Master of Arts (MA) in Journalism is a Post-Graduate program in Journalism which focuses on aspects of journalism in modern media. This course is open for students with a Bachelor degree in Journalism.

The duration of the course is 2 years and admission to the program is generally through an entrance test. The average tuition fee for two years ranges from 50,000 INR to 2 Lakh INR.

Since the course focuses on media and journalism, it opens up employment opportunities in various fields of media such as news channels, magazines, journals etc. MA Journalism graduates can find work as Reporters, Correspondents, Editors, and Writers etc. The average starting salary for MA Journalism ranges from 10,000 INR to 25,000 INR per month.  

What is the course about?

MA in Journalism is the next level course for BA Journalism students. MA Journalism provides in-depth knowledge about reporting techniques, journalistic traditions and ethics of journalism in India. This course prepares students for roles in media and journalism.

This course is available in Hindi and English at all top-level universities. Certain universities also offer MA Journalism in regional language. The sole purpose of the course is to produce trained journalists and professionals in the field on media.

What is the difference between MA Journalism and MA Mass Communication?

This is one question which often confuses students. There are universities which offer MA Journalism and others which offer MA in Mass Communication. Though both the courses focus on aspects of media the fundamental difference between the two is that while MA Journalism focuses on the art of reporting and journalistic techniques, MA in Mass Communication focuses on methods and technical aspects of mass communication.

MA in Journalism is apt for individuals who are more inclined towards reporting and journalism. MA in Mass Communication is for individuals who wish to learn the technicalities behind communication and various aspects of media.

Duration

The Duration for the program is 2 years. The two years are generally divided in 2 semesters each thus making it a four semester system. Students are also encouraged to take up internship with media houses between 2^nd and 3^rd semester for practical experience in Journalism.

Where to study?

There are many Universities which offer courses in Journalism and Mass Communication, but there are lesser universities which offer an MA program purely in Journalism. Some of these institutes which offer MA in Journalism are:

• Chitkara University, Patiala
• Delhi School of Communication, New Delhi
• Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
• Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
• School of Broadcasting and Communication, Mumbai

Academic Options after MA in Journalism

The most obvious option for MA Journalism graduates is to go for an M.Phil. In Journalism or Mass Communication. After M.Phil., they can move on to a PhD degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. Other than there are certain Post-Graduate diploma courses which can add value to the MA Journalism course such as PG Diploma in Radio Journalism or PG Diploma in Public Relations.