Journalism (MJ)
Part of the Faculty of Communication and Design
Format: Full-time
Degree Earned: Master of Journalism
Ryerson University has developed a reputation as one of Canada’s leading institutions for professional journalism education over the last 60 years. Ryerson’s 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. Ryerson’s location makes it the ideal place to lay the foundations for a career as a journalistic leader.
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.
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.
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: The Ryersonian, a digital, TV and newspaper platform or the Ryerson Review of Journalism, 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: grdadmit@ryerson.ca
For information specific to programs, please see the program contact information below.
Program Contacts
Dr. Joyce Smith
Graduate Program Director
PhD, University of Natal
Research areas: representation of religion in news media, quantitative and qualitative content analysis, reporting on Indigenous issues, online journalism, South African media, creative problem solving and design pedagogy.
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 6394
Email: j1smith@ryerson.ca
Tonisha McMeekin
Graduate Program Administrator
Telephone: 416-979-5000 ext. 552756
Email: mj@ryerson.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.”
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.
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 Ryerson, 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, Ryerson 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.