M.S. Part-Time

A paced, part-time program designed for working professionals.

The program attracts working professionals who want to take their careers to the next level with new skills and career changers who want to learn the fundamentals of journalism and receive guidance as they transition into the industry.

Launched in 1991 by Dean Joan Konner, the M.S. Part-time Program has graduated nearly 900 professionals.

Students in this program follow the same curriculum as full‐time students, but complete their work over two years instead of 10 months.

A World-Class Program for All Working Professionals

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Application Details

Plan your next move: explore application deadlines and requirements.

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Join an Info Session

Whether you are in NYC or across the world, you can connect with our admissions team and learn more about our opportunities.

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Finance Your Education

Learn about scholarships, some guaranteed, and other aid opportunities.

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Benefits for CU Employees

Explore how full-time Columbia University employees can receive tuition benefits for this program. 

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How the Program Works

Part-time students start taking courses in the fall and begin working on their master's projects the following May. For the subsequent fall and spring, students select the courses they need to fulfill the remaining requirements.

Who Should Apply

Applicants who can attend class and spend at least six to eight additional hours per week reporting and writing are eligible for the part-time program. 


Although some classes are offered at night and on weekends, this is not a night program. Applicants must have enough flexibility in their jobs to chase stories wherever the reporting takes them and attend extracurricular events at the Journalism School.

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Reporting Across Platforms

Build core journalism skills — from interviewing and research to writing and editing — while learning to tell compelling stories across print, audio, video and digital.

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News Judgment and Ethics

Sharpen your editorial instincts and navigate complex ethical decisions with guidance from experienced faculty and working professionals.

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Deadline-Driven Storytelling

Strengthen your ability to chase, report and file stories on deadline while balancing professional and academic commitments.

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Communication and Collaboration

Develop strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively pitch ideas, collaborate with colleagues and present stories clearly to diverse audiences.

M.S. Part-Time Semester Breakdown

Visual of M.S. Part-Time program layout, showcasing the different curriculum options and their timeframes by semester.

CU Employees: discover the Part-Time advantage.

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Join an Info Session

Join us to explore your options in the Part-Time Program.

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Apply Today

Take the first step toward becoming a leader in journalism.

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Explore Our Other Programs

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M.S. Full-Time

Learn more about the M.S. and its specializations in Documentary and Investigative journalism.

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M.A. Degree

Journalists with experience can explore four specializations when pursuing a Master of Arts.

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Ph.D.

Earn your Ph.D. in Communications and become part of a preeminent academic conversation.

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M.S. Sequences

Discover curated sets of courses from climate and immigration reporting to podcasting, photography and sports.