Print and PDF Options

School of Journalism and Communication
(Faculty of Public Affairs)
4312 Richcraft/River Building
613-520-2600 Ext. 8466
carleton.ca/sjc

This section presents the requirements for programs in:

Program Requirements

M. Journalism (8.0 credits)

M. Journalism (Professional Practice pathway)
First Year Requirements:
Students must complete the following courses before proceeding to the second year of study:
1.  4.5 credits in:4.5
JOUR 5000 [0.5]
Journalism in a Changing Society
JOUR 5002 [0.5]
Journalism, Race and Diversity
JOUR 5200 [1.0]
Introduction to Reporting
JOUR 5202 [1.0]
Broadcast Journalism Laboratory
JOUR 5206 [0.5]
Introduction to Investigative Journalism
JOUR 5401 [0.5]
Journalism Law
JOUR 5706 [0.5]
In-Depth Reporting Seminar
Second Year Requirements:
2.  1.0 credit in:1.0
JOUR 5908 [1.0]
M. Journalism Research Project
3.  0.5 credit in:0.5
JOUR 5001 [0.5]
Entrepreneurial Journalism
4.  0.5 credit from:0.5
JOUR 5003 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Multimedia
JOUR 5004 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Audio
JOUR 5005 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Video
5.  0.5 credit from:0.5
JOUR 5300 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Special Topic
JOUR 5301 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Business and the Markets
JOUR 5302 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Business and Canadian Society
JOUR 5303 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Health and Science
JOUR 5304 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Environment and Science
JOUR 5306 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the World
JOUR 5308 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sport Culture
JOUR 5309 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Arts and Culture
JOUR 5310 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and the Law
JOUR 5311 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and The Supreme Court
JOUR 5315 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the U.S.
6.  1.0 credit in approved electives1.0
Note: As a condition of graduation, students normally are required to acquire a minimum of eight weeks practical experience in the media. For qualified applicants, the program may deem the requirement to have been met.
Total Credits8.0
M. Journalism (Journalism Studies pathway)
First Year requirements:
Students must complete the following courses before proceeding to the second year of study:
1.  4.5 credits in:4.5
JOUR 5000 [0.5]
Journalism in a Changing Society
JOUR 5002 [0.5]
Journalism, Race and Diversity
JOUR 5200 [1.0]
Introduction to Reporting
JOUR 5202 [1.0]
Broadcast Journalism Laboratory
JOUR 5206 [0.5]
Introduction to Investigative Journalism
JOUR 5401 [0.5]
Journalism Law
JOUR 5706 [0.5]
In-Depth Reporting Seminar
Second Year requirements:
2.  1.5 credits in electives related to the study of the media, chosen in consulation with the Supervisor of Graduate Studies1.5
3.  2.0 credits in:2.0
JOUR 5909 [2.0]
M. Journalism Thesis
Total Credits8.0

M. Journalism (Advanced entry - 5.0 credits)

M. Journalism (Professional Practice pathway, advanced entry)
Requirements:
1.  1.0 credit in:1.0
JOUR 5000 [0.5]
Journalism in a Changing Society
JOUR 5002 [0.5]
Journalism, Race and Diversity
2.  0.5 credit from:0.5
JOUR 5003 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Multimedia
JOUR 5004 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Audio
JOUR 5005 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Video
3.  0.5 credit from:0.5
JOUR 5300 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Special Topic
JOUR 5301 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Business and the Markets
JOUR 5302 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Business and Canadian Society
JOUR 5303 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Health and Science
JOUR 5304 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Environment and Science
JOUR 5306 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the World
JOUR 5308 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sport Culture
JOUR 5309 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Arts and Culture
JOUR 5310 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and the Law
JOUR 5311 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and The Supreme Court
JOUR 5315 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the U.S.
4.  2.0 credits in approved electives related to the study of media2.0
5.  1.0 credit in:1.0
JOUR 5908 [1.0]
M. Journalism Research Project
Note: As a condition of graduation, students normally are required to acquire a minimum of eight weeks practical experience in the media. For qualified applicants, the program may deem the requirement to have been met.
Total Credits5.0
M. Journalism (Journalism Studies pathway, advanced entry)
Requirements:
1.  1.0 credit in:1.0
JOUR 5000 [0.5]
Journalism in a Changing Society
JOUR 5002 [0.5]
Journalism, Race and Diversity
2.  2.0 credits in approved electives related to the study of the media, chosen in consultation with the Supervisor of Graduate Studies2.0
3.  2.0 credits in:2.0
JOUR 5909 [2.0]
M. Journalism Thesis
Total Credits5.0

M. Journalism
with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies (8.0 credits)

M. Journalism with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies (Professional Practice pathway)
First Year requirements:
Students must complete the following courses before proceeding to the second year of study:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
AFRI 5000 [0.5]
African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives
2.  0.0 credit in:
AFRI 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in African Studies
3.  4.5 credits in:4.5
JOUR 5000 [0.5]
Journalism in a Changing Society
JOUR 5002 [0.5]
Journalism, Race and Diversity
JOUR 5200 [1.0]
Introduction to Reporting
JOUR 5202 [1.0]
Broadcast Journalism Laboratory
JOUR 5206 [0.5]
Introduction to Investigative Journalism
JOUR 5401 [0.5]
Journalism Law
JOUR 5706 [0.5]
In-Depth Reporting Seminar
4.  0.5 credit in approved African Studies elective0.5
Second Year requirements:
5.  1.0 credit in:1.0
JOUR 5908 [1.0]
M. Journalism Research Project (in the specialization)
6.  0.5 credit in:0.5
JOUR 5001 [0.5]
Entrepreneurial Journalism
7.  0.5 credit from:0.5
JOUR 5003 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Multimedia
JOUR 5004 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Audio
JOUR 5005 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Video
8.  0.5 credit from:0.5
JOUR 5300 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Special Topic
JOUR 5301 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Business and the Markets
JOUR 5302 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Business and Canadian Society
JOUR 5303 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Health and Science
JOUR 5304 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Environment and Science
JOUR 5306 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the World
JOUR 5308 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sport Culture
JOUR 5309 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Arts and Culture
JOUR 5310 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and the Law
JOUR 5311 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and The Supreme Court
JOUR 5315 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the U.S.
Note: As a condition of graduation, students normally are required to acquire a minimum of eight weeks practical experience in the media. For qualified applicants, the program may deem the requirement to have been met.
Total Credits8.0
M. Journalism with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies (Journalism Studies pathway)
First Year requirements:
Students must complete the following courses before proceeding to the second year of study:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
AFRI 5000 [0.5]
African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives
2.  0.0 credit in:
AFRI 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in African Studies
3.  4.5 credits in:4.5
JOUR 5000 [0.5]
Journalism in a Changing Society
JOUR 5002 [0.5]
Journalism, Race and Diversity
JOUR 5200 [1.0]
Introduction to Reporting
JOUR 5202 [1.0]
Broadcast Journalism Laboratory
JOUR 5206 [0.5]
Introduction to Investigative Journalism
JOUR 5401 [0.5]
Journalism Law
JOUR 5706 [0.5]
In-Depth Reporting Seminar
Second Year requirements:
4.  1.0 credits in electives related to the study of the media, chosen in consulation with the Supervisor of Graduate Studies1.0
5.  2.0 credits in:2.0
JOUR 5909 [2.0]
M. Journalism Thesis (in the specialization)
Total Credits8.0

M. Journalism
with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies
(Advanced entry - 5.0 credits)

M. Journalism with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies (Professional Practice pathway, advanced entry)
Requirements:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
AFRI 5000 [0.5]
African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives
2.  0.0 credit in:
AFRI 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in African Studies
3.  1.0 credit in:1.0
JOUR 5000 [0.5]
Journalism in a Changing Society
JOUR 5002 [0.5]
Journalism, Race and Diversity
4.  0.5 credit from:0.5
JOUR 5003 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Multimedia
JOUR 5004 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Audio
JOUR 5005 [0.5]
Advanced Journalism: Video
5.  0.5 credit from:0.5
JOUR 5300 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Special Topic
JOUR 5301 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Business and the Markets
JOUR 5302 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Business and Canadian Society
JOUR 5303 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Health and Science
JOUR 5304 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Environment and Science
JOUR 5306 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the World
JOUR 5308 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sport Culture
JOUR 5309 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Arts and Culture
JOUR 5310 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and the Law
JOUR 5311 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and The Supreme Court
JOUR 5315 [0.5]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the U.S.
6.  1.5 credits in approved electives related to the study of media1.5
7.  1.0 credit in:1.0
JOUR 5908 [1.0]
M. Journalism Research Project (in the specialization)
Note: As a condition of graduation, students normally are required to acquire a minimum of eight weeks practical experience in the media. For qualified applicants, the program may deem the requirement to have been met.
Total Credits5.0
M. Journalism with Collaborative Specialization in African Studies (Journalism Studies pathway, advanced entry)
Requirements:
1.  0.5 credit in:0.5
AFRI 5000 [0.5]
African Studies as a Discipline: Historical and Current Perspectives
2.  0.0 credit in:
AFRI 5800 [0.0]
Scholarly Preparation in African Studies
3.  0.5 credit in:0.5
JOUR 5000 [0.5]
Journalism in a Changing Society
4.  2.0 credits in approved electives related to the study of the media, chosen in consultation with the Supervisor of Graduate Studies2.0
5.  2.0 credits in:2.0
JOUR 5909 [2.0]
M. Journalism Thesis (in the specialization)
Total Credits5.0

Journalism (JOUR) Courses

JOUR 5000 [0.5 credit]
Journalism in a Changing Society

Analysis of the news media in Western society, considering arguments and trends in the scholarly assessment of journalistic practice.

JOUR 5001 [0.5 credit]
Entrepreneurial Journalism

Workshop preparing students to work in a diverse market that values entrepreneurial skills and mindset, from freelancing to starting your own venture.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5002 [0.5 credit]
Journalism, Race and Diversity

Seminar to examine the media’s role in race and diversity and how inclusive reporting enriches journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5003 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Journalism: Multimedia

Designed to enhance storytelling, reporting and editing skills through the production of a digital publication.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 5704 (no longer offered), JOUR 5705 (no longer offered), JOUR 5701 (no longer offered).
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4003, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5004 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Journalism: Audio

Designed to enhance audio storytelling and reporting/producing skills through the production of a weekly program.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 5707 (no longer offered), JOUR 5703 (no longer offered).
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4004, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5005 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Journalism: Video

Designed to enhance video storytelling skills through the production of a series of mini-documentaries for a digital program.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Precludes additional credit for JOUR 5708 (no longer offered), JOUR 5703 (no longer offered).
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4005, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5200 [1.0 credit]
Introduction to Reporting

An intensive laboratory course in introductory reporting and editing, with emphasis on text and multimedia journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity


JOUR 5202 [1.0 credit]
Broadcast Journalism Laboratory

A laboratory course that teaches the fundamentals of audio and video reporting and editing.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5206 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to Investigative Journalism

Students sharpen their journalistic research skills and produce original work by accessing public records, interpreting data and conducting interviews.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5208 [0.5 credit]
Public Affairs Reporting

A course devoted to understanding selected political, economic and social issues, and to analytical reporting on timely issues under professional conditions.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5300 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Special Topic

Advanced reporting in a specialized subject area. Topics may vary from year to year. Emphasis on subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4300, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5301 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Business and the Markets

The fundamentals of business journalism, including corporate structures, the markets, trade policy, contemporary business news and local publicly-traded companies. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4301, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5302 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Business and Canadian Society

How business affects every aspect of public policy, from climate change to corporate social responsibility. What business does and how the media covers it. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4302, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5303 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Health and Science

How health science research permeates everyday life. Global challenges confronting researchers and health science journalists. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4303, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5304 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Environment and Science

Analysis of global trends and research culture in climate and environmental sciences. Challenges confronting researchers and journalists. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4304, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5306 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the World

Canada’s role in the world as shaped by diplomacy, war, terrorism, migration, the international economy and development. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4306, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5308 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Sports and Sport Culture

Beyond game scores—analysis of the culture of sports and evolution of sports reportage and writing. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4308, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5309 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Arts and Culture

An introduction to the crucial issues and trends necessary for reporters covering the arts and related cultural policy in Canada. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4309, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5310 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and the Law

Building on basic media law through a practical exploration of how law works, and how to cover courts and write about legal issues. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4310., for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5311 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Justice and The Supreme Court

Students will focus on the Supreme Court of Canada as they learn to navigate court documents and tell impactful stories about court cases and legal issues. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective and production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4311, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5315 [0.5 credit]
Specialized Journalism: Canada and the U.S.

Fundamentals of the unique issues governing Canada-U.S. relations, from diplomacy to trade. Emphasis on advanced subject exploration from a journalistic perspective. Involves the production of in-depth journalism.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as JOUR 4305, for which additional credit is precluded.

JOUR 5401 [0.5 credit]
Journalism Law

This course prepares journalists to function comfortably within the legal and ethical guidelines governing their occupation. Topics include: contempt of court; free press, fair trial; revealing of sources; civil defamation; obscenity; privacy; government secrecy.

JOUR 5508 [0.5 credit]
Professional Practices: Specialized Media

A workshop course designed to give students instruction in specialized areas. Not all specialties will be offered each year.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5702 [1.0 credit]
Broadcast Journalism

A seminar combining critical analysis of broadcast journalism and practical skill development in broadcast reporting, writing and production.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5706 [0.5 credit]
In-Depth Reporting Seminar

Students will complete a piece of longform analytical journalism, discuss in-depth writing and reporting techniques and submit a draft proposal for their Master’s Research Project.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5709 [0.5 credit]
Creative Non-fiction

Students will explore and experiment with advanced writing techniques through a combination of readings, discussion and assignments.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5800 [0.5 credit]
Survey Methods for Journalists

An examination of basic research design and data collection with emphasis on problems of interpretation.

JOUR 5808 [0.5 credit]
Directed Readings

Students, working under faculty direction, will undertake an intensive reading schedule in order to pursue a subject area of particular interest.

JOUR 5809 [0.5 credit]
Directed Research

Students, working under faculty direction, will develop and undertake a research project in order to pursue a subject area of particular interest.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5900 [1.0 credit]
Directed Studies

Reading and research tutorials.

JOUR 5901 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies

Reading and research tutorials.

JOUR 5908 [1.0 credit]
M. Journalism Research Project

Students will complete a substantial piece of public affairs journalism in the format of their choice: text, audio, video or multimedia; or do a research project that examines media practice or makes a major contribution to journalism education.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

JOUR 5909 [2.0 credits]
M. Journalism Thesis

To fulfil the requirements of this 2.0-credit thesis course, students must produce a major piece of journalistic research or complete an academic thesis in the area of journalism studies.
Includes: Experiential Learning Activity

Note: Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca.

Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca

Regulations

See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.

Admission

M. Journalism

The School of Journalism and Communication provides two points of entry into the Master of Journalism program  – Year One or Year Two.

Most applicants will be admitted to Year One of the two-year M.Journalism program; however, some may qualify for admission to Year Two. A committee chaired by the Supervisor of Graduate Studies will determine the admissibility of each applicant.

For admission to Year One of the M.Journalism program, applicants must hold an honour's bachelor's degree or the equivalent, with, normally, B+ or better in the honours subject and B- or higher overall.

A limited number of spaces will be made available for direct admission to Year Two of the  M. Journalism program. Students must normally possess one of the following qualifications to be considered for this admission option:

  • a B.Journalism (Honours) or the equivalent;
  • a degree in another discipline from a recognized university plus at least five years of professional experience in journalism;
  • substantial  professional journalism experience of a high standard.

Note: Students with prior journalistic experience or credentials who are admitted directly into Year Two will normally pursue the Journalism Studies completion option, or a path of coursework selected in consultation with the Supervisor of Graduate Studies, which will include a thesis or master's research project, as appropriate.

Admission will be selective. Admission will not be guaranteed to all who meet the published minimum requirements, as there are many more qualified applicants each year than there are available spaces.

Proficiency in English is necessary to pursue graduate studies at Carleton University. Journalism demands higher levels of competence in English than specified in the general regulations of the graduate calendar.

All applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy this requirement by meeting one of the following criteria:

  1. An official overall score of 70 on the Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Assessment; or
  2. An official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 on the paper-based test (PBT), or an overall score of 100 on the Internet-based test (IBT) with a minimum score in each component of:  writing 25; speaking 25; reading 25; and listening 25; or
  3. An official overall international English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each band score; or
  4. Official certification (transcripts) to indicate that they have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree within the past three years in a university in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom or any other country in which the primary language is English, and where the language of instruction in the relevant education institution was exclusively English.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs reserves the right to require further documentation or additional testing if it deems it is necessary to demonstrate the required level of English language proficiency.

M. Journalism with Specialization in African Studies

Information about admission to the M. Journalism with Specialization in African Studies can be found at carleton.ca/africanstudies/graduate-studies/admissions