JOURNALISM & MEDIA INNOVATION

What can you do with an MA in Journalism & Media Innovation?

With a master’s degree in Journalism and Media Innovation from Emerson College, you can pursue various dynamic career paths in the media and communications industries. This program equips you with the skills to become a proficient multimedia storyteller, adept at interviewing, writing for diverse audiences, and pitching compelling news stories and documentaries. With your education, you’ll be able to pursue a career in data-driven investigative journalism and have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as digital publishing, branding, and community engagement. Graduates are well-prepared for roles at news agencies, as freelance journalists, or as communications professionals, leveraging a professional work portfolio and mentorship from award-winning faculty to achieve their career goals.

Tech Knowledge

Graduates entering the workforce with a master’s degree in Journalism and Media Innovation may need to be proficient in various technologies essential for modern journalism. This list is customizable according to your specific path.

• Multimedia Storytelling Tools: Software and platforms for creating and editing video, audio, and interactive content.
• Data Visualization Software: Tools like Tableau or Infogram to turn data into visual stories and infographics.
• Analytics Platforms: Systems such as Google Analytics for tracking and analyzing audience engagement and website performance.
• Digital Publishing Platforms: Content management systems like WordPress for creating and managing online content.
• Social Media Tools: Platforms and tools like Hootsuite or Buffer for distributing news and engaging with audiences on social media.
• Photojournalism Equipment: Cameras and editing software like Adobe Photoshop for capturing and enhancing images.
• Interactive News Technologies: Tools and platforms for creating interactive news content, such as Shorthand or StoryMap.
• Artificial Intelligence in Journalism: Technologies that use AI for tasks like automated news writing, data analysis, and personalized content recommendations.

Competencies + Other Skills

Competencies

1. Research and Investigation: Ability to conduct thorough research, verify facts, and uncover new information.
2. Multimedia Production: Proficiency in creating and editing video, audio, and digital content.
3. Data Analysis: Skill in interpreting data to identify trends, make connections, and support storytelling.
4. Content Management: Competence in using content management systems to publish and manage online content.
5. Digital Storytelling: Expertise in crafting compelling narratives across various digital platforms.
6. Interviewing Techniques: Strong interviewing skills to elicit valuable information and insights from sources.
7. Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with relevant software, tools, and technologies for journalism and media production.
8. SEO and Audience Engagement: Knowledge of search engine optimization and strategies to engage and grow an audience online.

Soft Skills

1. Effective Communication: Mastery of both written and verbal communication for clear, compelling, and accurate storytelling.
2. Adaptability: Ability to quickly adjust to new information, breaking news, and changes in the media landscape.
3. Analytical Thinking: Sharp skills in evaluating information, identifying biases, and making sound editorial decisions.
4. Creative Problem-Solving: Innovation in finding unique angles for stories and creating engaging content.
5. Time Management: Efficiency in managing multiple deadlines, rapidly producing content, and prioritizing stories.
6. Team Collaboration: Ability to work seamlessly with editors, producers, photographers, and other journalists.
7. Ethical Integrity: Commitment to maintaining high ethical standards, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and transparency in reporting.
8. Resilience and Tenacity: Capacity to handle pressure, deadlines, criticism, and the challenges of investigative work.
9. Attention to Detail: Diligence in fact-checking, editing, and ensuring the precision of information in all content.
10. Interpersonal Skills: Building trust and rapport with sources, colleagues, and the audience to gather information and tell authentic stories.

Industry Job Boards

• Journalism Jobs
• Society of Professional Journalists
• Online News Association
• Media Bistro
• Journalism Crossing
• Sports Journalists
• Society of Environmental Journalists
• Global Investigative Journalism Network
• The Association of LGBTQIA+ Journalists
• Public Media Jobs
• Investigative Reporters & Editors
• National Association of Black Journalists

Professional Associations and Conferences

• American Society of Journalists and Authors
• American Society of Newspaper Editors
• Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
• Investigative Reporters and Editors
• Online News Association
• Society of Professional Journalists
• National Association of Broadcasters
• National Association of Podcasters
• National Association of Black Journalists
• American Media Institute

Sample Job Titles with a Masters in Creative Writing

Here are some sample job titles and descriptions that might require a master’s degree in Journalism and Media Innovation:

1. Multimedia Journalist: Creates and produces content across various platforms, including video, audio, and digital formats. Utilizes data visualization and storytelling techniques to deliver news in engaging ways.
2. Digital Content Manager: Oversees the production and distribution of digital content for a media organization. Manages a team of writers, editors, and designers to ensure timely and accurate publication.
3. Investigative Reporter: Conducts in-depth research and analysis to uncover significant stories. Uses advanced data analytics and visualization tools to present findings in a compelling manner.
4. Communications Director: Develops and implements communication strategies for organizations. Manages media relations, creates press releases, and oversees internal and external communications.
5. Social Media Strategist: Creates and executes social media campaigns to promote news stories and engage audiences. Monitors social media trends and analytics to optimize content and audience reach.
6. Data Journalist: Specializes in analyzing and interpreting data to produce informative and visually appealing stories. Collaborates with other journalists and developers to create interactive news applications.
7. Documentary Producer: Develops, produces, and directs documentary films or series. Conducts thorough research, interviews subjects, and oversees all aspects of production from pre- to post-production.
8. Content Strategist: Plans and manages content strategies to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Analyzes audience data to optimize content for various digital platforms.
9. Media Entrepreneur: Launches and manages media startups or innovative media projects. Identifies market opportunities, develops business plans, and leads content creation efforts.
10. Public Relations Specialist: Manages the public image of clients or organizations. Writes press releases, coordinates media outreach, and develops strategic communication plans to enhance reputation.

These roles leverage the skills and knowledge gained in a master’s program in Journalism and Media Innovation, including multimedia storytelling, data analysis, digital content management, and strategic communication.

Blogs & Industry Professionals to Follow

• Broadcasting & Cable (print and online)
• Columbia Journalism Review (print and online)
• Editor & Publisher (includes job postings)
• Study journalists and writers you respect through their social media sites, blogs, YouTube channels, or weekly news columns (as examples)
• Read the news! When asking employers what they look for in students, they always state that students read the news daily (from multiple sources) and those who have done their research.