University of Southern California

Overview

The History of Collecting and Display Certificate at the University of Southern California offers a unique opportunity to explore the intricate relationship between cultural objects and their presentation. This program is designed for individuals seeking to enhance their reporting and storytelling skills through the lens of collecting and curation. Students will engage with themes in arts and food journalism, develop practical writing skills tailored for various audiences, and complete thesis-based work over the course of the program.

What you'll study

Programme Structure

• Summer (shared foundation): A 3-unit Digital Journalism Immersion course to establish core skills.
• Fall (required core): One essential course that integrates both arts and food tracks.
• Fall + Spring (track coursework): Completion of required units in either the Arts or Food focus area.
• Thesis work: A 2-unit thesis commitment in both the fall and spring semesters, allowing for in-depth research and analysis.

Indicative Courses

• Summer Digital Journalism Immersion
• Seminar in Mass Communication Law
• Arts Writing Practicum
• Arts Journalism: Storytelling and Production
• Arts Criticism and Commentary
• Media, Food and Culture
• The Art of (Micro) Food Journalism: Los Angeles and California
• The Art of (Macro) Food Journalism: A Global View
• Food Culture Journalism

Assessment and Thesis

• Assignments focused on writing and production relevant to your track.
• Development and submission of a thesis across two semesters (fall and spring).
• Portfolio-ready outputs that showcase your reporting and editorial skills.

Entry requirements

While specific GRE/GMAT scores and GPA cut-offs are not provided for this program, admission is generally based on your academic background and demonstrated readiness for advanced studies in journalism.

Career prospects

Graduates of the History of Collecting and Display Certificate will be well-equipped for a variety of careers in journalism, curation, and cultural management. With skills in storytelling, reporting, and critical analysis of cultural artifacts, you may pursue opportunities in media outlets, museums, galleries, or food and arts organizations. This program prepares you for an engaged and informed career in the ever-evolving landscape of cultural journalism and curation.