Master’s students concentrating on science and medical journalism must earn at least 36 graduate-level credits (12 courses numbered 400 or above), including credits for a thesis or special project. Course requirements are as follows:

  • at least two environmental and science journalism courses (MEjO 560 – 565)
  • four required Hussman School of Journalism and Media core graduate courses (see section below)
  • three journalism elective courses
  • two other elective graduate-level courses either inside the Hussman School or at another local university (e.g., Duke University or North Carolina State University)
  • a thesis or non-thesis project completed during the fourth semester

To read more about the courses listed below, please visit the Park Library’s syllabus archive.

Core environmental and science journalism courses

  • MEJO 560: Environmental and Science Journalism
  • MEJO 561: Environmental and Science Video Storytelling
  • MEJO 562: Environmental and Science Documentary Television
  • MEJO 565: Environmental Storytelling

Other required MEJO courses

All master’s students must take the following courses:

  • MEJO 701: Mass Communication Research Methods
  • MEJO 740: Media Law
  • MEJO 753: Reporting and Writing News
    • course designed to be cross-platform
  • MEJO 782: Multimedia Storytelling

Thesis

  • MEJO 992: Master’s (Non-Thesis) OR
  • MEJO 993: Master’s Research and Thesis

Students in environmental and science journalism have the option of writing a traditional thesis (MEJO 993) or doing a non-traditional thesis project (MEJO 992). Examples of projects include preparing a broadcast-quality television or radio report; writing a series of environmental or science journalism articles suitable for publication in a magazine, newspaper or Web-based format; or preparing an environmental or science journalism multimedia project.

Length of program

Students will complete the master’s program in two years by attending classes full time during the first three consecutive semesters and then completing the thesis or project during the fourth semester. There is no provision for part-time students in the master’s program in science and medical journalism.

Requirements

Any graduate student who receives any funding for his or her education from a school-based source is required to maintain at least a P average each year. Grades are reviewed each spring in order to make this determination. L grades must be balanced by H grades in order to maintain this average. If a student gets an L in one of the media and journalism core courses (MEJO 701, MEJO 740, MEJO 753 or MEJO 782), that L is not removed by passing the examination or by getting a P upon retaking the course. That L must be balanced by an H.

All master’s students must pass the school’s usage and grammar test by the end of their first semester. This is a basic requirement for graduation for undergraduate students and normally poses no major problem for graduate students. Information about the spelling and grammar test, including instructions on how to study for it, is included in the orientation packet sent to new students each summer.