Com-J: The “Teaching Newspaper”
Master’s Degree in Community Journalism

Our one-year master's program in community journalism gives students an opportunity to explore what journalism means for communities, and to hone the special skills journalists need to serve their communities effectively. The program blends rigorous academic training from faculty at UA's College of Communication and Information Sciences with hands-on community journalism experience at the award-winning Anniston Star, one of the few independently owned daily newspapers in the country.

Students take two semesters of coursework at the UA campus in Tuscaloosa and then immerse themselves in a three-month professional journalism experience at the Star. The program has an impressive record of job placements. More than 80 percent of graduates have landed work in journalism positions within six weeks of graduation.

The program is offered through a partnership created by The University of Alabama, The Anniston Star, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

A Career in Community Journalism

Most journalists work in community media, but most Americans think of journalism as national media, which they increasingly dislike. The profession needs more people who know and care about how communities work and why they sometimes fail. Skillful, authoritative news coverage and courageous, well-informed editorial leadership must be grounded in knowledge of local issues.  That is what Com-J will bring—a new way of developing journalism leadership through a master’s degree program both at a major university and also inside a “teaching newspaper.”  Com-J students will experience journalism as vital, ethical, digitally modern, passionate and creative, even in a world of daunting change.  This may be your best chance to make a difference in journalism, in community life, and in your own career.

Admission Requirements

Students must fulfill all UA Graduate School requirements for admission to the Master of Arts degree (nonthesis track). Visit graduate.ua.edu for information on requirements, application forms and other information.

Applicants should have

  • A 3.0 grade point average overall or 3.0 for the last 60 semester hours in an undergraduate degree program out of a 4.0-possible grade point average.
  • A minimum current (2003 or later) score on the Graduate Record Exam of 1000 (verbal and quantitative).
  • A minimum of 4.5 on the writing portion of the GRE.  

Program Requirements

The Knight Community Journalism Fellows master’s degree requires a minimum of 33 semester-hours of credit. It will be completed in 12 months, Aug. 16 through Aug. 15. Students must complete all work with at least a “B” average. A professional quality and conceptually rigorous project is required. A thesis is not required.

Students must complete the following required courses:

    JN (Journalism) 500 Orientation to Graduate Studies
    MC (Mass Communication) 550 Research Methods
    MC 551 Communication Theory
    JN 562 Issues in Community Journalism
    JN 563 History of Journalism and the First Amendment
    JN 590 Directed Studies. Intensive work during a three-week (40-hour week) Interim Term.
    JN 597 Master’s Project

Course offerings are subject to change but include topics such as Opinion Writing, Reporting in Depth, and Producing Community Journalism. Course offerings enable students to tailor the course load to their needs and interests.

Experience Requirements

No prior professional journalism experience is expected.  Equipment, workspace, and multimedia classrooms with Internet connections will be provided.  Computer skills are recommended.

Deadlines to apply

Six students will be admitted for 2009-2010. The application deadline is April 15. Late applications will be considered, if space remains. There are no spring or summer admissions.

Costs and benefits

Students accepted to the program will receive:

  • Half the cost of tuition and fees.
  • A monthly stipend.
  • Health insurance for one year.

Student Services

Like any other UA graduate students, Knight Community Journalism Fellows will have access to services such as admission and career counseling, course scheduling and tickets to sports and cultural events. The Web site MyBama connects all students with e-mail. The main campus of the University of Alabama is in Tuscaloosa.  When in Anniston, students will have digital access to the resources of UA libraries and the use of the library at nearby Jacksonville State University.

Contact Information

The University, The Star and The Knight Foundation welcome your interest in becoming a part of this program, one that holds much promise for American journalism.

For more information, contact Dr. Wilson Lowrey at wlowrey@bama.ua.edu or (205) 348-8608.
 
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