Graduate Programs - Journalism

Return to: Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism

Master of Arts Degree

Director of Graduate Studies
303 Reynolds School of Journalism
(775) 784-4187

Earning a master’s degree at the Reynolds School requires an intense 18-month commitment to thinking and learning about interactive journalism. The program is designed for journalists who want to deepen their understanding of how journalism contributes to democracy, learn how to apply digital media skills to journalistic endeavors and create new forms of environmental journalism.

Admission Requirements

Those interested in the program should submit an application and all supporting credentials by March 15 for fall admission. Applications are considered once a year based on a selective admissions evaluation.

Application forms are available from the Graduate School web site: http://www.unr.edu/grad/admissions/apply . You must create an account before filling out the application. To apply, complete the online application form, accompanied by the non-refundable application fee, to the Graduate School. The Graduate School must also receive:

1. One of official transcript from all universities attended.
2. International students whose native language is not English must also provide scores on the TOEFL exam.
3. Recent GRE scores.

In addition, send the following to the director of graduate studies at the Reynolds School of Journalism, Mail Stop 310, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557:

1. Letter of intent explaining why you want to pursue graduate work in this program, what you hope to gain from participating, the assets you bring to the program and how you plan to use the degree after graduation.
2. Three letters of reference from employers, former professors or deans, or others familiar with your work or otherwise able to assess your likelihood of success in graduate study.
3. Professional work samples. These could include published articles or photographs, or other examples of your professional experience.

The Reynolds School of Journalism graduate admissions committee will evaluate all candidates based on their success in undergraduate studies, their professional accomplishments, statement of intent, letters of reference and potential for contributing to a robust and well-balanced cohort.

International Students

The Reynolds School of Journalism welcomes applications from international students, believing that mutual benefit is derived when students from other countries are in the program. The school also recognizes that journalism, more than many other fields, requires language skill. International students must be able to follow rapid speech both in the field and the classroom, as well as to deal with abstract ideas communicated in English. Completion of the master’s degree in journalism attests to the student’s proficiency in English. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of international students whose native language is not English. Applicants must meet the minimum TOEFL score required by the Graduate School.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available through the Reynolds School of Journalism. Graduate assistants may teach or assist with research. They may work in the journalism school on Web site development as well as other emerging digital technologies. Graduate assistants receive stipends for one academic year. Stipends are accompanied by grants-in-aid covering most tuition.

Applications for graduate assistantships are available from the director of graduate studies. Students applying for assistantships should file their applications with the Reynolds School of Journalism by March 15. Assistantships are awarded only to students who are officially admitted to graduate standing. Assistantships begin in the fall semester.

Maintaining Progress

Students are expected to maintain satisfactory progress toward the degree. A student’s graduate record begins when the student is granted graduate standing. Students must complete all requirements within three semesters of beginning the program or submit an application for an exception to the graduate faculty.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the professional project or paper, the master’s candidate prepares an oral defense of the project. It is evaluated as a measure of the student’s conceptual and journalistic abilities. The student schedules the defense, with the consent of the committee, prior to the last day of the program. All members of the committee must have adequate time to read the paper before the oral examination. Students should make certain their Program of Study form is filed with the Graduate School by mid-spring semester prior to completing the program and that the Notice of Completion is filed after successful completion of the oral defense. The committee advisor decides whether final corrections (after the defense) have been made properly and checks the style and form of the final typed paper or project.

For more information, contact the director of graduate studies at 784-4198 or the dean of the Reynolds School, at 784-6531.

Return to: Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism