New Media Photojournalism
MASTER OF ARTS
Lead the next generation of photojournalists with innovative storytelling
The New Media Photojournalism program at the Corcoran School is the first of its kind, created to help visual journalists study and address their ever-changing field. Underscoring strong storytelling skills and fluency in multimedia platforms, the MA in New Media Photojournalism incorporates writing, photography, audio, video and web design in its curriculum to prepare students to work as freelancers, visual reporters, editors and producers. The program emphasizes the individual as a visual reporter and advocates experimentation with innovative methods of storytelling, documentation and editing. Students are encouraged to explore the latest digital practices in conjunction with the enduring fundamentals of visual reporting, editing and ethics.
Through intensive faculty mentoring alongside a broad and flexible program of study supplemented by internship opportunities, students choose and develop their professional paths. New Media Photojournalism students benefit from the program’s proximity to The Washington Post, National Public Radio, National Geographic and Discovery Communications, and countless other newspapers, magazines, trade journals and major media outlets.
The Corcoran New Media Photojournalism program provides students with the skills to lead a new generation of photojournalists as the field continues to change with advancing technology. Graduates are prepared to take on and excel in careers in a wide range of visual media including photography, picture and video editing, documentary production, and multimedia management. If you’re ready and interested in a fast-moving, dynamic industry, our program will help you get there.
INFORMATION SESSIONS AND EVENTS
Information Session dates for the 2021 application cycle will be posted in July. Check back for details!
WHAT YOU'll STUDY
The MA in New Media Photojournalism program is a 42-credit program that may be completed at a full-time pace in two years, or part-time in up to four years.
The first semester of the program is structured as a four-course immersion experience to establish a deep understanding of the journalism and photojournalism processes and best practices. You're encouraged to develop your visual reporting voice and to work on subjects about which you are passionate. During the Spring semester the curriculum opens up and you are able to select electives that enable you to explore areas of interest and expand on specific skills you seek. At the end of the first year, you'll begin the proposal process for a thesis project to be completed in the second year. During the second year the course load drops to three classes per semester as you work on your thesis.
ADMISSIONS
We accept students into the program each fall. The application deadline is February 1. All applicants must follow the graduate application process by the appropriate deadlines.
COSTS & FUNDING
The Student Accounts Office provides up to date cost information on our program. The program has a number of support packages that it offers to select students, and students are automatically considered as part of the application process. You may also find fellowships through the Office of Fellowships & Assistantships. The Office of Student Financial Assistance also has more information on aid opportunities.
Professor Steve Elfers is the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize in explanatory reporting for his work on the U.S. and Mexico border.
Our faculty are knowledgeable teachers who can provide expertise on the theory, background and practice of the photojournalism field. Just as important, they are experienced photojournalists themselves who provide real-world information to help students as they grow professionally and artistically.
WHERE YOU'LL GO
While pursuing the MA in New Media Photojournalism, you'll make career connections in a way that best fits you and your lifestyle. Many students opt for internships for credit, while others complete them without credit. Many students take on work as freelance image-makers or hold part-time media positions while in school.
We also place importance on having working professionals in the classroom as faculty, visiting artists, mentors, and collaborators and find opportunities for students to work on other Corcoran community engagement projects.
Recent Internships
- The Washington Post Online
- Discovery Communications
- The Baltimore Sun
- Good Fight Media
- Greenpeace
- Hand Print Studio
- National Geographic Books
- National Press Foundation
- Metro Collective
- The ARC
- USA Today
- National Public Radio - News Desk
- National Public Radio - Tiny Desk Concerts
- Population Services International
- Smithsonian Institute
Networks
Our program has ties to many professional organizations, through internships and fieldwork and through continuing relationships with alumni. This network of skilled media professionals is an invaluable resource for students and graduates seeking to deepen their knowledge and advance their careers.
Video by Maria Luz Bravo (MA in New Media Photojournalism '18)
WHAT WE CREATE
Courage in journalism: Corcoran alumna honored for her visual storytelling
Zoeann Murphy (CORC MA ’14) doesn’t shy away from intense situations. In fact, she heads right for them.
Over the last 16 years as a photographer and video journalist, she’s traveled across the U.S. and to more than 20 countries capturing images and stories that focus on humanitarian and environmental crises, and, often times, breaking news. Read more.
Contact Us
Flagg Building
500 17th Street, NW
[email protected]
202-994-0312
Program Administrator
Eliza Mott
[email protected]
Program Head
Dean Kessmann, Associate Professor of Photography
[email protected]
Graduate Faculty Advisor
Susan Sterner, Associate Professor of Photojournalism
[email protected]
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