University of Montana Catalog 2023-2024

Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism M.A.

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

Required Courses18
Professional Project or Portfolio6
Required Non-Journalism Courses12
Total Hours36

Required Courses, Electives, and Required Non-Journalism Courses

Complete all of the following courses:
JRNL 505Journalism and Society Seminar3
JRNL 567Press/Broadcast Law3
JRNL 570Reporting3
JRNL 575Story Lab3
JRNL 698Externship3
Journalism Elective - 500 or 600-level and/or 400-level course with a graduate component3
Complete one of the following:6
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 Hours36

Minimum Required Grade: C 

1

Portfolio students do not enroll in this

2

Portfolio students take an additional two electives