Professional M.A.

Join the professional master’s degree program in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and get prepared to work in a newsroom with a full set of professional skills, conceptual background and specialization you design.

The professional M.A. typically leads to careers in news and information production. In collaboration with an advisor, students construct a program of required and elective courses that emphasizes in-depth coursework in a variety of nonfiction genres such as investigative reporting or literary journalism. This 30-credit degree should combine a mix of courses on practical communication skills, conceptual knowledge of journalism and mass communication, and an area of specialization.

Skills classes are a significant component of this program. However, a hallmark of the Wisconsin method of journalism education is that press theory and the role journalists play in society are given equal weight. The development of a specialty in journalism is a central component of this program. As such, all applications will be considered, however preference will be given to those seeking to pursue and build journalistic credentials within a specialty area in order to seek a job in the professional world.

We are a thriving, top-ranked college in Madison, Wisconsin—one of the most fantastic cities in the country. We think boldly and act confidently, not only as engineers, but as engaged citizens. As an engineering community, we value unique perspectives, we foster respect and inclusivity, and we work together to bring new ideas to life. Building on a heritage of impact, we develop the leaders, knowledge and technologies that improve lives now and create a better future. Underlying all of our efforts is the strength of one of the top research universities in the world.

Our engineering disciplines reflect not only our history, but also a tremendous opportunity: Where others see obstacles, we see the potential for innovation and an ability to make a difference with solutions that matter.

Our faculty have strong support structures for collaborating across disciplinary boundaries—and as a result, they accomplish great things. Our college plays a major role in UW-Madison’s consistently high national ranking for research expenditures, as well as the number of patents filed through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), one of the oldest university technology-transfer offices in the nation. We are key drivers of economic and social progress: Through Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, and other endeavors such as spin-off companies and work directly with industry partners, the fruits of our research extend into businesses and industries worldwide.