Master’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies
About Our Program
The Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies offers a graduate program leading to a master of arts degree. Courses focus on applied research techniques and media experience, as well as specialized areas such as emerging technologies, digital storytelling, social media, sports, law, advertising, and public relations.
During the second half of the program, students focus on a thesis, creative project, professional paper, or internship. These experiences are mentored by professors, bringing together media techniques, concepts, and a topic area of your choice. After graduation, our students have started careers in media production, social media, journalism, and corporate communication or pursued a doctoral degree.
Available Tracks
Graduate students have multiple routes to achieving a Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies.
Graduate students who select this track have the option of completing a traditional or creative thesis. The traditional thesis is an original piece of work that the student writes under the guidance of a thesis advisor and committee. The creative thesis may be written or take the form of a documentary, podcast, photo essay, script, website, or any combination approved by the student's thesis advisor and committee.
Graduate students who select this track have the option to complete a professional paper for their culminating experience. The professional paper is an original piece of work completed under the guidance of a single faculty advisor. It can be either an academic paper that could be submitted to a journal or a professionally oriented paper that can take the form of a white paper, public relations campaign, or other forms of professional writing and presentation.
Learn MoreStudents on the internship track will complete an internship under the guidance of a professional standing committee and produce a write-up about the experience. Students have worked with prestigious organizations such as the Las Vegas Raiders, Golden Knights, and NPR, among many others.
Learn More
“I regularly look back on my time in UNLV's Journalism and Media Studies MA program and am still in awe at the level of personal, professional, and academic growth I experienced in just a year and a half. The program opened doors in the media industry I wouldn't have ever thought possible!”Anne Davis, Class of 2022
Expand Your Knowledge and Open a Range of Career Possibilities
The Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies prepares students to become effective professionals in news, sports, advertising and marketing, digital and social media, and more. Upon graduation, students will:
- Develop a grounding in media theory and application.
- Achieve competencies in research methodologies relevant to the field.
- Cultivate the critical thinking skills necessary for leadership in media, technology, and higher education.
- Develop professional media skills in strategic storytelling, multimedia content creation, and social media.
Having acquired this knowledge, previous graduates have gone on to work as newspaper reporters, editors, digital content specialists, broadcast media producers, social media strategists, media relations professionals, magazine writers, government correspondents, professors, and attorneys.
Contact
Benjamin Burroughs
Graduate Coordinator
benjamin.burroughs@unlv.edu