Become #MerrillMade
We prepare YOU for the career of your dreams.
Practice innovative real-world journalism from day one, with guidance from our all-star, Pulitzer- and Peabody-winning faculty. Be a part of an intimate small college community at one of the nation's top public universities, on the doorstep of the journalism capital of the world.
Why Merrill?
The University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism prepares you for the real world. Our students:
- Report from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis and College Park through our Capital News Service
- Investigate issues of national importance and learn to innovate at the award-winning Howard Center for Investigative Journalism
- Learn to look beyond the box score at The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism
- Serve Maryland citizens with voting guides and local reporting at the Local News Network
- Contribute to cutting-edge research to support and advance the media industry
Data reporting is weaved through every inch of our curriculum and practiced in our signature programs. Our graduates are hired and desired by the top news outlets in the country, and develop the media skills to reach the peak of every industry.
Top 5
16
At Merrill, You'll Have the Experience of a Lifetime
Whether you're pursuing your bachelor's degree, leveling up your career with a master's degree or looking to conduct research or become a journalism/media professor with a Ph.D., Merrill College is the place for you.
Real-world internships in one of the best media markets in the world
Pulitzer- & Peabody-winning faculty to provide elite media skills training
Student organizations to get involved the moment you start
Personal attention with no more than 18 students per skills class
There are a few standout journalism colleges in the country. But Merrill is the only one standing in the media capital of the world, which serves as its laboratory.
Kevin Blackistone
Professor of the Practice
Important Deadlines
Nov. 1
Undergraduate Early Action application deadline for Fall 2027
Jan. 15
Master's application deadline for Fall 2027
Jan. 15
Ph.D. application deadline for Fall 2027
#MerrillMade Alumni
Connie Chung
Legendary TV Anchor/Correspondent, CBS, CNN, NBC, ABC, MSNBC
Emilio Garcia-Ruiz
Editor In Chief, San Francisco Chronicle
Scott Van Pelt
Anchor, ESPN SportsCenter
Maria Reeve
Executive Director of Culture and Careers, Minnesota Star Tribune
Bonnie Bernstein
Legendary Sports Journalist, ESPN, CBS; CEO, Walk Swiftly Productions
Robert Klemko
Investigative Reporter, ESPN
News
Merrill College Names Krishnan Vasudevan New Associate Dean for Research
Dr. Krishnan Vasudevan will become the new associate dean for research at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism on Sept. 1. He replaces Dr. Sarah Oates, a professor and senior scholar.View Article Details for Merrill College Names Krishnan Vasudevan New Associate Dean for Research 
Merrill College's Local News Network Publishes 'The News People Need' Study on the Needs of News Consumers
The Local News Network conducted a human-centered design study by listening to people in Maryland about what "jobs" they need news organizations to do in today’s media landscape.View Article Details for Merrill College's Local News Network Publishes 'The News People Need' Study on the Needs of News Consumers 
The News People Need: A Local News Network Study
One of the most pressing problems weakening the local news ecosystem has little to do with revenue or technology. The problem is the journalism itself.Much of what made newspapers, radio newscasts and TV news programs indispensable to people in the 20th century was not the journalism but what surrou...View Article Details for The News People Need: A Local News Network Study
More on Merrill
Accredited Program
The Philip Merrill College of Journalism is fully accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
Home of NABJ
The National Association of Black Journalists is headquartered at Merrill College's Knight Hall. The organization provides quality programs and services to, and advocates on behalf of, Black journalists.
Truly one of the great journalism schools.
Bob Woodward
Legendary Washington Post Reporter