University-level journalism education in Canada began at Western.
In the 1920s a journalism course was offered in the undergraduate Arts program. Starting in 1945 Western offered an undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. During the years since there has developed a widespread awareness of journalists’ need for a sound basic academic education. At the same time, the range and depth of skills required by a practising professional have greatly increased.
The escalating demands made on both the academic and professional components of the journalism program led to its reappraisal by the university and to the establishment in September, 1974, of a one-year, three-term program leading to a Master of Arts in Journalism. The undergraduate program was discontinued.
Journalism at Western is unique in several ways. The graduate program was the first of its kind in Canada, and it remains the only Canadian program of its kind. The degree conferred on its graduates – Master of Arts – is the same as that offered in historically more established fields.
A further distinguishing feature is that the graduate program is not primarily an extension of undergraduate work in the discipline. The program exists to provide a bridge between journalism and the whole spectrum of interests involved in university undergraduate study.