Online Journalism can be found at the crossroads between journalism and emerging technology. Success in this powerful new global medium requires both an understanding of traditional journalism and the ability to think flexibly in an interactive technical environment.

Computers are important at each stage of gathering, assembling and distributing information. Today’s online journalist must be able to tell stories on all digital platforms, from desktops to iPhones and Kindles. Annenberg master’s students who choose this emphasis get a thorough grounding in Web site production, in addition to the fundamentals of good reporting, writing and editing.

A succession of courses leads students through the sophisticated tools of video and audio streaming, interactive images and animation. Other courses deal with online layout theory, niche publications, nontraditional news and Web site management. Classes cover current issues in online ethics and law, such as privacy and intellectual property rights.

Students work part-time or hold internships at the many news Web sites in Southern California, such as latimes.com, Inside.com and Fox Sports. They also can conduct research in conjunction with the Online Journalism & Communication Program and the Integrated Media Systems Center in the USC School of Engineering, one of the most advanced digital information laboratories in the world.