GRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK
Master of Mass Communication
Master of Arts in Investigative Journalism
Master of Arts in Sports Journalism
2022-2023
Arizona State University
Walter Cronkite School of
Journalism and Mass Communication
555 N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602.496.5055
cronkitegr[email protected]
cronkite.asu.edu
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 4
CRONKITE MASTER’S STUDENT PLEDGE 5
ASU CHARTER 6
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 6
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 7
PROGRAM OVERVIEWS 8
PROGRAM GENERAL ADMISSIONS INFORMATION 9
ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM 10
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS 12
STUDENT APPEAL PROCEDURES 19
STUDENT WELLNESS 21
STUDENT SERVICES 23
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS 26
REPORTING CONCERNS OR COMPLAINTS 28
RECOMMENDED PLAN OF STUDY – MAIJ 29
MAIJ/GENERAL JOURNALISM COURSE OUTLINE 31
RECOMMENDED PLAN OF STUDY – MMC/JOURNALISM 35
MMC/GENERAL JOURNALISM COURSE OUTLINE 37
RECOMMENDED PLAN OF STUDY – MMC/STRAT COMM 41
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at
Arizona State University! You are now part of a global network of strategists, journalists,
storytellers and leaders, united in our commitment to truth, integrity and service to our
communities.
You have come to a remarkable place at a remarkable time. In a moment of great change and
challenge, we need deep research, courageous reporting, immersive storytelling, bold
innovation and strategic leadership more than ever. The Cronkite School will prepare you to be
the kind of leader the world needs.
This handbook lays the foundation for your success at the Cronkite School. It sets shared
expectations for ourselves as journalists and as a community of learners. It also outlines the
standards and policies set by the Cronkite School and ASU’s Graduate College.
Read it. Save it. Ask questions about it if policies seem unclear. It is your responsibility to make
sure you are following it in letter and in spirit.
I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals at the Cronkite School and
beyond.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Blatt
Senior Associate Dean
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CRONKITE MASTER’S STUDENT PLEDGE
I commit myself to meeting the highest standards of excellence, ethics and integrity, according
to:
● The Society for Professional Journalists Code of Ethics
● ASU’s Academic Integrity Policy and Honor Code
● ASU Graduate College Policies
● The Cronkite School Master’s Handbook
I affirm that:
1. I take pride in my work. I dedicate myself to developing as a journalist, communicator,
multimedia storyteller and industry leader.
2. I take pride in my professionalism. I show up on time, meet deadlines, communicate
clearly and honestly, and give maximum effort to my work.
3. I prioritize my health and safety, and I recognize that I will do my best work when I take
care of myself and those around me.
4. I respect the people and communities I serve; I value and seek out diverse perspectives.
5. I uphold the journalistic principles of truth, fairness, accuracy, independence,
accountability and transparency.
6. I recognize my classmates, teachers and mentors are critical to my success. I treat each
one with empathy, and I respect professional boundaries.
7. I appreciate that, as a student at the Cronkite School, I have the opportunity to drive
innovation and shape the future of media, communications and public discourse. I am
prepared to experiment, adapt and support my Cronkite colleagues in doing the same. I
bring a sense of curiosity and a spirit of collaboration to all that I do.
I understand that cultivating a healthy, supportive community means abiding by these
principles. I know that failing to uphold these responsibilities may result in my dismissal from
the Cronkite School and suspension or expulsion from ASU.
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ASU CHARTER
ASU is a comprehensive public research university, measured not by whom it excludes, but by
whom it includes and how they succeed; advancing research and discovery of public value; and
assuming fundamental responsibility for the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the
communities it serves.
(Adopted 2014)
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Arizona State University's four campuses are located in the Salt River Valley on ancestral
territories of Indigenous peoples, including the Akimel O’odham (Pima), Pee Posh (Maricopa)
and Tohono O’odham peoples. The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass
Communication recognizes, with respect and gratitude, the more than 20 Native Nations that
have inhabited this land for centuries, and whose care and keeping of these lands allows us to
be here today.
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication practices has a deep
commitment to embracing diversity of thought and acceptance of all people regardless of
race, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation or societal, political, cultural,
economic, spiritual or physical differences.
The school directs efforts to the following principles:
● Actively seek out and encourage diverse populations to become members of the faculty,
staff and the student body.
● Create and maintain a work, learning and social environment that is cognizant and
supportive of a diversity of human differences and beliefs.
● Incorporate within the formal content of the curriculum and in each course an
affirmation of the core journalistic values of accuracy, fairness, ethical behavior and
sensitivity when reflecting an increasingly multicultural world.
● Foster and support a climate in which events and activities of the school reflect diversity
of awareness, sensitivity to and support for people of different origins, orientations and
abilities.
● Build a culture that exemplifies professionalism, respect and empathy for all community
members.
● Empower students, faculty and staff to express their own experiences, ideas, questions,
aspirations and concerns.
● Serve as a leader and role model for higher education, the media industry and the
communities we serve -- affirming the values of justice, diversity, equity and inclusion,
and eradicating all forms of racism, discrimination and oppression.
Cronkite School faculty, staff, students and alumni all play critical roles in cultivating a
community that welcomes diverse experiences and perspectives, engages in thoughtful and
respectful dialogue, and works together toward shared goals of understanding, equity, fairness
and justice.
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PROGRAM OVERVIEWS
Master of Arts in Investigative Journalism (MAIJ)
The Master of Arts in Investigative Journalism is a 36-credit-hour degree program. This
includes 21 credits of required core journalism courses, 6 credits of interdisciplinary
research coursework and 9 credits of professional program experience in the Howard
Center for Investigative Journalism. Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 required
credits in the first semester. (See Recommended Plan of Study for courses.)
Master of Arts in Sports Journalism (MASJ)
The Master of Arts in Sports Journalism degree is a 36-credit-hour program. This includes
24 credits of required core courses, 3 credits of advanced skills electives and 9 credits of
professional program experience in a Cronkite Sports Bureau. Students must enroll in a
minimum of 12 required credits in the first semester. (See Recommended Plan of Study for
courses.)
Master of Mass Communication (MMC)
The Master of Mass Communication degree is a 36-credit-hour program. This includes 21
credits of required core courses, 6 credits of advanced skills electives and 9 credits of
professional program experience. Students must enroll in a minimum of 12 required
credits in the first semester. (See Recommended Plan of Study for courses.)
Master of Mass Communication (Mid-Career MMC)
Students with extensive professional journalism or media experience may be offered the
opportunity to pursue the 30-credit-hour mid-career degree option. This option includes a
program of study that is highly individualized with courses tailored to the student’s goals.
Students should consult with Senior Associate Dean Rebecca Blatt to develop an appropriate
program of study. Each student’s plan of study must include a minimum of 15 hours of
coursework offered by the Cronkite School. Students can choose to complete the program
with an MCO 570 professional program experience or MCO 593 applied project.
Students interested in completing an applied project must meet with the senior
associate dean no later than the end of their first year in the program.
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PROGRAM GENERAL ADMISSIONS INFORMATION
The Cronkite School accepts applications on a rolling basis beginning on Sept. 1. Applications
received before Dec. 1 are given priority for admission and funding. The final deadline for
application is June 1.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or graduate
degree from a regionally accredited institution.
They must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of
a student's first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00
cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
● Graduate admission application and application fee
● Official transcripts
● Three letters of recommendation
● Personal statement of interest (350 to 500 words in length)
● Resume
● Proof of English proficiency
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ETHICS, INTEGRITY AND PROFESSIONALISM
As journalists and communicators, our integrity is central to our credibility and our success.
Simply put, we won’t accomplish any of our goals if audiences don’t trust our work.
Therefore, the Cronkite School holds students to the highest standards of ethics and academic
integrity. Please read through these codes in their entirety and ask questions if anything is
unclear. Failing to uphold these ethical standards may result in disciplinary action up to and
including dismissal from the master’s program.
Academic Integrity
All students are expected to adhere to the Arizona State University Academic Integrity Policy,
found here: https://provost.asu.edu/academic-integrity/policy
The Cronkite School has a zero-tolerance policy toward academic dishonesty that is enforced
within every course and educational activity offered or sanctioned by the school. If any student
is found to have engaged in academic dishonesty in any form – including but not limited to
cheating, plagiarizing and fabricating – that student shall receive a grade of XE for the class and
may face dismissal from the Cronkite School master’s program as well as suspension or
expulsion from ASU. Please review these examples of how academic integrity principles are
applied in journalistic work.
Any allegation of academic dishonesty will be referred to the school’s Academic Integrity Officer
for investigation and a determination of sanctions. Students have the opportunity to appeal the
Academic Integrity Officer’s findings to the Cronkite School Academic Standards Committee.
International students who violate academic integrity policies may be dismissed immediately.
Being withdrawn from a degree program can have immediate consequences regarding visa
status, and dismissed students are required to leave the country immediately per immigration
and visa rules.
Professional Ethics
In addition to academic integrity commitments, students in Cronkite School programs must
abide by the highest levels of professional ethics. This includes following the core principles of
the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics:
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● Seek truth and report it
● Minimize harm
● Act independently
● Be accountable and transparent
ASU Student Code of Conduct
All students are expected to adhere to the Arizona Board of Regents Student Code of Conduct
and university policies and procedures:
https://eoss.asu.edu/dos/srr/codeofconduct
https://eoss.asu.edu/dos/srr/PoliciesAndProcedures.
Respect for the Learning Environment
Students must exhibit professionalism in all course-related activities, assessments and
communications. It is vital to the learning process that each student respects their instructor,
classmates, clients, partners, sources, technology, equipment, and course content. Students
who engage in damaging or abusive behavior — and those who consistently make disruptive,
rude or intimidating comments in person or online — will be referred to ASU’s Student Rights
and Responsibilities for investigation and possible consideration for dismissal from the program.
According to ASU policy, “Students, faculty, staff, and other individuals do not have an
unqualified right of access to university grounds, property, or services. Interfering with the
peaceful conduct of university-related business or activities or remaining on campus grounds
after a request to leave may be considered a crime.”
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PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
Professional Values and Competencies
As a member of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication,
the Cronkite School is committed to classroom learning that achieves ACEJMC professional
values and competencies. These include the core areas of freedom of speech, ethics, diversity,
critical thinking, research, writing and use of tools and technologies related to the field. By
completion of the degree, students should be able to:
● understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, for the
country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive
instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the
world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and
petition for redress of grievances;
● demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in
shaping communications;
● demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as
appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass
communications.
● demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the
significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.
● understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and
information;
● demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in
pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
● think critically, creatively and independently;
● conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the
communications professions in which they work;
● write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications
professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
● critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity,
appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
● apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
● apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which
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they work.
● contribute to knowledge appropriate to the communications professions in which they
work.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
All ASU graduate students are expected to make systematic progress toward completion of their
degrees. This progress includes satisfying the conditions listed below, achieving the benchmarks
and requirements set by the individual degree programs as well as ASU’s Graduate College. If a
student fails to satisfy the requirements of the degree program and/or the benchmarks outlined
below, the student may be dismissed from their program based on the academic unit’s
recommendation to Graduate College, at which time the Dean of the Graduate College makes
the final determination.
In order to make satisfactory academic progress, students must:
1. Maintain a minimum 3.00 for all GPA calculations:
a. The iPOS GPA is calculated on all courses that appear on the student’s approved
iPOS (with the exception of LAW and Transfer credits).
b. Cumulative ASU GPA represents all courses completed at ASU.
c. The Overall Graduate GPA is based on all courses numbered 500 or higher that
appear on the transcript after admission to a graduate program or graduate
non-degree. This includes shared coursework if in an approved accelerated
bachelor’s/master’s program. Courses with grades of “D” (1.00) and “E” (0.00)
cannot appear on the iPOS but will be included when calculating the Graduate
GPA. Courses with an “I” grade (Incomplete) cannot appear on the iPOS.
2. Earn at least a C in all sections of MCO 502
3. Earn at least a B (3.00) in 9-credits of a capstone/professional program (MCO 570).
4. Remain continuously enrolled in the degree program and register for at least one
graduate credit per fall and spring semester, or receive Graduate College approval
through a Graduate College approved request to Maintain Continuous Enrollment.
5. Satisfy all requirements of the graduate degree program.
6. Complete the graduate degree program within six years of starting it.
If a student earns less than a C in any section of MCO 502 Journalism Skills (Boot Camp), the
Cronkite School will recommend to ASU’s Graduate College that the student be removed from
the program immediately.
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These as well as all other Graduate College policies can be found in the ASU
Graduate Policies and Procedures.
Continuous Enrollment
Graduate students planning to discontinue registration for a fall or spring semester must submit
a leave of absence (LOA) request via their iPOS. This must be submitted and approved before
the anticipated semester of non-registration. Students may request to maintain continuous
enrollment without course registration for a maximum of two semesters during their entire
program.
Students should contact their adviser as soon as possible if they will not be able to meet
continuous enrollment.
Attendance and Deadlines
Cronkite School courses are designed to be immersive, hands-on experiences, so attendance
of class sessions is vital to the learning process. Cronkite master’s students are expected to
attend all class sessions, arriving on time, staying for the full class period and engaging fully
without distraction. Students who need to be absent from class due to a religious observance,
military service or ASU-sanctioned travel must notify their instructor at the beginning of the
semester.
Your success in journalism and communications will require you to consistently meet
deadlines and scheduled meetings. To this end, the Cronkite School has a strict deadline
policy. No work will be accepted past the set deadline. Work even one minute late will receive
a zero. Please allow enough time to account for potential technical problems when
submitting work.
Disability Accommodations
The Cronkite School works closely with ASU’s Student Accessibility and Inclusion Learning
Services (SAILS) to support students with a range of health conditions. Students with
documented disabilities may request accommodations such as, but not limited to, alternative
testing, alternative formatted materials, captioning and/or assistive technology.
Accommodations are determined on a case by case, course by course basis through the use of
an interactive process between the student, Student Accessibility staff, course instructors and
other university partners as needed to make an accommodation determination.
Students requesting accommodations in a course must work with SAILS to provide
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documentation of the disability and request specific accommodations in advance of the start of
the course or as soon as possible for conditions diagnosed during the course term.
Accommodations cannot be granted retroactively.
To complete this process, students start by completing a registration form and completing the
intake process. Once a student is determined eligible for accommodations, they can access and
request services at the online portal for students. Once a student has been made eligible for
accommodations, they are responsible for requesting their accommodations for each course,
each semester.
Sexual Violence or Harassment
Title IX is a federal law that provides that no person be excluded on the basis of sex from
participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education
program or activity. Both Title IX and university policy make clear that sexual violence and
harassment based on sex is prohibited. An individual who believes they have been subjected to
sexual violence or harassed on the basis of sex can seek support, including counseling and
academic support, from the university. If you or someone you know has been harassed on the
basis of sex or sexually assaulted, you can find information and resources at
https://sexualviolenceprevention.asu.edu/faqs. As mandated reporters, instructors are
obligated to report any information instructors become aware of regarding alleged acts of
sexual discrimination, including sexual violence and dating violence. ASU Counseling Services,
https://eoss.asu.edu/counseling is available if you wish to discuss any concerns confidentially
and privately. ASU online students may access 360 Life Services,
https://goto.asuonline.asu.edu/success/online-resources.html.
Plan of Study
The plan of study (iPOS) functions as a contract between the student, the academic unit and
ASU’s Graduate College.
Cronkite School students must submit an iPOS before enrolling for their third semester.
Graduate College will place an enrollment hold on a student’s account if the iPOS has not been
submitted.
Only coursework applicable toward a student’s degree must be listed on the iPOS. Detailed
instructions on how to file the iPOS will be sent to students in their second semester in the
program. Please contact Cronkite graduate adviser with questions about the iPOS.
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Academic Probation
ASU’s Graduate College will conduct a GPA audit at the end of each semester. Any graduate
student with a cumulative GPA below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation. Students will
be notified via email and granted one semester to be reinstated to good standing. If students
fail to raise their GPAs above the 3.00 threshold in one semester, the Cronkite School will
recommend dismissal to the Graduate College.
Cronkite Courses
The Cronkite School offers courses under the “JMC” and “MCO” subject codes. Master’s
students who are interested in taking courses not listed on their curriculum sheet (such as JMC
courses or undergraduate MCO courses) must contact the graduate adviser for permission to
enroll in these courses. The graduate adviser will forward the request to the senior associate
dean for approval.
Cronkite School course and professional program offerings are subject to change based on
enrollment and school needs.
Incomplete Grades
Students who receive an “Incomplete” grade in a graduate-level course (500-level or above)
must complete the necessary work on a timetable made in agreement with the instructor using
this form: https://chs.asu.edu/sites/default/files/incompletegraderequest.pdf
Students may request no more than one calendar year and must agree to the grade received if
the work is not completed by the deadline. If the incomplete is not removed within one
calendar year, the grade will be changed to previously agreed upon default grade.
Students with more than one “Incomplete” at any time will be considered “failing to make
adequate progress,” and will be notified and placed on probation. If the student does not
complete the work to remove the incomplete and earn a letter grade by the end of the calendar
year, a recommendation may be made to ASU’s Graduate College to remove the student from
the program.
With 400-level courses taken for graduate credit, students are required to complete the
necessary work to remove an “Incomplete” grade within one calendar year. If the “Incomplete”
grade is not removed within one calendar year, the “I” will become an “E.” An “E” cannot be
used to meet the requirements for a graduate degree, but it is used to calculate the student’s
GPA. Students may retake the class to earn a higher grade, however both the “E” and the new
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grade will be used in calculating the student’s GPA. If this results in the GPA falling below 3.0,
the Cronkite School will recommend dismissal from the master’s program to ASU’s Graduate
College.
Graduation and Degree Conferral
Students must apply for graduation at the beginning of the term in which they plan to
graduate. You can apply for graduation through MyASU in My Programs, under the
graduation tab.
Students who choose not to attend the graduation or commencement ceremonies must still
apply for graduation to earn their degree.
Students who do not complete all requirements in the semester they intend to graduate will
need to petition to have their graduation application moved to the following semester when
they plan to complete all requirements. That request can be made through the Graduation
Office at gradua[email protected].
Students must have their iPOS approved before they can apply for graduation. The application
to graduate should be submitted online before the application deadline to avoid late fees. For
more information, please visit https://students.asu.edu/graduation-apply.
Transfer Credit
Students who are in a 36 credit-hour master’s program are not permitted to transfer
coursework from another institution or from another ASU program.
Students admitted to the 30-credit-hour mid-career MMC program may transfer up to 6
credit hours of coursework taken before beginning the program (referred to as pre-admission
credits). Pre-admission credit hours must be approved by the degree program and ASU’s
Graduate College. Students are responsible for alerting their graduate adviser that they plan
on transferring in credits.
To qualify for pre-admission credits, the courses must meet specific criteria:
• Be graduate level
• Have been taken within three years of admission to the ASU degree program
• A grade of “B” or better must have been earned
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• Must not have been used toward a previous degree
• Have been completed at a regionally accredited US institution or international
institution officially recognized by that country
Certain types of graduate credits cannot be transferred to ASU, such as courses taken at a non-
collegiate institution, institutions that lack regional accreditation, continuing education
programs, workshops, etc.
Students must officially transfer pre-admission credit hours through the iPOS system for
approval by the academic unit and Graduate College. Official transcripts from where the
preadmission credits were earned must be sent to Graduate Admissions.
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STUDENT APPEAL PROCEDURES
Grade Appeals
Students with questions or concerns about specific grades should reach out first to the
instructor of record in the course. If the student does not reach satisfactory resolution with
the instructor, he or she may appeal to the Cronkite School Standards Committee by
completing the ASU Academic Affairs Report Form:
https://asuacademicaffairs-advocate.symplicity.com/public_report/index.php/pid832808
The Cronkite School Standards Committee does not review the quality of particular student
assignments. Instead, the committee focuses on fair and appropriate application of university,
school and course policy. Students submitting grade appeals should provide documentation of
a situation they believe involves unfair or inappropriate application of policy, such as those
included in the course syllabus.
After investigation, the Standards Committee will make a recommendation to the dean of the
Cronkite School. The dean makes all final determinations on grade appeals at the Cronkite
School.
Academic Integrity Appeals
All Cronkite School instructors are required to forward any potential violation of the school’s
Academic Integrity Policy to the school’s Academic Integrity Officer. The AIO will conduct an
investigation and notify the student of a determination of responsibility and, if necessary,
sanction(s).
Students have 10 business days from the time of notification to appeal the sanction to the
Cronkite School Standards Committee. The Standards Committee reviews evidence provided by
the Academic Integrity Officer and invites the student accused of a violation to submit a written
statement outlining any relevant information or evidence. The student then has the opportunity
to meet with the Standards Committee in person or by phone to discuss the case.
After completing its investigation, the Standards Committee writes a report of findings and a
recommendation to be presented to the dean of the Cronkite School for review. Any
recommendation of suspension or dismissal will be forwarded to ASU’s Graduate College for
additional review.
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Dismissal Appeals
Students dismissed from the master’s program for failing to make “satisfactory academic
progress” or violating a code of ethics or conduct will be notified in writing and have 10
business days to appeal the determination to the Cronkite School Master’s Committee. The
Master’s Committee will review documentation provided by the student as well as the basis for
dismissal. The student will have the opportunity to meet with the committee members and
explain the basis of their appeal. The Master’s Committee will share its determinations with the
Cronkite School Dean, who will forward a recommendation to ASU’s Graduate College. The
Dean of ASU’s Graduate College makes final decisions regarding dismissal from the program.
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STUDENT WELLNESS
Student health and safety are always top priorities at ASU and the Cronkite School. This section
of the handbook provides resources to support student wellness in a variety of areas. However,
this is by no means an exhaustive list. Rebecca Blatt, Cronkite School senior associate dean, and
Kathren Sammis, Cronkite School graduate adviser, work to ensure a supportive, inclusive and
healthy learning environment. Please contact them with questions or concerns, and feel free to
reach out to any of the resources listed below.
For life threatening emergencies
Call 911
Health and Fitness
For information on ASU Health Services, including information about health insurance,
COVID-19 testing and appointments with care providers, please visit:
https://eoss.asu.edu/health.
For physical and emotional wellness resources across ASU, please visit these guides:
● ASU’s Graduate Student Wellness Resources
● ASU’s 10 Best Practices for Graduate Student Wellbeing
● Educational Outreach and Student Services Resources Hub
All ASU students enrolled in on-campus programs have access to Sun Devil Fitness facilities
on all campuses, including the gym on the Downtown Phoenix campus. Information about
facilities, membership and group fitness classes, can be found here: https://fitness.asu.edu.
Information about intramural sports can be found here:
https://fitness.asu.edu/programs/intramurals
ASU Counseling Services
ASU Counseling Services provides confidential, time-limited counseling and crisis services for
students experiencing emotional concerns or other factors that affect their ability to achieve
their goals. Support is available 24/7, with options available for phone, text and telehealth
sessions. Please find contact information here: https://eoss.asu.edu/counseling
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STUDENT SERVICES
The charter of Arizona State University declares that the university is “measured not by
whom it excludes, but rather by whom it includes and how they succeed.” The university
and the Cronkite School are committed to providing every resource possible for students to
succeed academically, personally and professionally.
Rebecca Blatt, Cronkite School senior associate dean, and Kathren Sammis, Cronkite School
graduate adviser, work to ensure a supportive, inclusive, healthy learning environment.
Please contact them with questions or concerns, and feel free to reach out to any of the
resources listed below.
Cronkite School Advising
Cronkite School master’s students work with Kathren Sammis, academic adviser, to assist with
course selection, registration and graduation application. Kathren can be reached at
ka[email protected]. You can always find contact information for Cronkite advising on
your MyASU portal.
Cronkite School Career Services
Cronkite School Career Services hosts dozens of recruiters and several job fairs throughout
the year. Please visit this page to familiarize yourself with their services.
Aric Johnson will be your primary point of contact for job and internship counseling. He will
provide opportunities for developing resumes, LinkedIn profiles, portfolios and networking
opportunities. Please reach out to him directly to schedule meetings to discuss individual
career questions and job opportunities.
Please note, students receiving internship offers through a Cronkite School Career Services
event must register for Cronkite internship credit and pay the applicable tuition to participate
in the internship.
Support for Students with Disabilities
Students with health conditions that may impact their coursework should reach out to ASU’s
Student Accessibility and Inclusion Learning Services (SAILS).
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Student Accessibility and Inclusive Learning Services determines and facilitates
accommodations for students with disabilities attending Arizona State University and those
individuals who may be engaging in other ASU sponsored academic programs.
Title IX
Title IX is a federal law that provides that no person be excluded on the basis of sex from
participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education
program or activity. Both Title IX and university policy make clear that sexual violence and
harassment based on sex is prohibited. An individual who believes they have been subjected
to sexual violence or harassed on the basis of sex can seek support, including counseling and
academic support, from the university. If you or someone you know has been harassed on the
basis of sex or sexually assaulted, you can find information and resources at
http://sexualviolenceprevention.asu.edu/faqs/students and information about how to report
such cases here https://www.asu.edu/reportit/.
Financial Services
The Cronkite School offers a limited number of merit-based assistantships and fellowships
for graduate students. All applicants for MMC, MAIJ and MASJ programs are considered for
assistantships. Students will also receive instructions at the end of the fall semester to apply
for additional funding for their third semester.
ASU also provides personal finance training and resources for graduate students. Please use
this guide to identify additional resources.
For all other financial questions, please contact ASU Financial Aid and Scholarship Services:
https://students.asu.edu/financialaid.
Pat Tillman Veterans Center
The Pat Tillman Veterans Center provides guidance and support for students who are veterans,
active-duty military or military dependents. The Downtown Phoenix Tillman Veterans Center is
located in the University Center Building Room 130. For more information, please call the
office at 602 496-0152 or visit: https://veterans.asu.edu/.
International Students
ASU’s International Student and Scholars Center can provide support and answers to questions
about visas, employment, scholarships and travel. To find more information or schedule an
appointment with an ISSC adviser, visit the website: https://issc.asu.edu/.
24 | Page
Transportation and Parking
Students may purchase parking and public transit permits through ASU Business and
Finance. The Downtown Phoenix Campus Parking and Transit office is open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday in the University Center Building, Suite 116. To learn more, visit:
https://cfo.asu.edu/pts-parking-downtown.
25 | Page
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
While coursework and professional experiences are central to graduate programs, it is also
critically important for students to find ways to connect with peers or other social support
systems. There are many opportunities for students to join or start their own affinity groups or
media organizations. Contact information for all Cronkite student organizations and ASU student
media can be found here: https://cronkite.asu.edu/student-life/student-clubs-organizations/.
This year all student organizations and media organizations will also be represented in the First
Amendment Forum on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 4-6 p.m.
Cronkite student organizations
Cronkite students lead more than a dozen clubs, including (but not limited to) chapters of:
● Asian American Journalists Association
● Association for Women in Sports Media
● The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists
● National Association of Black Journalists
● National Association of Hispanic Journalists
● Native American Journalists Association
● Public Relations Student Society of America
● Society of Professional Journalists
● National Press Photographers Association
Two student clubs serve to amplify Cronkite student representation and leadership:
● Multicultural Student Journalists Coalition
● Walter Cronkite College Council
Student media
ASU student media organizations include:
● Blaze Radio
● The Cut Network
● Downtown Devil
● Inferno Intel
● The State Press
● Walter Cronkite Sports Network
26 | Page
ASU student groups
Students lead more than 1,000 clubs and organizations outside of the Cronkite School and
media opportunities. You can find a searchable database of clubs here:
https://asu.campuslabs.com/engage/organizations
These student groups offer opportunities to connect with peers around culture, faith and
identity; international student experiences; community service; entrepreneurship and
intramural sports, and among many others.
ASU’s Graduate and Professional Student Association offers opportunities to represent the
Cronkite School at the university level, as well as some supplemental grants for research and
travel.
https://eoss.asu.edu/gpsa
A list of additional ASU resources for graduate students can be found here:
https://admission.asu.edu/graduate/student-resources
27 | Page
REPORTING CONCERNS OR COMPLAINTS
ASU and the Cronkite School are committed to providing an environment that is free of
discrimination, harassment and retaliation for students, faculty and staff, and we all play
critical roles in cultivating a culture of safety, respect, inclusion and integrity. Those wanting
to report concerns about discrimination, harassment, retaliation or violations of law or codes
of conduct should reach out to the following resources.
ASU Police Department: Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies or 480.965.3456 for
non-emergency matters.
Cronkite School leadership: Senior Associate Dean Rebecca Blatt oversees Cronkite School
master’s programs and can serve as a resource for any student concerns. You can reach her at
rebecc[email protected] or 602.496.3244.
Office of University Rights and Responsibilities: OURR investigates complaints of discrimination
or harassment against university faculty and staff. https://urr.asu.edu/
Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities: This office reviews and handles complaints
regarding conduct of individual students and student groups.
https://eoss.asu.edu/dos/srr/filingreport
Title IX Coordinator: If you are unsure what to do in a situation where sexual misconduct may
have occurred you can contact the Title IX coordinator. https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/
ASU Hotline: If you have a pressing ethical or compliance concern or a highly sensitive matter
that is best kept confidential and have exhausted other options for reporting your concerns, you
may report your concern anonymously through the ASU Hotline: 877.786.3385
https://inclusion.asu.edu/resources/reporting-options
Cronkite School Academic Integrity Officer: Students who observe violations of the ASU
Academic Integrity Policy should report these instances to the course faculty member or via the
online intake form available here: https://cronkite.asu.edu/about/academicinteg/
28 | Page
RECOMMENDED PLAN OF STUDY – MAIJ
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA
Semester 1/Fall
Required Courses
MCO 502
Journalism Skills (Boot Camp)
8 credits
MCO 530
History, Philosophy and Ethics of Journalism
3 credits
MCO 544
Accountability in Journalism
1 credit
Optional Course
MCO 535, MCO 519, MCO 550, MCO 504 (1 credit) or MCO 561
3 credits
Semester 2/Spring
Required Courses
MCO 510
Data Journalism
3 credits
MCO 545
Techniques in Investigative Reporting
3 credits
MCO 591
Interdisciplinary Research
6 credits
Elective Course (choose up to one)
See course outline
3 credits
29 | Page
Semester 3/Summer or Fall (Note: Summer semester is May to August)
Required Courses
MCO 570 (Prof.
Program)
Howard Center for Investigative Journalism
9 credits
MCO 503
Media Law
3 credits
Nine credits of MCO 570 is equivalent to 4, full-time days (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
in the fall or spring semester or 5, full-time days in the summer semester.
Total: 36 credits minimum
30 | Page
MAIJ/GENERAL JOURNALISM COURSE OUTLINE
Required Courses – 36 credits
Course
Course Title
Credits
MCO
502
Journalism Skills (Boot Camp)
8
MCO
503
Media Law
3
MCO
510
Data Journalism
3
MCO
530
History, Philosophy and Ethics of Journalism
3
MCO
544
Accountability in Journalism
1
MCO
545
Techniques in Investigative Reporting
3
MCO
591
Interdisciplinary Class I
3
MCO
591
Interdisciplinary Class II
3
MCO
570
Howard Center for Investigative Journalism
9
31 | Page
Advanced Skills Courses (may be taken in addition to required courses)
Course
Course Title
Credits
MCO
505
Depth Reporting - Prerequisite: MCO 535 (for section taught by Rick
Rodriguez)
3
MCO
515
Advanced Online Media
3
MCO
521
News Producing
3
MCO
531
Advanced Broadcast Reporting
3
MCO
534
Advanced Spanish-language Reporting
3
MCO
546
News21 Seminar - Required for News21 Summer Fellowship, offered
spring only
3
MCO
548
Non-Narrative Video Storytelling
3
MCO
553
Reporting on Business & Economy - offered spring only
3
MCO
557
Advanced Radio Reporting - offered fall only
3
MCO
598
Topic: Magazine Writing
3
MCO
598
Topic: Sustainability Short-Form Documentary
3
32 | Page
MCO
598
Topic: Game Day Production
3
MCO
598
Multimedia Reporting (azcentral.com) - offered summer only
3
MCO
598
Digital Graphic Design
3
MCO
598
Topic: Advanced Podcast Production - offered spring only
3
Electives (may be taken in addition to required courses)
Course
Course Title
Credit
MCO
519
Strategic Communications Leadership and Ethics
3
MCO
504
Journalism Skills Lab
1
MCO
535
Latino & Transnational Issues
3
MCO
544
Accountability in Journalism
1
MCO
550
Issues in Coverage of Business & Finance
3
MCO
560
Arizona Media Law - offered spring only
3
MCO
598
Topic: Humphrey Seminar
3
33 | Page
MCO
598
Topic: After Cronkite
1
Class offerings and numbers are subject to change, please consult the ASU Class Search online
to view the most up-to-date course offerings.
34 | Page
RECOMMENDED PLAN OF STUDY – MMC/JOURNALISM
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA
Semester 1/Fall
Required Courses
MCO 502
Journalism Skills
8 credits
MCO 530
History, Philosophy and Ethics of Journalism
3 credits
MCO 504
Cronkite Master’s Seminar
1 credit
Optional Course (choose one)
MCO 535, MCO 519, MCO 550 or MCO 561
3 credits
Semester 2/Spring
Required Courses
MCO 510
Data Journalism (Session C)
3 credits
MCO 525
21st Century Media Organization &
Entrepreneurship
3 credits
Advanced Skills
Course
See course outline
3 credits
Advanced Skills
Course
See course outline
3 credits
Elective Course (choose up to one)
See course outline
3 credits
35 | Page
Semester 3/Summer or Fall (Note: Summer semester is May to August)
Required Courses
MCO 570 (Prof.
Program)
Capstone Course
9 credits
MCO 503
Media Law
3 credits
Nine credits of MCO 570 is equivalent to four full-time days (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) in the
fall or spring semester or five full-time days in the summer semester. If completing
multiple bureaus, a minimum of two full-time days in each is required.
Total: 36 credits minimum
36 | Page
MMC/GENERAL JOURNALISM COURSE OUTLINE
Required Courses – 21 credits required
Course
Course Title
Credits
MCO
502
Journalism Skills (Boot Camp)
8
MCO
503
Media Law
3
MCO
504
Journalism Skills Lab
1
MCO
510
Data Journalism
3
MCO
525
21
st
Century Media Organization & Entrepreneurship
3
MCO
530
History, Philosophy and Ethics of Journalism
3
Advanced Skills Courses - 6 credits required
Course
Course Title
Credits
MCO
505
Depth Reporting - Prerequisite: MCO 535 (for section taught by Rick
Rodriguez)
3
MCO
515
Advanced Online Media
3
MCO
521
News Producing
3
37 | Page
MCO
531
Advanced Broadcast Reporting
3
MCO
534
Advanced Spanish-language Reporting
3
MCO
546
News21 Seminar - Required for News21 Summer Fellowship, offered
spring only
3
MCO
548
Non-Narrative Video Storytelling
3
MCO
553
Reporting on Business & Economy - offered spring only
3
MCO
557
Advanced Radio Reporting - offered fall only
3
MCO
598
Topic: Magazine Writing
3
MCO
598
Topic: Sustainability Short-Form Documentary
3
MCO
598
Topic: Game Day Production
3
MCO
598
Multimedia Reporting (azcentral.com) - offered summer only
3
MCO
598
Digital Graphic Design
3
MCO
598
Topic: Advanced Podcast Production - offered spring only
3
38 | Page
Electives (may be taken in addition to required courses)
Course
Course Title
Credit
MCO
519
Strategic Communications Leadership and Ethics
3
MCO
535
Latino & Transnational Issues
3
MCO
544
Accountability in Journalism
1
MCO
550
Issues in Coverage of Business & Finance
3
MCO
560
Arizona Media Law - offered spring only
3
MCO
598
Topic: Humphrey Seminar
3
MCO
598
Topic: After Cronkite
1
Capstone/Professional programs – 9 credits required
Course
Course Title
Credit
MCO
570
News21 - summer only
4-9
MCO
570
Television Production & Graphics Lab
4-9
39 | Page
MCO
570
Howard Center for Investigative Journalism
4-9
MC0
570
Cronkite News – Phoenix Bureau, Los Angeles or Washington, D.C.
Bureau
4-9
MCO
570
Television News Magazine (Catalyst)
4-9
MCO
570
New Media Innovation & Entrepreneurship Lab
4
Class offerings and numbers are subject to change, please consult the ASU Class Search online
to view the most up-to-date course offerings.
40 | Page
RECOMMENDED PLAN OF STUDY – MMC/STRAT COMM
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Semester 1/Fall
Required Courses
MCO 502
Journalism Skills
8 credits
MCO 504
Cronkite Master’s Seminar
1 credit
MCO 519
OR
MCO 530
Strategic Communications Leadership and
Ethics
OR
History, Philosophy and Ethics of Journalism
3 credits
Optional Course (choose one)
MCO 535, MCO 550 or MCO 561
3 credits
Semester 2/Spring
Required Courses
MCO 536
Public Relations Research
3 credits
MCO 598
Topic: Writing for Public Relations
3 credits
Advanced Skills
Course
See course outline
3 credits
Advanced Skills
Course
See course outline
3 credits
Elective Course (choose up to one)
41 | Page
See course outline
3 credits
Semester 3/Summer or Fall (Note: Summer semester is May to August)
Required Courses
MCO 570 (Prof.
Program)
Public Relations Lab and/or Digital Audiences
Lab
9 credits
MCO 503
Media Law
3 credits
Nine credits of MCO 570 is equivalent to four full-time days (8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.) in the fall or spring semester or five full-time days in the summer semester. If
completing multiple bureaus, a minimum of two full-time days in each is required.
Total: 36 credits minimum
42 | Page
MMC/STRAT COMM COURSE OUTLINE
Required Courses – 21 credits required
Course
Course Title
Credits
MCO
502
Journalism Skills (Boot Camp)
8
MCO
503
Media Law
3
MCO
504
Lab Observation
1
MCO
519
OR
MCO
530
Strategic Communication Leadership & Ethics
OR
History, Philosophy and Ethics of Journalism
3
MCO
536
Public Relations Research
3
MCO
598
Writing for Public Relations
3
Advanced Skills Courses - 6 credits required
Course
Course Title
Credits
MCO
505
Depth Reporting - Prerequisite: MCO 535 (for section taught by Rick
Rodriguez)
3
MCO
Advanced Online Media
3
43 | Page
515
MCO
521
News Producing
3
MCO
531
Advanced Broadcast Reporting
3
MCO
534
Advanced Spanish-language Reporting
3
MCO
546
News21 Seminar - Required for News21 Summer Fellowship, offered
spring only
3
MCO
548
Non-Narrative Video Storytelling
3
MCO
553
Reporting on Business & Economy - offered spring only
3
MCO
557
Advanced Radio Reporting - offered fall only
3
MCO
598
Topic: Magazine Writing
3
MCO
598
Topic: Sustainability Short-Form Documentary
3
MCO
598
Topic: Game Day Production
3
MCO
598
Multimedia Reporting (azcentral.com) - offered summer only
3
MCO
Digital Graphic Design
3
44 | Page
598
MCO
598
Topic: Advanced Podcast Production - offered spring only
3
Electives (may be taken in addition to required courses)
Course
Course Title
Credit
MCO
519
Strategic Communications Leadership and Ethics
3
MCO
535
Latino & Transnational Issues
3
MCO
544
Accountability in Journalism
1
MCO
550
Issues in Coverage of Business & Finance
3
MCO
560
Arizona Media Law - offered spring only
3
MCO
598
Topic: Humphrey Seminar
3
MCO
598
Topic: After Cronkite
1
45 | Page
Capstone/Professional programs – 9 credits required
Course
Course Title
Credit
MC0
570*
Public Relations Lab and/or Digital Audiences Lab
9
* Nine credits of MCO 570 is equivalent to four full-time days (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) in the fall
or spring semester or five full-time days in the summer semester. If completing multiple
bureaus, a minimum of two full-time days in each is required.
Class offerings and numbers are subject to change, please consult the ASU Class Search online
to view the most up-to-date course offerings.
46 | Page
RECOMMENDED PLAN OF STUDY - MASJ
Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA
Semester 1/Fall
Required Courses
MCO 502
Journalism Skills
8 credits
MCO 529
Ethics and Diversity in Sports Journalism
3 credits
MCO 504
Cronkite Master’s Seminar
1 credit
Optional Course (choose one)
MCO 535, MCO 519, MCO 550 or MCO 561
3 credits
Semester 2/Spring
Required Courses
MCO 510
Data Journalism (online sports section)
3 credits
MCO 526
Advanced Issues in Sports and Media
3 credits
MCO 540
Sports Reporting
3 credits
Advanced Skills
Course
See course outline
3 credits
Elective Course (choose up to one)
See course outline
3 credits
47 | Page
Semester 3/Summer or Fall (Note: Summer semester is May to August)
Required Courses
MCO 570 (Prof.
Program)
Cronkite Sports Bureau (Phoenix or L.A.)
9 credits
MCO 503
Media Law
3 credits
Nine credits of MCO 570 is equivalent to four full-time days (8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.) in the fall or spring semester or five full-time days in the summer semester. If
completing multiple bureaus, a minimum of two full-time days in each is required.
Total: 36 credits minimum
48 | Page
SPORTS JOURNALISM COURSE OUTLINE
Required Courses – 24 credits required
Course
Course Title
Credits
MCO
502
Journalism Skills (Boot Camp)
8
MCO
503
Media Law
3
MCO
504
Journalism Skills Lab Observation
1
MCO
510
Data Journalism (online sports section)
3
MCO
526
Advanced Issues in Sports Journalism
3
MCO
529
Ethics, Diversity in Sports Journalism
3
MCO
540
Sports Reporting
3
Advanced Skills Courses - 3 credits required
Course
Course Title
Credits
MCO
505
Depth Reporting - Prerequisite: MCO 535 (for section taught by Rick
Rodriguez)
3
MCO
515
Advanced Online Media
3
49 | Page
MCO
521
News Producing
3
MCO
531
Advanced Broadcast Reporting
3
MCO
534
Advanced Spanish-language Reporting
3
MCO
546
News21 Seminar - Required for News21 Summer Fellowship, offered
spring only
3
MCO
548
Non-Narrative Video Storytelling
3
MCO
553
Reporting on Business & Economy - offered spring only
3
MCO
557
Advanced Radio Reporting - offered fall only
3
MCO
598
Topic: Magazine Writing
3
MCO
598
Topic: Sustainability Short-Form Documentary
3
MCO
598
Topic: Game Day Production
3
MCO
598
Multimedia Reporting (azcentral.com) - offered summer only
3
MCO
598
Digital Graphic Design
3
MCO
Topic: Advanced Podcast Production - offered spring only
3
50 | Page
598
Electives (may be taken in addition to required courses)
Course
Course Title
Credit
MCO
519
Strategic Communications Leadership and Ethics
3
MCO
535
Latino & Transnational Issues
3
MCO
544
Accountability in Journalism
1
MCO
550
Issues in Coverage of Business & Finance
3
MCO
560
Arizona Media Law - offered spring only
3
MCO
598
Topic: Humphrey Seminar
3
MCO
598
Topic: After Cronkite
1
51 | Page
Capstone/Professional programs – 9 credits required
Course
Course Title
Credit
MC0 570
Cronkite Sports – Phoenix Bureau
4-9
MCO
570
Cronkite Sports – Los Angeles Bureau
4-9
Class offerings and numbers are subject to change, please consult the ASU Class Search online
to view the most up-to-date course offerings.
52 | Page
ACCESSING STUDENT PORTAL: MYASU
Your my.asu.edu portal is your go-to place for information about courses, transcripts,
transportation, student success and support, finances, university policies and the academic
calendar. Please take time to familiarize yourself with these areas:
Profile: Update your address, phone number, email information, or add guests, such as a
parent, so they can look at FERPA-protected information including grades.
My Classes: Click on the name of each course to access the corresponding Canvas content.
This is where you will see the syllabus, find links to readings and submit assignments. Take a
few minutes to familiarize yourself with the structure of each course.
Final Transcript: If you sent in a transcript for admission to the program before you graduated,
send your final transcript with your degree posted.
Academic Integrity Module: ASU’s Graduate College requires completion of a module
reviewing academic integrity expectations. Please complete as soon as possible. Please
note, this module explains how to avoid plagiarism and the university-wide policy. The
Cronkite School Academic Integrity Policy includes additions specific to journalism students.
Please be familiar with both policies.
Academic Calendar (bottom left box): This has important dates you need to monitor,
including when classes begin, last day to register or drop/add classes, tuition and fee
payment deadlines, holidays, withdrawal deadlines, schedule of classes available and when
to enroll.
Campus Services: This includes Health and Wellness Resources, such as health insurance,
counseling, disability services; Transportation, such as parking permits, METRO Light Rail, U-
Pass and campus shuttles; Student Success and Support, such as disability services, tutoring
and student success centers; and Job & Career Services. Please note these job resources are
university-wide and not specific to the Cronkite School. Please consult with the Cronkite
School graduate career adviser for Cronkite resources for job and career preparation and
placement.
53 | Page
