Journalism Major, B.A./B.S.

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College of Liberal Arts >> Communication and Media

40 hours; C or better required in all major courses; 2.25 major GPA required

At least 22 hours in the major must be at the 300- to 400-level; at least 12 hours must be at the 400-level.

Journalism prepares students for the world of news and information gathering, writing, editing, photography, design, and publishing for print, broadcast, and online media. Students learn journalism skills along with professional values and ethical standards in courses where both convergence and diversity are emphasized. Graduates succeed in any field where writing and a command of the language are needed.

Foundation and Advanced Communications Core (10 hours)

COMM 192 - Introduction to Mass Communication Credits: 3
COMM 494 - Mass Communication Law and Ethics Credits: 3
COMM 495 - Mass Communication Research Credits: 3
COMM 497 - Career Planning and Professional Development Credits: 1

Visual and Design Sequence (6 hours)

JRN 273 - Photojournalism Credits: 3
JRN 374 - Web Design Credits: 3 OR
JRN 388 - Social Media Journalism Credits: 3

Reporting and Writing Sequence (6 hours)

JRN 281 - News Reporting and Writing Credits: 3
JRN 381 - Journalism and Storytelling Credits: 3

Capstone Course (3 hours)

COMM 457 - Key Issues in Media Credits: 3

Directed Electives (15 hours)

NOTE: Some upper-level courses are offered alternating years.

ADV 101 - Introduction to Advertising Credits: 3
ADV 347 - Advertising Copywriting Credits: 3
COMM 221 - Social Media Communication Credits: 3
COMM 477 - Comparative Structures of Mass Media in a Global Community Credits: 3
COMM 486 - Diversity in Mass Media Credits: 3
JRN 180 - Journalism Workshop Credits: 1 (one hour/semester, up to three hours total)
JRN 374 - Web Design Credits: 3
JRN 384 - Feature Writing Credits: 3
JRN 400 - Independent Study in Journalism Credits: 1-3 (up to three hours total)
JRN 421 - Community Journalism Credits: 3
JRN 481 - Investigative Reporting Credits: 3
JRN 488 - Digital Storytelling Credits: 3
JRN 489 - Internship in Journalism Credits: 1-3
JRN 496 - Media Ethics Credits: 3
JRN 499 - Special Topics Credits: 3
PRL 101 - Introduction to Public Relations Credits: 3
PRL 362 - Writing for Public Relations Credits: 3
RTV 255 - Media Production Credits: 3
RTV 356 - Sportscasting Credits: 3
RTV 366 - Broadcast Journalism Credits: 3

Additional Information

An internship in media and work on the campus publication, The Shield, is highly recommended.