Digital Innovation in Journalism Studies (MA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Offered by:Department of Journalism, Faculty of Arts & Science
Program overview
The Digital Innovation in Journalism MA is grounded in both the traditional and contemporary frameworks of journalism studies. It pushes the next generation of researchers—truth seekers, storytellers and catalysts for change—to explore the rapidly evolving digital media landscape. This one-of-a kind master's program looks into the future of the profession with a unique focus on innovation and new approaches to journalism. Through seminars and lab sessions, you’ll develop critical thinking skills to enhance your understanding of how digital storytelling is redefining traditional mediums such as print, television and radio. Over a two-year period, you’ll gain practical training and a strong research foundation, culminating in a graduate thesis or final essay.
Program details
- Undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.30 scale.
- Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
9 credits – Required Courses
JOUR 601 - Critical Approaches to Journalistic Thought (3 credits)
JOUR 604 - Research Methods for Journalism (3 credits)
JOUR 605 - Digital Innovation in Journalism (3 credits)
6 credits – Elective Courses
JOUR 502 - Introduction to Reporting (3 credits)
JOUR 503 - Introduction to Visual Journalism (3 credits)
JOUR 511 - Introduction to Multimedia (3 credits)
JOUR 523 - News and Feature Photography (3 credits)
JOUR 603 - Political Economy of Journalism (3 credits)
JOUR 610 - International Journalism (3 credits)
JOUR 620 - Journalism Ethics and the Law (3 credits)
JOUR 630 - Mediating Diversity through Audio Story-telling (3 credits)
JOUR 640 - Textual Approaches to Journalism (3 credits)
JOUR 642 - Special Topics in Journalism Studies (3 credits)
JOUR 645 - Directed Study (3 credits)
* With the permission of the department, up to six elective credits may be taken in 600-level courses offered by other departments.
30 credits – Research Options
Option A
JOUR 650 - Journalism Readings and Proposal (6 credits)
JOUR 691 - Thesis (24 credits)
Option B
JOUR 650 - Journalism Readings and Proposal (6 credits)
JOUR 693 - Research-Creation Thesis (24 credits)
Option C
JOUR 694 - Essay (18 credits)
12 additional course credits in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor and approved by the Department’s MA program director.
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form (2 must be from academic sources)
- A statement of purpose (five double-spaced pages) providing:
- a brief overview of your university studies and what courses, professors, or scholarly work and theorists were the most influential and/or most challenging;
- a brief description of the type of research you would like to undertake;
- the name of a potential supervisor from our full-time faculty whose research area complements your own, and with whom you have communicated, and who agreed to work with you;
- a list of courses in our program which are of particular interest to you.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) including a summary of any work experience (paid or voluntary) that is relevant to your application
- Sample(s) of journalism (any format), research or research-creation (10 pages maximum) (Optional)
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
| DEGREE |
FALL (September) |
WINTER (January) |
SUMMER (May/June) |
| Digital Innovation in Journalism Studies | MA | Feb. 1* | Oct. 1* | Feb. 1* |
*Late applications may be considered, please contact the Program Director.
Examples of courses offered include:
- Introduction to multimedia
- Critical approaches to Journalistic thought
- Digital innovation in Journalism
- Mediating diversity through audio story-telling
- Journalism ethics and the law
- International journalism
Important information about admissions
Please be advised that Concordia University does not process admissions or fee payments through third parties for our degree programs.
All applicants are advised to ensure that they are communicating directly with the university for admissions and fee payments.
