Master of Arts - Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism

Degree Specific Credits: 36

Required Cumulative GPA: 3.0

Notes

• A master’s degree in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism requires 36 credit hours: 18 in journalism and 12 in natural resource issues and/or environmental science. The school offers two options for the remaining six credits. Students can either use them to work on a documentary-style professional project or opt to take two more Journalism courses in order to create a portfolio of work in multiple mediums.
  • The professional project option allows students to embark on an ambitious investigation or create a comprehensive public information project. Students typically produce the project in their final year at the university after completing the rest of the coursework. This allows them to travel outside Montana and abroad for research for one semester. They return to Montana to defend their project in front of their chosen faculty committee.
  • The portfolio option allows students to take additional journalism electives and produce a three-part portfolio that explores a common environmental or natural resource theme. The portfolio must include work presented in at least two different mediums, ranging from writing to photography, video, audio, multimedia, maps and graphics. This track is designed for those wanting more experience with different journalistic media.
• Students are also required to successfully complete 12 credits of approved non-journalism courses relevant to the coverage of natural resource issues, or environmental science or environmental public health. Course registration is subject to availability, prerequisites and instructor’s consent.

Summary

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses		18
Professional Project or Portfolio		6
Required Non-Journalism Courses		12
Total Hours		36

Required Courses, Electives, and Required Non-Journalism Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Complete all of the following courses:
JRNL 505	Journalism and Society Seminar	3
JRNL 567	Press/Broadcast Law	3
JRNL 570	Reporting	3
JRNL 575	Story Lab	3
JRNL 698	Externship	3
Journalism Elective - 500 or 600-level and/or 400-level course with a graduate component		3
Complete one of the following:		6
JRNL 599	Professional Project 1
Two additional journalism electives - 500 or 600-level and/or 400-level courses with a graduate component 2
Complete 12 credits of approved non-journalism courses relevant to the coverage of natural resource issues, or environmental science or environmental public health.		12
Total Hours		36

Minimum Required Grade: C 

¹

Portfolio students do not enroll in this

²

Portfolio students take an additional two electives