Columbia Journalism School is introducing a new specialized track within its M.S. program, giving students additional ways to shape their experience at the J-School.
The Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) track offers a flexible pathway that allows students to curate their coursework and build expertise across key areas of journalism, without a separate application.
While existing M.S. Sequences offer flexibility in exploring different areas of interest, Tracks provide a more structured path for students seeking sustained, in-depth work in a particular reporting area or storytelling form.
“The CJS curriculum offers an unparalleled blend of training that is deeply rooted in the pillars of great journalism and the skills needed to succeed in the ever-evolving world of reporting,” said Tarin Almanzar, Senior Associate Dean of Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment Management. “The curriculum’s Sequences and Tracks showcase the breadth, depth and adaptability of what CJS has to offer.”
Explore Available Tracks:
Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) Track
The Arts, Culture and Entertainment (ACE) track is designed for M.S. students with a strong interest in covering the arts, entertainment and cultural affairs. The track integrates this focus across core coursework, including the Written Word, Master’s Project and select seminar and production classes, allowing students to report on the ideas, industries and communities shaping contemporary culture. Applications for this track are included with the course preference ballot.
Visual Craft (VC) Track
The Visual Craft track is designed for full-time M.S. students pursuing professional skills in both photojournalism and documentary filmmaking, with an emphasis on still and video storytelling. Students build technical camera skills in the fall and move into more advanced, documentary-focused production work in the spring. Photography is integrated into the Reporting class, alongside specialized video training in the second half of the fall.
Together, the new ACE track, current VC track and existing Sequences give M.S. students more ways to shape their time at Columbia Journalism School, whether they are exploring a range of interests or pursuing a deeper focus in a specific area of reporting. These opportunities reflect the School’s commitment to preparing journalists to cover a wide range of topics with depth, rigor and creativity.
