Graduate Programs
CU Journalism Offers Master’s and PhD Programs
Master’s
More than 65 students are earning masters of arts degrees in two programs, newsgathering and mass communication research.
CU’s journalism program, in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West, is renowned for its focus on environmental reporting. Students in both master’s programs can earn their degrees in an emphasis in environmental journalism and the Graduate Certificate in Environment, Policy and Society.
Newsgathering
The newsgathering option is designed for students with limited academic or professional experience in news reporting and writing. It prepares students to work in a wide variety of professional settings including printa and broadcast outlets, digital and social media platforms, and corporate communications.
Students in the newsgathering program select an emphasis in print, broadcast or a combination of the two. Newsgathering students complete internships at award-winning radio and television stations, daily newspapers, magazines and other news outlets along Colorado’s Front Range, including the Denver metropolitan area, which forms the Rocky Mountain region’s largest media market. Broadcast students may participate in “NewsTeam Boulder,” a student-produced news program broadcast live over the Boulder cable television system. Please click on these links for a closer look at program requirements.
- Newsgathering Print
- Newsgathering Broadcast
- Newsgathering Combination Print and Broadcast
- Newsgathering Print—Environmental
- Newsgathering Broadcast—Environmental
- Newsgathering Combination Print and Broadcast—Environmental
Mass Communication Research
The Mass Communication Research option offers an opportunity for critical reflection on contemporary media structures, performance, policy and practice. It provides graduate-level study in communication theory, research methods and relevant realms of culture, law, history, politics and ethics. The research track is designed for students interested in an in-depth study of media or for those who wish to enhance an undergraduate or professional media background. The program is especially recommended for students desiring to continue their studies toward a PhD and for professionals seeking to teach at the college level or develop an area of reporting specialization.
Financial Assistance for Master’s Students
A few graduate assistantships are available. Applicants who wish to be considered should submit a resume and letter that includes detailed professional or academic qualifications by February 1 as part of their application material. Applicants are chosen based on experience and the specific skills needed for available assistantships each semester.
Recent Graduates of the MA program
PhD
The PhD in Communication is dedicated to interdisciplinary inquiry into the social, political, economic and cultural dimensions of media, nationally and internationally, historically and in contemporary societies.
Financial Assistance for PhD students
Admitted PhD students are awarded graduate assistantships that include a tuition waiver and stipend.