Curriculum

A sequence of nine core courses and an MA Project. Principle coursework includes two specialized writing classes, two pre-approved electives chosen from eligible graduate-level courses within the Department of Communication; or from among course offerings in select departments on the Stanford campus that deal constructively and substantively with issues of public importance or digital media. The Graduate Degree in Journalism requires a minimum of 45 units.

Courses

Required Courses

Sample Schedule

Autumn Quarter

Winter Quarter

Spring Quarter

Graduate Seminar

Throughout the Stanford academic year, the Journalism program hosts a discussion forum for students to present and exchange views on the most current and emerging trends, issues, and practices in the communications industry. Working journalists and news experts are frequently invited as guests to share their professional expertise and practical insights relevent to the challenges impacting the ever-changing media landscape.

Journalism Project

The Graduate Program in Journalism provides a unique opportunity for students to showcase their talents as prospective authors and journalists. Each student will launch an intensive, in-depth inquiry into an area that they are personally interested in examining and critiquing at length. The MA Project represents a major commitment of time and effort. While there is no formal publishing requirement, the completed project must be judged by a member of the Journalism faculty to be of a quality acceptable for publication. Successful completion is a precondition for graduation from the program. MA Projects are typically launched during the Winter Quarter with a deadline-driven submission date of the last day of class of Spring Quarter.

Facilities

Enrolled students in the Journalism Program have priority access to the Chilton R. Bush Journalism Laboratory, a continually upgraded state-of-the-art computer hub. The space is equipped with a host of new information technology resources: multimedia hardware and software applications, audio-visual editing and production systems, content management and web-publishing tools. Workstations are fully networked with high-speed Internet connections. Technology training also is available for students through the University's Meyer Multimedia Lab, a state-of-the-art facility that features online tutorials, a wide range of software editing programs, video equipment and a fully staffed help desk. The Journalism Program also makes classroom use of Wallenberg Hall, one of the most innovative and technologically-enhanced teaching/learning laboratories in the world.

Events

The Department of Communication frequently hosts special events to discuss and promote the universal presence and techno-future of all things journalism. Carlos Kelly McClatchy Memorial Lectures and Symposia were established in 1964 to bring Stanford University distinguished national and world leaders in the field of journalism. Its purpose is to give students first-hand insights into the responsibilities of journalists putting fingers to keyboards in a democratic society and to stimulate critical thinking about the performance of mass media in an increasingly global society.