Multimedia & Web Video
Overview
UC Berkeley’s Multimedia program is a dynamic, forward-thinking track that equips students to tell compelling, visually rich stories across digital platforms. Blending web video, photography, audio, motion graphics, data visualization, and code, the program emphasizes storytelling that’s interactive, immersive, and relevant.
Students gain hands-on experience through foundational and advanced courses in visual journalism, web design, investigative techniques, and emerging media—culminating in a capstone project that integrates multiple forms of media into a cohesive digital product. From mobile-first vertical videos to longform multifaceted investigative narratives, the Multimedia Track curriculum evolves with the rapidly shifting landscape of news and storytelling.
Taught by industry-leading faculty, the program fosters creativity, technical skill, and journalistic rigor. Student work is regularly recognized by top national awards, and alumni have gone on to lead in newsrooms at The New York Times, NPR, Al Jazeera, The Washington Post, and beyond. With its legacy as a pioneer in digital journalism and its focus on innovation, the multimedia track offers one of the most cutting-edge experiences at the school and throughout the industry.
Multimedia & Web Video
Featured Student Work
Chasing Lithium
Rachel Hiles (’16) and Nina Zou (’16) won the David Teeuwen Student Journalism Award for their master’s theses, the multimedia project “Chasing Lithium.” It was one of three works nominated, all of them produced by Berkeley J-School students, and became the seventh OJA win for a J-School graduate in eight years.
How Do Americans Spend Their Time?
Time is the one thing that we all have in common, while also being the one thing we use in completely different ways. The way we use time creates all the difference in this world. Age, sex, income, geography, education, relationships and a lot of factors decide how and who we all spend time with. By Inaara Gangji, Anasooya Thorakkattu and WanYu Yao ('25).
Locked out of Care: The Hidden Human Cost of Prison Health Care in California
Since 2006, California’s prison medical system has been under direct management of a federal court-appointed receiver or regulator, who took over the administration of prison health care service because the state was found to be providing unconstitutional levels of care. As federal oversight of the state prison system ends, the incarcerated worry health care will worsen. By Denis Akbari ('25).
Mining Legacy
Unequal From Birth
Unseen: Working in the Shadow of the Golden State
California’s unseen workers do jobs that help keep the state’s economy and services humming, but rarely come into public consciousness. They build houses, clean offices, sort through recycling, and harvest crops. This project sheds light on the experience of those who labor in the shadows - and the limitations, even failure, of our legal promises to protect them on the job.
The clearest demonstration of the success of our program is the achievements of our students, who have won numerous national awards for their multimedia work.
Multimedia & Web Video
Instructors
Exceptional, hands-on education from experts.
Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Practice
Jeremy Sanchez Rue
Rue is an Emmy-nominated multimedia producer and co-author of Principles of Multimedia Journalism (Routledge Taylor and Francis). The book explores how media forms are packaged online into cohesive narratives.
Lecturer
John Harden
John D. Harden is a data reporter for The Washington Post where he explores topics such as government accountability, the impact of crime on local communities and how gentrification shapes urban centers.
Multimedia & Web Video
Alumni Testimonials
Armand Emamdjomeh ('10)
Data Visualization Developer, Bloomberg News
"...launched my career in data reporting and visualization"
The UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism gave me the freedom and flexibility I needed to explore my interests, as well as to build the skills required to get a job in an otherwise tough market. Using our local news sites as an anchor, I was able to get experience with the reporting, editing, photography, video and even web development skills that launched my career in data reporting and visualization. I'm forever grateful for the range of experiences and the journalism fundamentals I was able to learn at the J-School.
Jeremy C.F. Lin ('16)
"...talented peers, generous scholarships"
Ten years ago I left Taiwan and joined Berkeley Journalism with a sole goal of becoming a graphics/data reporter. I didn't come from a technical background and had zero skills in design and code but with the help from the supportive faculty, talented peers, generous scholarships and a strong alumni network, the school helped me land my dream internships and subsequently a full-time job. I am forever grateful.
Susie Neilson ('19)
"I have my dream job now"
Come to the J-school for its incredibly cool classes - Earth journalism, book-writing, data reporting - but stay for the network of peers and professors you'll build. I made some of my best friends through the program, and over the years we've continued to trust and rely upon each other as we navigate this risky, rewarding career. Case in point: I have my dream job now thanks to a referral from a Berkeley friend.
Brett Murphy ('16)
"...helped open doors"
I wouldn't be where I am today without Berkeley Journalism and the Investigative Reporting Program. It was where I first learned how to pry public records from the government, reach taciturn sources and shape ambitious stories that hold power to account. The veteran reporters on staff became some of my closest industry mentors and colleagues. They helped open doors for me I may never have found otherwise.
Our multimedia students are in high demand at news outlets
Multimedia & Web Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Round 1 deadline is Dec. 16, 2024 8:59 pm PT
Priority consideration for departmental funding
Round 2: Feb. 3, 2025 8:59 pm PT
Admission based on space availability
Concurrent Degrees
Application Deadline: Dec. 2, 2024 8:59 pm PT
Master in Journalism/Master in Public Health (MPH/MJ)
Master in Journalism/Asian Studies (MJ/MA)
Visit our admissions page for all of the information you need and a list of FAQ about your application: https://journalism.berkeley.edu/admissions/
Attend a Berkeley Journalism Information Session to learn more about the the school and application process. Visit our admissions page for information on dates and times: https://journalism.berkeley.edu/admissions/
Contact Us
Director of Admissions
Nelly Provencal-Dayle
nelly@berkeley.edu
510-664-1234
Would you like to speak with someone directly? Let's talk. Our admissions team is here to help.