Last Updated on July 16, 2026 by Dr. Bhagat
Indexing & Databases·Updated June 2026
What Is the Web of Science Master Journal List and How to Search It
The free, authoritative directory of every Web of Science journal — how to verify indexing claims and interpret what you find.
OverviewWhat the MJL is
The Master Journal List is Clarivate’s official directory of all journals indexed in the Web of Science suite. It is the canonical source for verifying indexing claims that appear constantly on journal websites — “Indexed in Web of Science” — but are often unverified or outdated.
URL: mjl.clarivate.com. Access is free and requires no login for basic searches.
SearchHow to search the MJL
Method 1: By journal title. Enter the journal name in the search bar. Partial titles work; the system uses approximate matching. Browse results and click the journal name for the detailed record.
Method 2: By ISSN. Enter the eight-digit ISSN (with or without the hyphen). This is more precise than title search, especially for journals with similar names.
Method 3: By publisher or country. Use the advanced filters to browse journals by publisher, country, or subject category. Useful for comparative analysis.
| Field | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Title / ISSN | Official journal name and identifier |
| Indexes | Which WoS indexes include the journal (SCI, SCIE, SSCI, AHCI, ESCI) |
| Coverage | First and last year of indexing |
| Status | Active, inactive, or under review |
| Publisher | Official publisher name and country |
Source: mjl.clarivate.com interface documentation
InterpretationWhat the results mean
Not all Web of Science indexing is equal. A journal in SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded) has passed rigorous quality review and receives an Impact Factor. A journal in ESCI (Emerging Sources Citation Index) is being monitored but has not yet met the criteria for SCIE or SSCI.
Always check the “Indexes” field in the MJL record. If a journal claims “Web of Science indexed” but only appears in ESCI, it does not have an Impact Factor and is not in the same tier as SCIE journals.
ESCI (Emerging Sources Citation Index) is a monitoring database for journals under evaluation. ESCI journals do not receive Impact Factors. SCIE journals are the fully accepted core collection with Impact Factors. The distinction matters for tenure and grant applications.
DeceptionCatching false claims
Some journals falsely claim “Web of Science indexed” when they were dropped years ago, or they conflate ESCI with SCIE. The MJL shows the exact coverage years and current status. If a journal’s website claims indexing but the MJL shows “inactive” or no record, the claim is false.
If a journal claims Web of Science indexing but you cannot find it in the MJL, or the coverage ended years ago, treat the claim as suspicious. Verify before submitting.
Key Takeaways
- The Master Journal List is free at mjl.clarivate.com — no subscription needed.
- Search by title, ISSN, or browse by publisher and country.
- Check the “Indexes” field to see if a journal is in SCIE, ESCI, or other indexes.
- SCIE journals have Impact Factors; ESCI journals do not.
- Always verify current status rather than relying on a journal’s own claims.
FAQPeople also ask
Is the Master Journal List free?
Yes. Basic journal verification searches are completely free and require no login or institutional access.
What is the difference between SCIE and ESCI?
SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded) is the core collection with Impact Factors. ESCI (Emerging Sources Citation Index) is a monitoring database for journals under evaluation. ESCI journals do not receive Impact Factors.
Can a journal lose Web of Science indexing?
Yes. Journals can be dropped for failing to meet quality standards, publishing irregularly, or engaging in unethical practices. The MJL shows coverage end dates for de-indexed journals.
What does “under review” status mean?
It means the journal is being evaluated for continued inclusion or potential upgrade/demotion between indexes. Check back periodically for status changes.
Can I search by subject category?
Yes. The MJL allows filtering by Web of Science category, country, publisher, and open access status. This is useful for finding journals in a specific field.
SourcesReferences & further reading
Advanced TipsPower-User Strategies for the MJL
1. Download the full journal list. The MJL allows CSV export of search results. Use this to build a personal spreadsheet of target journals with their indexing status, categories, and coverage dates.
2. Check coverage start dates. A journal may be “indexed in Web of Science” but only since 2020. If you need historical coverage for a systematic review, verify that the relevant years are included.
3. Monitor for journal transfers. Journals sometimes move between publishers (e.g., from Springer to Elsevier). The MJL updates these records, but there may be a lag. Cross-check with the new publisher’s website.
4. Verify journal name changes. The MJL tracks title changes and maintains continuity records. If a journal you published in changed names, the MJL links the old and new titles.
Common MistakesHow NOT to Use the MJL
Mistake 1: Assuming “indexed” means “has an Impact Factor.” Only journals in SCIE and SSCI receive Impact Factors. ESCI-indexed journals do not have Impact Factors (though they may in the future).
Mistake 2: Checking once and never again. Journal indexing status changes. Journals can be added or removed from indexes. Verify status close to your submission date, not months in advance.
Mistake 3: Confusing Web of Science Core Collection with all WoS products. The Core Collection (SCIE, SSCI, A&HCI, ESCI) is the primary index. Some journals are only in regional or specialized WoS products, which may not meet your institutional requirements.
Mistake 4: Relying solely on the MJL for journal quality assessment. The MJL tells you whether a journal is indexed, not whether it is high-quality. Combine MJL verification with JCR metrics, editorial board review, and quartile checks.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Is the MJL free to use?
Yes. Basic searches on the Master Journal List are free and require no login. Advanced features like bulk downloads may require registration.
How often is the MJL updated?
The MJL is updated regularly, with major updates coinciding with the annual JCR release in June. New journals added to Web of Science appear in the MJL within a few weeks of indexing.
Can a journal be removed from the MJL?
Yes. Journals that fail to maintain editorial standards, publish irregularly, or violate citation ethics can be removed from Web of Science and thus from the MJL. Always verify current status.
What is the difference between SCIE and ESCI?
SCIE (Science Citation Index Expanded) is the core index that includes journals with established Impact Factors. ESCI (Emerging Sources Citation Index) includes newer or niche journals that meet quality criteria but do not yet have Impact Factors. ESCI journals can be promoted to SCIE.
Does being in the MJL guarantee journal quality?
No. The MJL verifies indexing status, which is one indicator of minimum quality standards. However, indexed journals vary widely in prestige, selectivity, and citation impact. Always evaluate journals holistically.
Sources
- Web of Science Master Journal List
- Clarivate — clarivate.com