It is not, in fact, about how to be a journalist. A traditional master’s program is about scholarly research and statistics and mass communication theory. And they make pretty poor students too, because they HATE their classes. The traditional scholarly program: Most people who want to become a journalist totally HATE this kind of graduate degree program. Grad school programs in journalism and mass communication come in two flavors: the traditional scholarly program and the professional program. But if your undergrad is already in journalism, let me wise you up about grad school. That is, the kind of master’s program that is really a lot like the undergrad journalism programs.
If you did your undergrad in computer science, or basket weaving, or political science - then maybe you would benefit from two years in a professional journalism master’s program. But if you want to DO JOURNALISM as your career, your calling, your mission in life - then GO GET A JOB. If you want to be a lawyer, heck, sure, get out of here and go to law school. Unless you DON’T want to be a journalist. If your undergrad is journalism, this is utter madness. Inside the university, we see a student groupthink: “I must go to school for two more years after I get my bachelor’s degree, so I can get my master’s degree right away.” Maybe in whatever field they’re in, it’s what people do. I don’t know why your parents think that’s a good idea. I know your mom and dad are pressuring you to go to grad school immediately after undergrad. Here's my advice for journalism students who are really keen on becoming journalists.