Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism

Three people working on a laptop together

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.

90% %

of our Class of 2023 employed within 12 months of graduationOur recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as Spectrum, ESPN and USA Today.

Our recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as Spectrum, ESPN and USA Today.

Student, alumni and faculty work

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.

‘Altadena: After the Fires’

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

Bylines, broadcasts and big moments

Enzo Luna leads student-produced coverage for Annenberg Radio News, all while building professional networks before he graduates.

From the shoulders up, Divya Subbiah looks into the distant golden hour sun with trees in the background.

Finding power in unconventional stories

Guided by curiosity and creativity, Divya Subbiah brings voice to the overlooked by exploring authenticity, connection and the spaces in between.

Identical twins Matthew and Benjamin Royer

Identical twin brothers — and storytellers

From their days as young actors, twin brothers Matthew and Benjamin Royer have always been by each other’s side. Now, they dive into multidisciplinary reporting and engage in their passion for journalism in unique ways.

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.

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