Master of Science in Journalism

You will advance excellence and drive innovation in today’s converged media landscape because we prepare you to be a highly-skilled, technologically fluent journalist.

The complex and culturally rich city of Los Angeles provides endless sources for stories as you report, produce, code and publish your work in a deadline-driven environment while also pursuing in-depth, multimedia projects. Through our intense, 11-month program, you will build a foundation of excellence in writing and ethics that emphasizes the importance of journalistic rigor, investigative reporting, and furthering the role of diverse communities in storytelling.

As our award-winning faculty guide you to create high-impact journalism, our media center’s cutting-edge capabilities will allow you to cover news across media and platforms — on the web and on the air, through podcasts and documentaries, and by embracing new and emerging technologies.

By the numbers

1/2

of students receive merit-based scholarship or fellowship fundingSince the program's inception in 2014, nearly half of our students have received support toward their education.

Since the program's inception in 2014, nearly half of our students have received support toward their education.

students in each graduating classEach graduating class is a small, close-knit community of journalists who receive personal attention from professors with experience in the field.

Each graduating class is a small, close-knit community of journalists who receive personal attention from professors with experience in the field.

100% %

of students learn digital journalism skillsOur students build a critical foundation in coding and data storytelling.

Our students build a critical foundation in coding and data storytelling.

100% %

of our Class of 2023 employed within 12 months of graduationOur recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as the Washington Post, BuzzFeed, National Public Radio and The World Bank.

Our recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as the Washington Post, BuzzFeed, National Public Radio and The World Bank.

Student, alumni and faculty work

A Pulitzer before the diploma

Isaac Vargas is part of the Reuters team recognized for a national reporting investigation.

Built together

Progressive degree student Nya Manneh and her fellow 2026 grads reflect on the friendships, mentorships, leadership experiences, and career opportunities that shaped their time at USC Annenberg.

‘Altadena: After the Fires’

A student-produced podcast series gives Trojans an unforgettable experience in compassionate storytelling.

L.A. TACO director of engagement and multimedia journalist Memo Torres

‘Stealing the best from both’

Professor Amara Aguilar and L.A. TACO Editor-in-Chief Javier Cabral help USC Annenberg students redefine journalism in the age of influencers.

Brothers and storytellers

From their days as young actors, identical twins Matthew and Benjamin Royer have always been by each other’s side.

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.

Build your multimedia 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 in all fields of the news media. You will join the student-led news outlet Annenberg Media to explore writing, podcasting, television, and producing videos for social media. The media center’s award-winning faculty advisers will guide you as you tackle the day’s news and delve deeper into topics that matter to the USC community.

Learn more