Degree Requirements

To earn the master’s degree in journalism, meet the following requirements.

Complete the course requirements (48 credits):

• Four core courses:
  • JOUR E-100
  • JOUR E-110/W
  • JOUR E-137
  • JOUR E-140a
• Six program electives (at least two of which must be journalism courses)
• One general elective (chosen in consultation with the program office)
• A capstone project

Find courses using the degree course search.

Take all courses for graduate credit.

All courses must be taken at Harvard for graduate credit. You take most courses at Harvard Extension School. You also have the options to study at Harvard Summer School and to take a maximum of two courses as a Special Student through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. See Academic Standing and Enrollment.

Maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA.

Courses earned with grades below B- do not fulfill degree requirements but do count toward your cumulative GPA. Note that a B or higher grade is required in the three preadmission courses.

Complete all requirements within five years of the date of admission.

If your application is delayed, the five-year timeframe begins on the date of completion of the third degree course (i.e., any course that can count toward the degree). If you are unable to complete the degree within five years, you are retired from the program.