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Journalism (MJ)

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Program Overview

Format: Full-time

Degree Earned: Master of Journalism

Toronto Metropolitan University has developed a reputation as one of Canada’s leading institutions for professional journalism education over the last 60 years. The School of Journalism is known for its highly experienced and award-winning faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and close connections with all of Canada’s major journalistic institutions. Students in the two-year Master of Journalism program receive rigorous and intensive preparation for professional work in newspapers, broadcasting, magazines or digital journalism. They learn how to report stories to professional standards, while gaining a sophisticated understanding of journalism’s historic mission and its present-day possibilities, learning advanced research skills, embracing innovation, and focusing on the challenges of covering Canada’s largest, most diverse and most dynamic city. Toronto Metropolitan University’s location makes it the ideal place to lay the foundations for a career as a journalistic leader.

TMU journalism and production studio with multi-screen set up

At a Glance

MJ

  • Completion of a four-year undergraduate (or equivalent) degree from an accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA or equivalent of 3.00/4.33 (B) in the last two years of study
  • Statement of interest
  • Resumé/CV
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Portfolio (optional)
  • English language proficiency requirement

More information on admission requirements. Due to the competitive nature of our programs, it is not possible to offer admission to everyone who applies that meets the minimum entrance requirements for the program. 

Program-specific requirements

Students are encouraged to submit applications prior to the first consideration date to increase their chances of securing financial support for their graduate studies. Applications received after the first consideration date will be accepted and reviewed based on spaces remaining in the program.

See application dates.

For detailed graduate tuition and fees information please visit Fees by Program.

For information on scholarships, awards and financing your graduate studies visit Financing Your Studies.

Gain essential skills to tell stories for audiences across all platforms with a sophisticated understanding of journalism’s historic missions and present-day possibilities. For their major research project, students will complete a substantial piece of journalism, demonstrating advanced research skills and mastery of the chosen medium.

Journalism (MJ) graduate program calendar

The School of Journalism places and supervises senior students in professional internships at:

  • The Globe and Mail
  • Toronto Star
  • CBC (digital, television and radio)
  • CTV
  • Spacing
  • And more

During their final year, students will work at one of the school’s two major publications: On The Record (external link) , a digital, TV and newspaper platform or the Review of Journalism (external link) , an award-winning magazine and online publication.

Graduate Admissions

Admissions information and how to apply

Graduate Studies Admissions Office
11th Floor, 1 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON
Telephone: 416-979-5150
Email: gradhelp@torontomu.ca

For information specific to programs, please see the program contact information below.

Program Contacts

Dr. Marsha Barber
Graduate Program Director
BA, MA
Research areas: scholarship of teaching and learning, electoral coverage, media bias, gender issues, fake news
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 556295
Email: m2barber@torontomu.ca

Elaine Nie
Graduate Program Administrator
Email: mj@torontomu.ca

“Melding skill building with a new understanding of technological trends and ethical duties, the MJ program has changed the kind of writer I am.”

Michael Lyons, MJ alumnus
Asmaa Malik

Faculty and Student Profile: New narratives

Graduate program director Asmaa Malik and Journalism graduate students explored the stories of Indigenous city-dwellers for Canada 150.

Graduate Academic Calendar

Find curriculum, course descriptions and important dates for Journalism (MJ).

How to Apply

Once you’ve made an informed choice about which program(s) you are going to apply to, preparing your application requires careful research and planning.

Funding

At Toronto Metropolitan University, we understand that pursuing graduate studies is a significant financial investment. Funding comes from a combination of employment contracts (as a teaching assistant), scholarships, awards and stipends. There are a number of additional funding sources – internal and external – available to graduate students that can increase these funding levels.

Research

As an urban innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University offers 60+ cutting-edge, career-oriented graduate programs, as well as 125+ research centres, institutes and labs, in a wide range of disciplines. Our close connections with industry, government and community partners provide opportunities to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges and make a difference.