The courses enable students to develop their storytelling talent - in words, visuals or data - and prepare them for careers in all kinds of media professions, including as reporters, writers, photographers, editors, designers, multimedia storytellers, broadcast journalists, and more. The flexible curriculum allows students to work in all kinds of traditional and new media platforms. Excellent writing skills are essential. Graduates of the program work with major journalism and media companies, as well as other industries, and have won prolific honors, including the Pulitzer Prize.
In this curriculum, core courses offer students foundational skills and professional electives and capstones allow students to develop strengths and specialization in one or more areas, such as data, coding, photojournalism, specialized reporting, audio storytelling, TV reporting and producing, design, newsroom skills, narrative nonfiction, and more.
Equipment Requirement
All students who major in journalism are required to own a Mac laptop computer with the appropriate software, a digital audio recorder and a digital camera.
More Info
The journalism curriculum provides a foundation in reporting, writing, numeracy, the use of public records, First Amendment/media law, history of media, and storytelling in a variety of platforms. Specialized coursework is offered in a variety of subjects, and the curriculum is designed to allow flexibility for faculty to develop curriculum in evolving areas (such is the case for the robust development of courses in data journalism and coding, both areas that did not exist several years ago).
Skills developed are applicable to traditional platforms of journalism, as well as new, hybrid, or non-traditional forms of media. Learning outcomes prepare students for the challenges of culturally diverse and technologically changing marketplaces.
The department has two specializations:
Journalism
Students learn base skills required for journalism- and journalism-related careers. Students gain a foundation in reporting, writing, public records, and more, and they all develop a two-course specialization in their area of interest (such as photojournalism, coding, data journalism, specialized reporting, magazine writing, and more). Students come together after these two-course specializations to work in small teams in a common capstone that emphasizes advanced project work.
Sports and Media
While still having roots in traditional journalism, this curriculum has an emphasis on sports-related coursework across the college’s departments. Students are prepared for a variety of careers in sports media. Students are required to do an internship in this curriculum, which can serve as a capstone experience.
Before Graduating Students Must
- Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.
Students in the Major Will Learn to
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Content
- Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts used by journalists.
Critical Thinking
- Conduct research and evaluation information that is accessible through advanced database and public records.
- Demonstrate reporting skills that reflect a diverse and pluralistic society.
- Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press.
Communication
- Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the journalism and communications professions and audiences.
Curriculum Map
I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed
Assessment Types
