Media for Social Impact students

School of Communication and CultureMedia for Social Impact Master's Degree

  • MA

About the Media for Social Impact Program

Transform your passion for media into a force for change with Columbia College Chicago's MA in Media for Social Impact. This fully online, three-semester program equips you with the skills to create effective communication solutions that address today’s pressing social challenges. You will engage with diverse communities, assess their needs, and develop impactful media strategies to foster social change. This program empowers you to become an agent of social change through innovative media practices.

Priority Application Deadline: March 7, 2025

Explore Career Paths in Media for Social Impact

  • Media Arts & Community Engagement
  • Social Advocacy & Digital Design
  • Youth Media & Media Literacy Education
  • Engaged Journalism & Documentary

The Student Experience

Students learn through a hands-on approach ensures that you develop the skills necessary to create real change in your chosen community.

  • Create meaningful community projectsIn your first semester, you will take courses such as Civic Media and Participatory Culture, where you’ll learn to design, implement, and assess community-driven media solutions. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and practical applications, preparing you to engage effectively with community leaders and stakeholders.
  • Take advantage of a diverse curriculumYour learning journey includes elective classes in production, social entrepreneurship, and strategic communication. Core courses cover essential topics like Solutions Journalism and Civic Data Analytics, enhancing your research skills and equipping you to tackle real-world challenges. This blend of coursework allows you to tailor your education to your interests and career aspirations.
  • Develop a door-opening body of workBy graduation, you will have a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your projects and skills, making you a standout candidate in the job market. Your work will reflect industry standards, positioning you for success in a range of media careers. This portfolio will be a testament to your dedication and capability in creating social impact through media.
  • Collaborate on capstone projectsYour final semester features a capstone project that allows you to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. Choose to develop a media project for a community organization or conduct research on an existing civic media initiative that will culminate in a thesis showcasing your ability to create and evaluate impactful social projects. It will bridge the gap between theory and practice.
  • Learn from experienced faculty

    Our faculty comprises active practitioners in various media fields, offering invaluable insights and mentorship. They bring a wealth of experience in social impact projects, ensuring that you receive practical knowledge and industry connections throughout your studies.

Career Readiness

At Columbia, you’ll create connections that will enhance your professional journey.

  • Internships in your area of interest

    Columbia College Chicago’s Career Center provides tailored support to connect you with internships that align with your professional goals. These opportunities allow you to build essential industry experience and expand your professional network. Such practical exposure is crucial for enhancing your employability and skill set.

  • Networking opportunities with alumni

    Our extensive alumni community works in diverse organizations, including NPR, PBS, Autism Self-Advocacy Network, Disability Visibility Project, Village Free Press, and various nonprofit organizations

ALumni Spotlight

a group of alumni standing in front of Columbia building

24 in 2024

"24 in 2024" recognizes alumni from Columbia College Chicago for their professional achievements beyond their academic journeys. Learn more.

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