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Specializations

As a Master of Science in Journalism student, you will select a specialization area that matches your career goals and interests. In addition to foundational journalism courses, you will take classes specific to your specialization. All students select a specialization, and you will indicate which specialization you want to pursue on your application.

Journalism Specializations

A woman looking through a camera at a canyon.

Health, Environment and Science

Follow your passion for medicine, healthcare, science and the environment as you pursue stories anywhere in the world, from medical research labs to environmental hot spots.

Woman reading a magazine

Magazine

Learn how print and digital magazine content is assembled and published. Write, edit and conceptualize stories and gain an understanding of strong narrative storytelling.

Students engaged in conversation.

Media Innovation and Content Strategy

Combine your love of journalism with your entrepreneurial spirit and learn how to lead, launch or build digital media businesses.

Students taking pictures of a lake

Medill Investigative Programs

Work side-by-side with veteran journalists on investigations of national importance. The investigative skills you learn in these specializations – one entirely in Chicago and one with time in Washington, D.C. – will serve you well in your career no matter what area of journalism you pursue.

A student reporter outside the White House

Politics, Policy and Foreign Affairs

Learn to cover politics and policy and the latest in foreign affairs as a credentialed reporter in the nation’s capital.

A student reporter interviewing a political representative

Social Justice and Solutions Journalism

Use your journalism skills to shine light on injustice and inequality. Learn how to make a difference in the lives of those who are disenfranchised, vulnerable or oppressed.

A group of sports media specialization students.

Sports Media

Go beyond game coverage by learning to tackle commentaries, profiles and analyses that sports fans love. Your training will take you onto the field and behind the scenes at sporting events.

Students interview someone on camera for a documentary.

Video and Broadcast

Develop your skills in areas such as TV news, video storytelling and documentary. Use our state-of-the-art video equipment and studios to hone your craft.