Requirements for the M.A. in International Journalism include the following courses:
| Course requirements | Units |
| JOUR 540 | International Journalism Seminar I | 3 |
| JOUR 541 | International Journalism Seminar II | 3 |
| JOUR 542ab | Foreign Reporting | 3-3 |
| JOUR 543 | Field Study | 3 |
| Plus three area studies elective courses (must be approved by the Director, Center for International Journalism) |
In addition, those who have earned a B.A. in Journalism recently and working journalists with less than five years of experience will enroll in JOUR 560. Working journalists with more than five years experience will enroll in one journalism elective at the 500 level, in place of JOUR 560.
The Center for International Journalism academic advisor will guide students to select electives related to Latin America, the Third World and U.S. foreign policy and international relations. No more than eight units of 400-level course work may be applied to this degree.
Comprehensive Examination
Candidates must pass a written comprehensive examination. This is a two-day exam (four hours each day) designed to test the student's knowledge of mass communications and international journalism as well as journalistic skill.
Certificates in International Journalism
Candidates with more than four years of professional experience have the option of choosing between a master's degree and a certificate program. By opting for a certificate, they must enroll in 16 units for credit. In lieu of the comprehensive examination, a paper must be submitted that would reflect investigative journalistic skills. See below.
Foreign Language Requirement
Prior to the second semester, students in the International Journalism sequence must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish equivalent to two years of college course work. Language proficiency will be based on the standard examination given by the USC Testing Bureau.
Certificate in International Journalism
An alternative program is the Certificate in International Journalism. It follows a format similar to the degree program but affords greater flexibility.
Candidates for admission must have (a) a B.A. degree or its international equivalent and (b) a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. (A = 4.0) for all undergraduate work. The Graduate and International Admissions Office will recognize the "egresado pasante" as a suitable equivalent solely for the certificate program. Preference will be given to candidates with significant professional experience in journalism and fluency in both English and Spanish. International candidates must submit both TOEFL and PAEG scores and are expected to achieve minimum scores of 600 on both exams.
Certificate candidates must complete a minimum of 16 units of course work, including JOUR 540 (at USC), 541 (in Mexico) and 543 (in Mexico). Elective course work should focus on global topics of an historical or contemporary nature. Certificate candidates must also produce a lengthy paper demonstrating academic research capabilities and reportorial skills.
Academic Integrity Policy
Since its founding, the USC School of Journalism has maintained a commitment to the highest standards of ethical conduct and academic excellence. Any student found guilty of plagiarism, fabrication, cheating on examinations or purchasing papers or other assignments will immediately receive a failing grade in the course and will be dismissed from the School of Journalism. There are no exceptions to the school's policy.
Next Section
Produced by the USC Division of Student Affairs, Office of University Publications, May 1, 1995
univpub@stuaff.usc.edu