Program Director
Patricia M. Bellanca, PhD
Director of Writing Programs; Preceptor in Expository Writing, Harvard University
Overview
The Graduate Program in Journalism prepares you to be competitive in a rapidly evolving field. Whether you are an experienced or aspiring reporter, editor, or freelance journalist, you can gain the skills to thrive in both a print and online environment.
Develop new skills in the field
Graduate-level core courses provide a solid foundation in news and feature writing and professional ethics, while electives help you build specialized skills. You also gain hands-on experience with an internship at a local or regional news organization or publishing house.
At the culmination of the program, you create a thesis or capstone project that brings together all you have learned in your coursework and provides you with a portfolio of solid writing samples.
Learn about the degree requirements or find out the admission criteria.
Take online and on-campus courses
Although most journalism courses are offered only on campus, 2 core courses and a range of general electives are available online.
Learn from a faculty of experts
Below are a few of our expert faculty members; see the journalism courses for more.
- David Beard, Editor, Boston.com
- Catherine Chute, Publisher, Harvard Magazine, Harvard University
- B.D. Colen, Senior Communications Officer for University Science, Office of Government, Community, and Public Affairs, Harvard University
- John R. Lenger, Editor in Chief and Assistant Director, Office of News and Public Affairs, Harvard University
- Andrew Meldrum, Senior Editor, Global Post
- Mark Pothier, Senior Assistant Business Editor, Boston Globe
- Christina Thompson, Editor, Harvard Review, Harvard College Library
Also see who serves on the program advisory board.
Earn a Harvard degree
The degree is the Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies with a concentration in journalism.
The diploma, in Latin, reads:
Universitas Harvardiana (Harvard University)
Magistri in Artibus Liberalibus Studiorum Prolatorum (Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies)
On your résumé, the degree may be listed Master of Liberal Arts, Journalism, Harvard University Extension School.
The Harvard Extension advantage
Being a student in a Harvard Extension School program has its perks. In addition to privileges afforded you by a Harvard student ID card, you have access to academic workshops, career counseling, early registration, and more. See Candidate Perks.