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.

100% %

of our Class of 2021 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

Murder to mercy

Professors Dan Birman and Megan Chao ’08 reflect on their Netflix feature documentary focusing on the case of Cyntoia Brown.

Photo of a sign that says "Sundance Film Fesitval" at the Egyptian venue

Two graduate alumni screen documentaries at Sundance

Dylan Valley and Matt Yoka were selected by the 2020 Sundance Film Festival to screen their work.

Photo of a podcasting set up on a computer

Pipeline for podcasters

Daric Cottingham joins five USC Annenberg students for a one-of-a-kind summer internship with Spotify.

Storytelling with ‘Impact’

The student-produced documentary program comes to Spectrum News.

Photo of Aliya Jasmine taking a photograph in a forest

Finding passion

Veteran NBC4 LA and MTV producer Aliya Jasmine delves into environmental journalism.

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 advisors.

Learn more