Sponsors say the degree program will seek to increase the number of specialized journalists who can play significant roles in newsroom and classroom ethical debate and decision-making. Graduates of the program are expected to specialize in journalism ethics for careers in professional journalism, either as teachers in schools of journalism or as practicing journalists in the mass communication industries. They will hold a master's degree in philosophy, a Ph.D. in mass communication and a certificate in applied and professional ethics. The first degree candidate in the three-year program will be enrolled in the fall of 1997. One person will be appointed per year to the program, and each will receive a full tuition scholarship plus a stipend.
Few subjects stir debate in American journalism more than ethics.
We at Ohio University look forward to providing opportunities for journalists to develop a broader background. The goal of Ohio University's Institute for Applied and Professional Ethics since its inception has been to stimulate better teaching and better research about applied ethics. To provide journalists with the opportunity to earn an enhanced master's degree in philosophy and a Ph.D. in mass communication clearly is a major step in that direction. Faculty in journalism, philosophy and business currently sit on the Institute's executive board. Coursework for the interdisciplinary program will include core journalism writing, editing, design, law and ethics classes as well courses in theory and research methods.