Graduate Programs

Editors should have a bachelor’s degree or higher in order to succeed. If you are interested in attending graduate school, programs in English, Communication, or Journalism are the most popular.

English

A graduate degree in English can improve your writing and critical thinking skills. It can keep you updated on the literary market, as well as expand your literary knowledge.

University of Pennsylvania

The Masters of Arts program usually takes one year to complete and involves:

Eight graduate courses, including an upper-level course.
One language exam.

Since it only takes one year to complete, students have to pay in full.

Graduate students can pursue a Master’s degree only, or a sequential Master’s degree if you plan on getting your Ph.D. as well. In addition to coursework, you have to complete the following to get your M.A.:

Write the 25-30 page MA essay and
demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language.

Communication

Studying communication can improve your critical thinking skills and help you find new ways to communicate and connect with society.

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest prides themselves on their small class sizes and the personal attention they give their students. The Master's of Communication program they offer requires 4 semesters, which is comprised of

Two research methods courses,
- one of which is in rhetorical theory and criticism and
- the second in quantitative methods.
Additional courses comprised of seminars.
Thesis Option:
- Development of a thesis by the end of the first year.
- Spring of second year devoted to finishing their thesis.
Non-thesis Option:
- Completion of written exams and oral defense.

University of Southern California

USC offers many MS and MA programs in Communication Studies, including

Communication Data Science (MS)
Communication Management (MCG)
Global Communication (MA) / Global Media (MSc)
Digital Social Media (MS)
Public Diplomacy (MPD)

Journalism

A graduate degree in Journalism can improve your writing, editing, research, and communication skills. It can also help you understand the effects of media and its relationship to business.

University of Missouri – Columbia

This school is home to the “Missouri Method” which advertises hands-on experience in media communications. Students who follow the two-year M.A. plan can choose from 20 course of study models or opt for an individually-structured model. In order to graduate, you must complete 37 credits.

Northwestern University

Northwestern offers a Master of Science that takes 1 year to complete. The curriculum varies based on your choice of seven specializations:

Health, Environment and Science
Magazine
Media Innovation and Content Strategy
Politics, Policy and Foreign Affairs
Social Justice and Investigative Reporting
Sports Media
Video and Broadcast