Program Overview
In a time of fast-moving information and shifting media landscapes, ethical journalism is more essential than ever. The Journalism Master’s Degree Program helps you build the skills needed to tell impactful stories. In the program, you’ll:
- Master the latest reporting, writing, and technical skills for traditional and digital media.
- Build greater confidence surrounding multimedia communication, identifying and pitching stories, and connecting with editors.
- Learn techniques for conducting incisive interviews, gathering salient information, and writing compelling narratives with clarity and style.
- Develop a deep understanding of a focused topic area or beat, such as American politics, international security, environmental policy, and world religions.
- Graduate with a Harvard University degree: Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies in the field of Journalism.
Courses
The 12-course journalism graduate program is designed to help you develop practical writing skills that you can apply immediately in your career. You’ll learn critical journalism and digital storytelling techniques that are in demand for many communication careers, including reporting, feature writing, and first-person journalism as well as public relations, marketing, and development.
Example Courses
- Feature Writing: First-Person Stories and Essays
- Podcasting
- Content Creator Journalism
- Commentary and Op-Ed Writing
- Telling Stories with Data
- Finding and Developing Your Story (precapstone course)
- Crafting Your Story and Engaging Your Audience (capstone course)
Stackable Certificates
As you work your way toward your master’s degree, you can take courses that also count — or “stack” — toward a graduate certificate. It’s a cost-effective, time-saving opportunity to build specialized skills and earn a professional credential along the way to your degree.
Stackable graduate certificates include:
Admissions
The path to your degree begins before you apply to the program. You’ll earn your way in through our performance-based admissions, completing coursework for admission and earning credits toward your degree right away.
Next Start Term
You can enroll in your first admission course this fall. Course registration opens July 21.
Featured Faculty
Our journalism instructors bring a genuine passion for teaching, with students giving our faculty an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Yevgenia Albats
Walter Shorenstein Media and Democracy Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School
Sarah L. Kaufman
Author and Arts and Culture Critic
Austin Bogues
Assistant Washington Editor, USA Today
Matthew Hay Brown
Americas Editor, The Washington Post
Ruth Tam
Journalist and Podcast Host
Kim Cross
Author
Career Opportunities & Alumni Outcomes
The writing, research, and interview skills our graduates gain are in high demand in the world of media and communication. They are also transferable to many careers in the nonprofit and business sectors. Our graduates work in a variety of fields, including journalism, fundraising and development, writing and editing, marketing and advertising, media production, public relations and communications, and publishing.
Sample Alumni Job Titles
- Chief Communications Officer
- Health Journalist
- Director, Digital Media
- Copy Editor
Sample Alumni Employers
- Associated Press
- The Boston Globe
- NPR
- MIT
[I enjoyed] the opportunity to discuss readings or collaborate on projects with people across a wide spectrum of age, gender, location, political ideology, nationality, and so much more — always centered in curiosity and mutual respect.
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in the field of Journalism, '24
Program Benefits
Experience a rigorous curriculum. 98% of recent graduates would recommend the program.
Access career advising and other services through Harvard’s Mignone Center for Career Success.
Explore entrepreneurial opportunities through the Harvard Innovation Labs.
Pursue paid research opportunities through the Faculty Aide Program.
Complete an in-depth capstone project.
Become a member of the worldwide Harvard Alumni Association (400,000+ members) and Harvard Extension Alumni Association (29,000+ members).
Tuition & Financial Aid
Learn more about the cost of attendance.
