University of Southern California Reviews of Master's in Journalism

Things will always fall through the cracks anytime you try to do something on a mass scale. The same is true for USC Annenberg's Graduate Journalism programs. Basically, this program is just the BA Journalism curriculum but for students who didn't major in the subject in college. If you're a slab of clay who doesn't know what a newspaper is, USC will mold you. But the more experience you have in journalism entering this program, the more frustrated you will be. The tricky thing about a Journalism... Read More MA is figuring out if you really need it. You need a law degree to become a lawyer, but don't need a BA or an MA journalism degree to become a journalist. But then again, if you're writing for a small town paper and want to make the leap to the New York Times, or if you're at a small market TV station and want to get to NBC News, USC might have the internships and a couple of resources to get you there. There's no clear answer to "who" the MA is really for, and who it is for not. But do not think for a second that the staff or faculty USC will help you answer that question. They will accept anyone who applies and is willing to pay the tuition. If you're already skilled in say radio, you will not have the opportunity to test out of an intro radio class or seminar. The professors are honestly very insecure about that and will take it personally if you suggest you don't need their help. Many of them are in their 60s and 70s and have been in a position of power for so long that nobody can question their intelligence or authority. Often times instructors teach outdated materials to students since they've been out of the field for so long but there's nothing students can do about it. Then there's the opposite problem. Some of the younger professors covering topics like digital media or social video haven't spent enough time in the field mastering those subjects before becoming teachers, with it being very evident that they have no idea what they're talking about. And don't you dare think about dropping out, because you'll be missing out on USC's incredible professional network who will make all your dreams come true. "Then why are so many former students still unemployed or not practicing journalism after they graduate?" "Because they didn't love Annenberg enough." "But they got really good grades, and it looks like they were involved with student activities and built relationships with professors and professionals, and..." "NO THEY DIDN'T LOVE ANNENBERG ENOUGH THAT'S WHY THEY FAILED!!!!!" What's most ironic is that the school emphasizes the need to question instutions and authority, except of course for Annenberg, which students must always have blind faith in. If you have no prior professional or student experience in journalism, USC is a great fit. If you know what a byline is and have had one or two before, stick to Northwestern, Mizzou, Syracuse, or anywhere else. It is not worth it.

I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to attend USC's M.A. Journalism program. The major pros of attending the university include a great Trojan network and technological advancements with the programs new Wallis Annenberg Hall media room. The cons of attending the private school include recent tuition increases and living in unsafe neighborhoods. Overall, my experience at USC has been positive as my professors have given me the tools necessary to help prepare me for my dream job of one day... Read More becoming a news producer.