Cultural Reporting and Criticism New York University

Overview

The Cultural Reporting and Criticism programme at New York University offers a unique academic experience that sits at the intersection of journalism, creative writing, and critical analysis. Students are encouraged to interrogate the world around them through deep research, historical understanding, and a questioning eye. This master’s degree is designed for those who wish to move beyond the surface of stories to produce thoughtful, investigative work.

The curriculum is highly individualised, allowing writers from diverse backgrounds to challenge their ideas and refine their craft. By drawing upon the vast academic resources available at the university, participants develop the skills necessary to examine complex cultural contexts. The programme fosters a belief in the power of excellent writing to influence and explain the modern world.

Why Cultural Reporting and Criticism at New York University?

This programme is recognised as the only one of its kind in the United States, providing a distinctive blend of disciplines that is not found elsewhere. Students benefit from being part of the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, where they are taught by a faculty of distinguished journalists, authors, and critics. These instructors are active contributors to major publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Harper’s Magazine.

The university’s location in New York City provides an unparalleled backdrop for cultural reporting, offering students direct access to the heart of the global media and publishing industries. Additionally, the programme provides opportunities to attend exclusive workshops and events with industry professionals, further enhancing the professional network of every student.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 56646 per year
• National fee: USD 56646 per year
• Local fee: USD 56646 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of nine courses totalling 36 credits. Students typically complete the requirements over three semesters of full-time study.

Core modules include:

• Writing and Reporting Workshop
• Cultural Conversation
• Critical Survey

Elective modules may include:

• Longform Essay
• Social Commentary
• Reporting Social Worlds
• Art of Argument and Polemic
• Critical Profile
• Investigative Reporting

Careers with Cultural Reporting and Criticism

Graduates of the programme have established successful careers across various sectors of the media and publishing industries. Many alumni find roles as staff writers, editors, and freelance critics for prestigious national and international outlets. The skills gained during the course prepare students for the demands of high-level cultural commentary and long-form journalism.

Recent graduates have secured positions or published work with the following organisations:

• The New York Times Magazine
• Slate
• The Paris Review
• Harper’s Magazine
• The Fader

In addition to journalism, many former students have gone on to publish acclaimed books and memoirs with major publishing houses, including W. W. Norton & Company and Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Internships at organisations like The Nation and N+1 also provide vital pathways into the professional world.