Missouri is the recognized leader in graduate journalism and strategic communication education — and has been since awarding its first master’s degree in 1921. More than 2,500 journalists, communicators, and researchers have shaped the industry with degrees from Missouri.

Our graduates lead newsrooms at The New York Times and Washington Post, run multiplatform operations at CNN and NBC, direct global campaigns at firms like Ketchum, Fleishman-Hillard, BBDO, and Ogilvy, and publish work in National Geographic and beyond. Many go on to doctoral programs at top universities.The Missouri Method — learning by doing in real newsrooms and communication environments — is at the heart of everything we teach.

A Flexible Program Built for Your Goals

Beginning Fall 2026, the on‑campus MA program features a streamlined 30‑credit curriculum with two completion timelines. Whether you want an immersive one-year experience or a one-and-a-half-year path with more room for sequenced coursework and internship development, both options lead to the same degree with the same outcomes.

Students choose between two tracks:

• Professional track — culminates in a final professional project
• Research track — culminates in a thesis; students in journalism or strategic communication research may complete up to 37 credits depending on thesis scope and faculty guidance

Program Timeline at a Glance

	One-Year Option	One-and-a-Half-Year Option
Fall, Year 1	12 credits Core + concentration courses	12 credits Core + concentration courses
Spring, Year 1	13 credits Advanced + elective coursework	13 credits Advanced + elective coursework
Summer, Year 1	5 credits Internship + Final Project (professional track) or Thesis Writing (research track)	Typically no required coursework Optional internships, professional experience, or project planning
Fall, Year 2	Degree completed	5 credits Internship + Final Project (professional track) or Thesis Writing (research track) Degree completed

Note: Some concentrations recommend or require additional time due to course sequencing, prerequisites, or extended research requirements. Concentration choice is the most important factor in determining your timeline. See the FAQ below for details by concentration.

Choose the Timeline That Fits Your Goals

One Year: Fall → Spring → Summer

• Ideal for students who want a fast-paced, immersive experience.
• Coursework and professional requirements unfold across three consecutive terms.
• Best suited for concentrations with minimal sequencing or prerequisites.

One and a Half Years: Fall → Spring → Fall

• Provides additional time for advanced coursework, internship development, and project work.
• Best suited for concentrations with structured sequencing or production timelines — such as Documentary or TV Producing and Broadcasting.

Both options emphasize hands-on learning, internships, and industry-aligned skills.

Find Your Concentration

Funding Your Degree

Graduate students in the on-campus MA program are eligible to apply for funding through the Graduate Assistantship Program.

Assistantships are available for:

• Up to two semesters for Accelerated BJ/MA students
• Up to three semesters for students in the regular MA program

Graduate assistantships typically include

• A stipend
• Full tuition waiver
• Health insurance subsidy

Availability is competitive and may vary by semester.

Admitted students are encouraged to speak with an academic advisor early — particularly if you are planning to graduate in the summer — to discuss funding eligibility, timeline alignment, and scholarship opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which program length is right for me?

The one-year option is ideal if you want an accelerated path and are entering a concentration with minimal sequencing. The one-and-a-half-year option offers more flexibility for internships, prerequisites, or concentrations that build skills across multiple terms.

Will both options lead to the same degree?

Yes. Both timelines result in the same MA degree with identical learning outcomes. Culminating requirements vary by track — a final professional project for the professional track, or a thesis for the research track.

What happens during the summer term?

For one-year students, summer is dedicated to the internship and final professional project (professional track) or thesis writing (research track). Students in the extended option often use the summer for internships, research, or professional development — enrollment is typically optional unless required by a specific concentration or research plan.

Does my concentration affect how long the program takes?

Yes — concentration choice is the most important factor in determining your timeline.

Concentrations typically completed in one year:

• Data and Investigative Journalism
• Cross-Platform Editing and Producing
• Audience Strategy and Engagement
• Strategic Communication
• Photojournalism

Concentrations that often require additional time:

• Documentary (typically four semesters due to sequencing and production timelines)
• Research Track (additional credits may be required based on thesis scope and faculty guidance)
• TV Producing and Broadcasting (up to 1.5 years, depending on prior experience)

Can I change timelines after starting the program?

In many cases, yes. Students work closely with their academic advisor to adjust plans based on concentration requirements, professional opportunities, or internship availability.

How do graduate assistantships align with program timelines?

Graduate assistantships are typically awarded in fall and spring semesters. One-year students usually hold assistantships during those terms, while one-and-a-half-year students may be able to extend support across additional semesters, depending on availability.

Ready to Apply?

Call 573-882-4852 or email JourGraduateStudies@missouri.edu to speak with an advisor or schedule a campus visit.