Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism

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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

Women in blue shirt with shoulder length blonde hair posing outdoor and smiling for camera.

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.

Photo of a podcasting set up on a computer

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

A group of students pose for the camera on a Ghana educational trip.

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.

An African-American student looks at her computer for Charlotte Bass Lab.

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.

Learn more