Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism

Picture of four people around a computer laughing

We prepare you to be an innovative, in-depth journalist in the ideal environment: the dynamic, complex and culturally diverse city of Los Angeles.

Here, you will work with our expert faculty to identify and focus on the most eﬀective storytelling medium for your distinctive voice: text, audio, documentary video, or newly-emerging media such as augmented reality (AR). Within that medium, you may also select and develop a specialized area of coverage like social justice, sports or entertainment.

You can craft a customized program of study around your chosen medium and specialization, which may include exploring courses from across USC’s 19 distinct academic schools. Your work will also be ampliﬁed through our state-of-the-art media center and collaborations with major media outlets.

By the numbers

50% %

of students identify as being a member of a traditionally underrepresented groupOur program’s diverse student body brings experiences from all over the world to Annenberg classrooms.

Our program’s diverse student body brings experiences from all over the world to Annenberg classrooms.

students per required courseStudents in Specialized Journalism develop professional training from our expert faculty in small-class settings.

Students in Specialized Journalism develop professional training from our expert faculty in small-class settings.

USC schools from which to select additional coursesAs a student in the Specialized Journalism program, you have the opportunity to select electives across USC schools.

As a student in the Specialized Journalism program, you have the opportunity to select electives across USC schools.

97% %

of our Class of 2022 employed within 12 months of graduationOur recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as CNN, Quibi and Fox Sports.

Our recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as CNN, Quibi and Fox Sports.

Student, alumni and faculty work

Exploring how COVID-19 changed everything

In collaboration with LAist Studios, students produce an audio series illustrating just how different everything is now.

Yannick Peterhans taking a photo at a USC Football game.

Pursuing a passion for photography

To reach his goal of becoming a conflict photographer, Yannick Peterhans realized he had to become a better journalist and utilizes a master's degree in specialized journalism to get there.

Women in blue shirt with shoulder length blonde hair posing outdoor and smiling for camera.

Making a difference in the local news

When KNBC and KCAL anchor Cater Lee decided to return to school, USC Annenberg’s specialized journalism program completely reshaped how she saw journalism.

Students smiling for a group photo in Ghana.

Exploring Ghana through immersive reporting project

Students hone their reporting skills and connect with professionals at local media outlets as well as students from the Ghana Institute of Journalism.

From the classroom to the newsroom

The Los Angeles Times, Poynter, NPR, USA Today, and Salon. These are just a few of the media outlets in which journalism master’s students have published their reporting.

Is activism the future of journalism?

Master’s student Jen Byers and Myah Genung ’15, chief program officer for Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab, discuss the definition of activism, the search for truth in journalism, the perils of objectivity, and more.

Hone your storytelling skills

USC Annenberg’s Media Center is a classroom and working newsroom with state-of-the-art capabilities, allowing you to gain ﬁrsthand experience. Explore medium like writing, podcasting and documentary ﬁlming with our award-winning faculty advisers.

Learn more