Master of Journalism program launch opens door to deeper investigations

News Release Release Date: September 18, 2014 9:45 a.m.

Journalism education in Canada took a major step forward today, with the announcement of a Master of Journalism (MJ) program at the University of Regina. It will be the first such program on the Prairies.

“The University of Regina is committed to serving the needs of students, employers and the public, providing new and more challenging program options,” said Dr. Thomas Chase, vice-president academic and provost. “The introduction of a Master’s program reaffirms the School of Journalism’s standing as one of Canada’s best-known and most successful journalism education programs.”

Jason Warick, a University of Regina School of Journalism graduate and long-time journalist for the StarPhoenix in Saskatoon, welcomed the announcement. “Journalists shine a light on the best and worst of our communities. The more tools we have to tell those stories, the better,” he said.

The program offers a one-year intensive professional degree, with an extra year of enhanced basic training and a newsroom internship for students who do not have prior journalism experience.

“One of the program highlights will be a major professional project, such as a documentary film or series of in depth articles,” explained Dr. Mitch Diamantopoulos, head of the School of Journalism. “Our teaching faculty are really excited about the opportunity to work with students at a more advanced and intensive level.”

In addition to the hands-on work that is the core of the University’s journalism education, MJ students will take upper level graduate courses and work together in graduate seminars. “About a third of our students already have degrees, and they’re eager to take on more challenging studies. This opportunity will provide them with deeper, specialized knowledge for in-depth reporting in their areas of interest,” said Diamantopoulos.

The new program includes a faculty-sharing agreement with the Indian Communications Arts (INCA) program at the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), strengthening the existing bridge between the two highly regarded journalism programs.

“Access to a diversity of journalism education options right here on the Prairies is a wonderful opportunity for students from all walks of life,” said CTV’s Creeson Agecoutay, who attended both INCA and the School of Journalism. “Students can choose the entry point that best fits their interests and education level, and can now go all the way to a Master’s degree if they want.” 

Today’s launch will be capped off with an evening celebration at the German Club, featuring a talk by Warick titled ‘Shining a light in dark corners – why good journalism matters.’  Members of the press and public are invited to join the event, which begins at 7:30 p.m.   

The School will begin accepting applications to the MJ program this January, with the first class entering its doors September, 2015.