implications. This two-year, in-person track is highly customizable and allows for 12 hours of elective credit that can be taken across disciplines.

Students complete a master’s thesis to graduate.

“I returned to finish my degree later in life and went straight into grad school. At Alabama, my professors were passionate and invested in my success. Their mentorship and classes reinforced timeless journalism principles—proving that determined, thorough reporting leads to the best stories for today’s audiences.”

Mark Followill
Class of 2023: Sports announcer covering basketball, soccer and football

Admissions

Admission to graduate work in the Program of Journalism & Media Studies requires a 3.0 or higher undergraduate grade point average (on a 4.0 scale). Potential students must apply for admission to the Graduate School of the University of Alabama the semester before their anticipated start date.

Alongside the admission requirements on the Graduate School website, our master’s program requires:

  1. Resume and CV

  2. 2-3 journalism samples (optional)

Note: PDF documents are preferred, but Word and other word-processing documents are acceptable.

Application Timeline  

Priority deadline for applicants for the fall semester in-person tracks is January 31. Applications for online tracks are accepted on a rolling basis. Fall-semester admissions are prioritized, but spring admissions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

“Enrolling in the Master's program was the best choice for my personal and professional growth. It allowed me to build strong relationships with my professors and feel supported throughout my journey. Those connections continue to shape my success even after graduation!”

Kayla Solino
Class of 2023: Associate editor at ZDNET

Financial Support 

The Journalism & Media Studies MA program considers all admitted main-campus students for a limited number of graduate assistantships based on the submitted admission application. Those selected for assistantships will be contacted by the graduate coordinator between April and June.

Assistantships are awarded for either 10 or 20 hours per week.

  • 20-hour assistantships are usually awarded to thesis-track students. They cover full tuition during fall and spring terms, and a monthly stipend.
  • 10-hour assistantships are usually awarded to professional track students. They cover half-tuition and a half-stipend during the fall and spring terms. Online students are eligible to apply for scholarships offered by the UA Online.

The Graduate School offers various forms of financial support that all students are encouraged to consider. Students who are competitive for university scholarships and fellowships have high GPA, show evidence that they will significantly benefit the program and are usually admitted into a degree program by early spring.

If you have any questions about admissions, application requirements, or financial support, contact Dr. Elliot Panek (epanek@ua.edu), the director of the Master’s Program in Journalism & Media Studies.

“I chose UA's MA program for its mix of practical skills and media impact studies. With supportive professors and a focus on journalism and new media, it sharpened my writing and investigative skills — preparing me for a career in reporting.”

Daniel Parra
Class of 2018: Spanish-language editor and reporter at City Limits

UA Online

The College of Communication & Information Sciences also offers online degree options for current professionals looking to further their education while working, including programs in:

Doctoral Program

The C&IS doctoral program is overseen by the Office for Graduate Studies and provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of mass communication and information sciences. 

LEARN MORE
The Community Journalism experience includes a three-month internship in UA’s Digital Media Center, which houses WVUA 23 and Alabama Public Radio.

If you have any questions about the Master’s Program in Journalism & Media Studies, contact the program director, Dr. Elliot Panek (epanek@ua.edu).