UNC Hussman revamps professional master’s programs to propel students into industry

Originally published by: Hussman School of Media and Journalism, The University of North Carolina

Original author: Hailey Clodfelter '24, '25 (M.A.)

Originally published on: September 8, 2025

When UNC Hussman hosted its first master’s graduation celebration on Saturday, July 19, the focus was on recognizing the achievement of 21 master’s students who completed their capstone projects over the summer. For the school’s graduate administrators, faculty and staff, the event marked another milestone, the final step in the transition to one-year program formats for the strategic communication and journalism areas of study. 

UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media professional master’s (journalism and strategic communication) graduation celebration on July 19, 2025.

Over the past five years, school faculty have reimagined, designed and launched the professional media and communication master’s curricula with slates of new and revised courses and a 12-month timeline to help students advance their careers faster. The journalism area of study — which includes specializations in interactive design journalism, public life reporting and video journalism — made the move first in 2023, followed by strategic communication in 2024. 

Each new curriculum was developed by faculty in a collaborative process facilitated by pedagogy experts from the UNC Center for Faculty Excellence. The one-year footprint reduces financial and time barriers while equipping students with practical, industry-relevant skills. 

“In redesigning the strategic communication program, we maintained our strong foundation in preparing students for industry success while placing a renewed emphasis on career readiness,” said Lucinda Austin, associate dean for graduate studies and research. “Courses such as Personal Branding and Professional Networking are tailored to help students build meaningful industry connections, refine their professional identities and approach their job search with intention.” 

This focus on career preparation was reflected in the accomplishments of the 2024-25 cohort. Strategic communication students participated in international opportunities such as multimedia documentary work in Buenos Aires, fashion communication and networking in Rome, and the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France. Students across both professional areas had work featured by national and local outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, WRAL, Chapelboro and more. Students also earned internships at organizations such as Universal Studios, Wasserman, Self-Help Credit Union and the N.C. State Fair. 

Journalism 

As a first-generation college graduate who had already begun a journalism career with a year working at ABC News in Washington, D.C., Aisha Frazier’s goal was to earn a master’s degree while remaining involved in a newsroom. Due to the condensed timeline of the journalism area of study, she was able to pursue her goals without upending her life. Frazier completed the program in July 2025. 

For Frazier, as far as university choices for education, UNC Hussman was almost a no-brainer. 

“As a North Carolinian, I’ve long been aware of the university’s rich legacy in journalism,” she said. “I was drawn to this program not just because of its reputation, but because of its rigor, the quality of its student work and the supportive community. I wanted to be challenged and motivated while also knowing I had the support to grow.” 

Through the support of her cohort and faculty like UNC Hussman Professor of Business Journalism Michelle LaRoche, Knight Chair in Local News and Sustainability Marisa Porto and Professor Rhonda Gibson, Frazier was able to grow and achieve many accomplishments during her year at UNC Hussman. She worked as an associate producer and assignment editor at WRAL while contributing to the school community with Carolina Week and the Chuck Stone Program. She also produced a piece on affordable housing that was published by Chapelboro News. Since graduating, she has moved into a full-time producer role at WRAL. 

Frazier received the Outstanding Capstone Project in Journalism Award from Professor Gibson at the master’s graduation celebration.

Strategic Communication 

Recent graduate Meredith Breen always had a goal to pursue a master’s degree. Breen was drawn to UNC Hussman to challenge herself academically. After learning about the one-year program, her interest grew. 

Breen’s favorite parts of the program were the creative projects.  

“Not only does every professor provide valuable industry insights, but they really encourage creativity and individuality among their students,” said Breen. “I was able to learn important industry insights while working on projects I was passionate about.” 

After taking the elective course “MEJO 469: Health Communication and Marketing” with Professor of the Practice Rebecca Fish, she developed a strong passion for health communication. Breen used that course and the overall program curriculum to pursue a career in health communication and marketing. She currently serves as a client success intern at Well, a health technology company. 

Professor Suman Lee, Meredith Breen and Dean Raul Reis at the master’s graduation celebration.

Breen encourages all interested students to apply. “This program was very transformative for me, both as a student and as a professional. Much of that growth is thanks to the strong sense of community fostered by UNC Hussman,” she said. “As an out-of-state student, finding a welcoming campus environment was incredibly important to me. From the professors to the graduate staff, everyone is very supportive and wants students to be the best they can be. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing!” 

For Prospective Students

Information sessions for the one-year professional programs in journalism and strategic communication will be held in fall 2025. Follow the buttons below to sign up to receive updates, including invitations to online information sessions. Applications open in August each year and are due the following January.