Overview of the
Double Master’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication
At Ohio University and Leipzig University
The Quick Overview
• In this unique program, students can simultaneously obtain an international double master’s degree from Ohio University and Leipzig University.
• The double degree is particularly attractive for students with an interest in a professional career in international journalism and global mass communi-cation, as well as for students who want to become scholars in scholars in journalism and mass commu-nication
• Students can complete the double master’s degree program within the normal 2-year period that the master’s program takes, with their third semester as the study abroad semester at Leipzig University (language of instruction: English).
• Students must first be admitted into our master’s program and then apply separately for the double degree program, which provides up to five spots per year for selected students.
• Students who receive funding from Ohio University (stipend and tuition waiver) will keep these benefits during their semester in Leipzig, while students who pay for their master’s program will save money because Leipzig University does not require tuition. • Students will have a master’s committee consisting
of two OU faculty members and one from Leipzig for their thesis or professional project.
A group of journalism students from Ohio University during the 2013 Summer School in Leipzig is gathering
in front of the Thomaskirche at the Bach Memorial (Photo: Kevin Grieves, OU)
General Program Information
Based on a long-term partnership, Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the Institute for Communication and Media Studies at Leipzig University have developed a unique collaboration that offers a unique double master’s degree for graduate students from the two partner institutions. Students who complete this program will simultaneously be awarded a double degree of “Master of Science in Journalism” from Ohio University and a “Master of Arts in Global Mass Communication” from Leipzig University.
Unlike existing international dual degree programs, where students usually spend two years at each partner university, this program can be completed within the regular two-year period to obtain two master’s degrees instead of one. Because both institutions mutually recognize coursework from the other university, participating students only need to spend one semester at the partner institution, usually their third semester.
Students and faculty from Leipzig and Ohio University visiting the student-run Radio Mephisto at Leipzig University (2013). OU undergraduate Jacob Betzner and graduate student Paul Jacoway, third and second to the right.
Prof. Rober Stewart and Prof. Hans-Jörg Stiehler right to the column. (Photo: Kevin Grieves, OU) The goal of this double master’s degree program is to prepare students for a successful career in the rapidly changing field of globally connected media and to become respon-sible global communicators as professionals and scholars in journalism and mass com-munication. It is particularly well suited for students with an interest in international journalism and global mass communication, as well as for students who want to embark on an international professional career. It also prepares students for a career in the academic field and related areas.
Leipzig as a Place to Study and Live
Located in the middle of Europe and more than 1000 years old, Leipzig has a rich and manifold history. It was the heart of the peaceful revolution of 1989 that brought an end to the former East German Government. The Leipzig book fair has a centuries-long tradition and set the tone for the modern media metropolis that the city of over 500,000 is today. In recent years, Leipzig has become one of the most popular thriving cities in Europe due to its energetic cultural life, its cosmopolitan atmosphere, and its state-of-the-art infrastructure.
Leipzig has been the birthplace and home of many famous artists and scientists, among them the composers Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, and Richard Wagner, the philosophers Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz and Ernst Bloch, the painter Max Beckmann, and the psychologist Wilhelm Wundt. The famous Gewandhaus Orchestra, housed in the modern concert hall Leipziger Gewandhaus, has been a leading orchestra for over 250 years. At the same time, Leipzig has a vibrant contemporary music and theater scene.
Leipzig University and University Church St. Paul. (Photo: Pedelecs at wikivoyage)
Leipzig University, founded in 1409, is one of the oldest universities in Germany and among the top 25 leading German universities. It has nearly 30,000 students and it offers a broad and comprehensive variety of subject areas. Student life in Leipzig is charac-terized by low living expenses, a fantastic public transportation system, and a welcoming atmosphere. People are very friendly and the younger ones will speak English very well.
Due to its central location, Leipzig invites for trips to other close-by cities, such as Berlin, Frankfurt, Warsaw, Dresden, Prague, and Munich. Day trips or weekend trips by train are easy and cheap.
Old town hall at market square (Picture licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons) Admittance and Financing
Students must first be admitted into our master’s program and will then apply separately for the double master’s degree program at the beginning of their studies, to be enrolled as degree-seeking students at both Ohio University, which serves as their “home university,” and Leipzig University, as the partner institution. The program provides up to five spots per year for selected students. Applicants will be selected based on their overall performance, promise, and demonstrated interest in the field (for details see Double Master’s Degree Application). Minimum entry criteria for the double degree program are a bachelor’s degree and a TOEFL of 100 (IBT) or 600 (paper), if the applicant is not a native English speaker.
Students in our master’s program who receive funding (a scholarship and a tuition waiver) will be able to keep their funding during their study abroad semester at Leipzig University. Students who pay themselves for their education at Ohio University will be able to save some money through this program because Leipzig University does not require tuition. However, students will have to pay applicable registration and administrative fees when present at the partner university. Students will also be
responsible for meeting the insurance coverage requirements (health, accident, liability) during their stay at the partner university. As a rule, students will be required to purchase existing study away insurance through the university prior to travel to Leipzig.
Coursework in the Double Master’s Degree Program
The Double Master Degree Program comprises 38 credit hours as a requirement for the master’s degree from Ohio University, of which at least 50% have to be taken though Ohio University, either during the students’ stay at Ohio University or via distance learning courses from Ohio University. The remaining credit hours can be obtained from Leipzig University and be transferred in through the appropriate process. At the same time, it also comprises a maximum of 120 ECTS credits as a requirement for the master’s degree from Leipzig University, which recognizes Ohio University coursework as
fulfilling their requirements, as well.
What’s the difference to the normal master’s program in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism?
• The semester in Leipzig will provide you with a unique opportunity to specialize in European and German mass media and journalism. These courses will fulfill the requirements of our master’s program and at the same time lay the
groundwork for your master’s degree from Leipzig University.
• Although the language of instruction is English, you will take a free, 4-week-long intensive language course in “survival German” at the beginning of your stay in September. German universities start their fall semester in October, so you have all of September to get used to the German language and culture.
• Leipzig has a variety of media, ranging from the student-run Radio Mephisto, to a number of local magazines and newspapers, to the influential public broadcast station MDR (Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk). Students participating in the double master’s degree program are encouraged to explore internship opportunities and other avenues to gain practical experience in a different cultural setting after completing their study abroad
semester in Leipzig. Building of the MDR public broadcast station. (Picture by Martin Geisler at de.wikipedia) A list of typical courses for the completion of the double master’s degree is outlined in the following table. Please note that the third semester is the study abroad semester at Leipzig University.
Table: Model Curriculum for OHIO UNIVERSITY STUDENTS with Third Semester in Leipzig
Credit Hours at OU at LU First Semester (Ohio University)
JOUR 5010 "Intro to Graduate Studies" (1 crh) 1
JOUR 5100 “Communication Law” (3 crh) 3
JOUR 8060 "Research Methods" (4 crh) 4
JOUR 8030 “Seminar in Mass Communication Theory” (4 crh) 4 JOUR 6011 “Writing/Reporting” (3 crh, only if needed) (3) Second Semester (Ohio University)
JOUR 8130 "Internet, Ethics, and Society" (4 crh) 4 JOUR 7XXX or 8XXX “Advanced Research Techniques” (4 crh) 4 JOUR 7XXX “Advanced Research Techniques” (ART) or “Seminar in Research
Topics” (SRT) (3 crh) 3
JOUR 6010 Graphics/Editing (3 crh, only if needed) (3)
Third Semester (Study Abroad at Leipzig University)*
JOUR 5020 “Thesis Proposal” (1 crh, with OU faculty member) 1 Research Topics (Forschungsfelder der KMW 1, Modul 06-005-503)
“Research Topics 1&2” (2 crh plus 2 crh) Shared course with Leipzig Students
replaces OU course JOUR 7XXX or 8XXX or “Seminar in Research Topics” (4 crh)
4 Elective: Open (Englisches Modul aus dem Angebot der KMW oder
angrenzender Felder, Platzhalter) “Elective” (4 crh)
replaces OU Course JOUR 5XXX, 6XXX, or 7XXX “Elective” (4 crh)
4 Elective: International Media (Modul 06-005-506)
“Europe and its media” (3 crh)
replaces OU Course JOUR 5XXX, 6XXX, or 7XXX “Elective” (3 crh) 3
Fourth Semester (Ohio University/Leipzig University)
JOUR 6950 “Thesis” (3 crh) 3
27 11
Adding up to the required total of 38 Credit Hours 120 ETCS ______________________________
* Students may take additional classes at Leipzig University, which are not needed to fulfill the degree requirements for Ohio University but can be taken without any problem.
Thesis Requirements
Students will be expected to find, propose, and defend a master’s thesis topic at the latest by the end of their third semester. The thesis will be written in English and will be submitted to both institutions. Students submitting their thesis must be enrolled with each university. The thesis must fulfill the thesis requirements for both programs. The thesis proposal and the actual thesis will be supervised and assessed by a thesis committee consisting of members from both partner institutions. The committee consists of the Chair and two additional advisory committee members. The Chair will usually come from the home institution of the student.
Both universities will issue their master’s degree certificates with a document indicating the shared nature of the qualification with the following language:
“The degree was completed in the binational Double Master’s Program “Master of Arts in Global Mass Communication” and “Master of Science in Journalism” in which the language of instruction is English. The Double Degree Program is jointly organized by Leipzig
University (Leipzig, Saxony, Germany) and Ohio University (Athens, Ohio, U.S.A.).”
Students from Leipzig University are visiting a media ethics class at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. (Photo: Robert Stewart 2012)
More Information
Unless stated otherwise, the conditions for the master’s program in journalism at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism apply (see the Master’s Program Information). For additional information please contact:
• Program Director of the Double Master’s Degree Program, Dr. Bernhard Debatin, email: debatin@ohio.edu, or phone: 740-593-9809.
• Associate Director for Graduate Studies, Dr. Michael Sweeney, email: sweenem3@ohio.edu, or phone: 740-593-2589.
