Dr. Joe Saltzman

Professor

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Biography

Joe Saltzman is an award-winning journalist, leading expert in image journalism and popular culture, and the director of the Image Journalist in Popular Culture (IJPC) database. He has authored works on Frank Capra and the role of image journalism in American film. Named the National Journalism Mass Communication Teacher of the Year by the Scripps Howard Foundation in 2010, he has received more than 50 awards for his television documentaries and news programs. His notable productions include examinations of significant social issues like diversity, education, sports, and historical perspectives on Black America. He was pivotal in documentary filmmaking with influential works addressing topics such as rape laws, urbanization of Native Americans, and breast cancer awareness that have spurred legislative changes and saved lives. Saltzman is also recognized for his contributions to media history education, receiving the Jinx Coleman Broussard Award for Excellence in Teaching Media History from the AEJMC convention in 2020.

Research Interests

Awards

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National Journalism Mass Communication Teacher of the Year

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Jinx Coleman Broussard Award for Excellence in Teaching Media History

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Outstanding Service Award

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Journalism Alumni Award

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DuPont Award in Broadcast Journalism

Courses

JOUR 201: Culture Journalism: Past, Present Future JOUR 490x: Directed Research JOUR 590: Directed Research

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree
Application Checklist
  • Resume
  • Personal Statement
  • Writing Sample/Journalism Portfolio
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Kira Talent Video Interview
  • Official transcripts
Specialization Notes

GRE is not required for Summer 2026 admission.