Professional Journalism

MA in Journalism and Mass Communications

Professional Journalism

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August 26
Next Start Date
36
Total Credit Hours
$357*
Cost Per Credit
3 ​start dates
Per Year

Investing in a Big Ten master's degree in professional journalism strengthens your credentials for the rapidly evolving media landscape. Set yourself apart from the competition through industry-relevant courses, expert faculty, and a flexible program designed to fit your needs. No test scores are required for admission. By bridging research and practice, our graduate program advances the field and ensures you stay current with industry trends. Continuously evolving, the program offers a customizable graduate journey that prepares you for future success.

Degree questions, answered.

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Fuel Your Career with Purposeful Curriculum

The Professional Journalism program consists of 36 credit hours, comprised of 3 core courses and 7 elective courses and professional project. You can complete the program in as quickly as 6 semesters, while enrolled part-time. 

Core Courses (15 Credit Hours)

  • JGRD 901: Ethics and Issues in Mass Communication

  • JGRD 902: Multi-platform Journalism

  • JGRD 903: : Entrepreneurial Journalism

  • ADPR 992: Professional Project (6 credit hours)

Electives and Specializations (24 credit hours)

Courses can apply to a certificate or specialization.

  • ADPR 834: Digital Insight & Analytics
  • ADPR 850: Public Relations Management and Case Studies
  • ADPR 858: Interactive Media Design
  • ADPR 866: Social Media Theory and Practice
  • JOMC 808: Politics and the Media
  • JOMC 822: Race, Gender, and Media
  • JOMC 862: The Social Media Landscape
  • JOMC 886: Mass Media Law
  • JOMC 887: Media, Ethics and Society
  • JGRD 819: Graduate Writing, Reporting and Editing
  • SPMC 875: Sports Promotion and Engagement
  • SPMC 877: Content Strategy in Sports Promotion
  • SPMC 878: Social and Digital Media for Sports Promotion
PR & Social Media Certificate

Admission Requirements

The Professional Journalism program accepts applications year-round and admits students on a rolling basis for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. 

A completed Graduate School application includes the following: 

  • Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended
  • Completed graduate school application and application fee
  • Verification of English proficiency is required if native language is not English
  • GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required 
  • Current resume
  • Three professional or academic references 
  • Statement of purpose
  • Portfolio of work that demonstrates your ability to gather, analyze and communicate information 
"No GRE/GMAT Required"

Application Deadlines

Fall (August) Start

Priority Admission: July 1
Admission Deadline: August 7

Spring (January) Start

Priority Admission: November 1
Admission Deadline: January 5

Summer (May) Start

Priority Admission: April 1
Admission Deadline: April 26

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Graduate tuition is assessed by the credit hour and the program. Professional programs may differ. See below for a full listing of the tuition rates that apply to the Engineering Management program. Learn more about tuition and fees at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, including all estimated cost components.

Students are encouraged to:

  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form by the deadline to determine their eligibility for federal and state funds as well as scholarships.

  • Check with your employer to see if they provide financial support for earning your graduate degree.

*The following tuition and fees were posted for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change and will be posted on this page as soon as possible.

Resident Online Tuition and Fees

 

Out-of-State Resident Tuition and Fees

 

Per Credit Hour

3 Credit Hours

 

 

Per Credit Hour

3 Credit Hours

Online Tuition

$357.00

$1,071.00

 

Online Tuition

$700.00

$2,100.00

Fees included in Online Tuition and Fees

 

Fees included in Online Tuition and Fees

Technology Fee

$11.00

$33.00

 

Technology Fee

$11.00

$33.00

Library Fee

$8.25

$24.75

 

Library Fee

$8.25

$24.75

Online Course Fee

$35.00

$105.00

 

Online Course Fee

$35.00

$105.00

Registration Fee

 

$20.00

 

Registration Fee

 

$20.00

University Program and Facility Fees*

Waived

Waived

 

University Program and Facility Fees*

Waived

Waived

Total Online Tuition and Fees

$411.25

$1,253.75

 

Total Online Tuition and Fees

$411.25

$1,253.75

* The University Program and Facility Fees are only waived for online courses

In accordance with Federal Financial Aid requirements, Nebraska provides an estimated Cost of Attendance as a standardized estimate of the overall cost of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a specific period. It represents the best estimate of expenses a student might expect to incur.