New Online Journalism Certification with Optional Master of Education Degree Now Available

Brian Brooks Journalism Studies Associate Dean

Columbia, Mo. (April 19, 2004) -- The Missouri School of Journalism and the College of Education have created a new partnership that offers students the option of journalism certification and/or a Master of Education degree.

The new program provides practicing secondary teachers with a convenient way to complete courses leading to journalism certification, or to obtain a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in English education and a focus in journalism while working toward certification.

"We've been hoping for a long time to help high school teachers earn journalism certification," said Brian S. Brooks, associate dean of undergraduate studies in the School of Journalism. "This program makes it possible for a teacher to earn a master's degree while completing certification requirements. And all of it will be offered online."

Students can elect to earn certification as a non-degree seeking graduate student or may take the courses as part of their education master's program. Individuals desiring journalism certification will take 30 hours of journalism-related courses such as newswriting, editing, communications law, mass communications theory, and a three-hour course in curriculum methods and techniques, for a total of 33 hours.

Courses for the journalism certification program are offered in the fall, winter and summer semesters. For more information, please contact MU Direct.