Click here to find out more about the ranking methodology that we used to compile this list.

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Deciding which college to attend can be a daunting task. For many, it will be the most important decision that they make in their lives. To make an informed decision, you have to consider a lot of variables, such as cost of attendance, financial aid, student/teacher ratio, academics, student life, and more. These factors will either positively or negatively impact the quality of education that you receive.

Do you want to acquire a master’s in journalism, but don’t know what institution you should attend? Well, if you are as ambitious as I was in my late teens, then you want to attend a top school, instead of an average or mediocre one. Fortunately, we have already done the legwork for you. To help you find the right school for your interests and goals, we’ve compiled a list of 2022’s best master’s in journalism programs.

What institution did we forget? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

1. University of Missouri – Columbia, Columbia, MO

In 2016, the University of Missouri was named a Best Midwestern College by Princeton Review. The institution’s School of Journalism has two degree programs for graduate learners. The school has a master of arts (MA) in journalism with more than 20 degree concentrations. Areas of study consist of advertising, strategic communication, news design, environmental reporting, photojournalism, investigative reporting, and magazine editing. The traditional master’s degree requires two years of study. However, a 5-year degree program is also available for learners who want to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a shorter period. Learners in the master’s degree program partake in traditional classes, media labs, and a capstone experience.

A doctor of philosophy (PhD) in journalism is also available for learners pursuing research or teaching positions in the field. The degree program can be finished in three years and requires learners to carry out extensive research in one area of journalism. PhD candidates can study political communication, persuasion, history of media, mass communication, and other models. Graduate learners in both degree programs learn journalism skills through work with local radio stations, a commercial television station, a daily newspaper, three magazines, and four school websites.

2. Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Northwestern University is one of the top-rated schools in the nation. The Medill School of Journalism has master’s degree programs for both learners and experienced journalism professionals. Learners in the traditional MA in journalism degree program learn reporting, editing, and presentation skills via classes and capstone projects in broadcast journalism, interactive publishing, magazine editing, and business reporting. The degree program is split into four quarters and can be finished in 12 months. It enables learners to write, edit, and organize news stories in an actual newsroom environment.

3. Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ

The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications has a master’s degree in sports journalism along with mass communications. The degree program teaches classic reporting skills, along with the use of modern technology and new media. Situated in downtown Phoenix, the school is surrounded by one of the nation’s largest media markets, giving its learners access to facilities and burgeoning stories. A mid-career master of mass communication degree program is also offered for working professionals; learners in this degree program have access to classes in fields such as business and natural sciences, allowing them to develop a specialty as they advance in their careers.

A PhD in journalism is also offered at Arizona State University. This degree program prioritizes theoretical and methodological approaches to journalism; it is best suited for learners aiming to focus on academic work centered on the field of journalism.