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
How finding your specialization can make 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.
Summer at Spotify: Creating a new pipeline for podcasters
Daric Cottingham joins five USC Annenberg students for a one-of-a-kind summer internship with Spotify.
Having the tools to help expose injustice
A self-described “diehard philanthropist,” Alysha Conner wants to find ways to give back through journalism. With the A GRoW @ Annenberg Scholarship, she now has the tools to tell stories from a greater perspective
The Ghana immersive reporting project
Through the new course “Ghana Immersive Reporting Project,” USC Annenberg professors Miki Turner and Afua Hirsch take USC Annenberg students to Ghana to intern at local news outlets and to report on the country’s evolution and global cultural significance.
Amplifying Black social change makers on the West Coast
Founded by Professor Allissa V. Richardson, the Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab saves, studies and shares history about Black social justice trailblazers on the West Coast.
Reporting on homelessness in L.A.
Stories and videos developed in Professors Mary Murphy and Sandy Tolan’s course featured in the Huffington Post.

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.