MA in New Media Photojournalism

Lead the next generation of photojournalists with innovative storytelling

The New Media Photojournalism program at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design is the first of its kind, created to help visual journalists study and address the changing world of photojournalism.

Emphasizing strong storytelling skills and fluency in multimedia platforms, the Master of Arts in New Media Photojournalism program incorporates writing, photography, audio, video, and web design to prepare students to work as freelancers, visual reporters, editors, and producers. The program emphasizes the individual as a visual reporter and encourages experimentation with new ways of storytelling, documentation, and editing. The program also encourages its students to explore the latest digital practices taught in conjunction with the enduring fundamentals of visual reporting, editing, and ethics.

Through intensive faculty mentoring in conjunction with a broad and flexible program of study and internship opportunities, students choose and develop their professional paths. In addition to The Washington Post, National Public Radio, National Geographic and Discovery Communications, countless newspapers, magazines, trade journals, and major media outlets are located within a five-mile radius of Corcoran's downtown campus.

Graduates of the Master of Arts in New Media Photojournalism program 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—and are prepared to lead a new generation of photojournalists as the field continues to change with technology.

The Columbian College Experience from GW Arts & Sciences on Vimeo.

Department Life

At the heart of the New Media Photojournalism program is a dynamic group of faculty and students who are highly motivated and engaged in their communities and professional lives.

In 2011, the inaugural class of New Media Photojournalism program students founded the Corcoran Association of Photojournalists, known as CAP. Hosting various community events and projects, CAP has become an integral part of the photo world of Washington, D.C. Some of these include educational events and exhibits at THEARC, workshops in conjunction with Women Photojournalists of Washington (WPOW) and the Metro Collective, guest speakers, the launch of an annual 'zine, pop-up exhibits, and regular happy hours and other get-togethers.

The New Media Photojournalism program benefits from multidisciplinary collaboration, learning and problem-solving. Students are active across the school through the organization and departmental curricula. New Media Photojournalism program students collaborate academically and through extracurricular activity on local, national and international projects with students from other disciplines such an Exhibition Design, Fine Art Photography, Digital Media and Graphic Design as well as a wide spectrum of the George Washington University’s academic programs and professional schools.

Careers and Internships

Students pursuing their Master of Arts in New Media Photojournalism make career connections in the manner that best fits them and their lifestyles. Many opt for internships for credit. Others do internships without academic credit. Both are viable options. Many students take on work as freelance image-makers or hold part-time media positions while in school.

Recent internships:

• The Washington Post Online
• Discovery Communications
• The Baltimore Sun
• Good Fight Media
• Green Peace
• 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

The New Media Photojournalism Program places importance on having working professionals in the classroom as faculty, visiting artists, mentors, and collaborators. The program also finds opportunities to involve students in the Corcoran's many community projects.