Dr. Mark Schoofs

Associate Professor

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Biography

Pulitzer Prize-winner Mark Schoofs leads investigative journalism programming at USC Annenberg School of Journalism. With a 30-year career in journalism, Schoofs has reported on global issues, edited Chicago’s lesbian gay newsweekly, Windy City, and successfully crusaded for gay rights. He won the Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on the AIDS crisis in Africa while at New York’s Village Voice and shared the Pulitzer Prize with the Wall Street Journal for coverage of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. His impactful work on Medicare fraud was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Schoofs has taught journalism to undergraduates at Yale University and has managed complex investigations at ProPublica, uncovering exploitative labor practices and dangers associated with common painkillers like Tylenol. He played a pivotal role in building BuzzFeed News’ investigative reporting team into a powerhouse of innovative journalism. His team has been recognized with numerous awards including the George Polk Award, National Magazine Award, Scripps Howard Award, and the British Journalism Awards, and their work was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize twice.

Research Interests

Courses

JOUR 490x: Directed Research JOUR 539: Introduction to Investigative Reporting 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.