Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.