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

Journalism

Required Core Coursework

Pre-Approved Two-Course Sequences

6 credits

Students select a two-course sequence in an area of specialization. Students may work with an advisor and the department chair to customize a plan. Students must have appropriate prereqs to enter the first course in the specialization. Students must take course 1 before JOU 4950 and can be simultaneously enrolled in course 2 with JOU 4950, but it is preferred that both courses are completed before taking JOU 4950.

Minimum grade of C required in these courses

Selecting an area of emphasis does not preclude students from taking courses in other areas. Students are able to create personalized degree plans in collaboration with an advisor.

Professional Electives | 14 credits

Students may take any other 3000-level or above courses in the College of Journalism and Communications to count as electives, including other courses in two-course sequences above. Students are encouraged to work with faculty members to construct electives that best meet career goals.

Up to six credits of professional Journalism Internship (JOU 4940) and up to 3 credits of Electronic Media Practicum (RTV 3945) will count as Professional Elective credit. Internship courses in Public Relations, Advertising, and Telecommunication will not count as Professional Elective credit. Minimum grade of C required in College of Journalism and Communications upper division courses.

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• Complete 1 of 6 critical tracking courses: MMC 1009, ENC 1102, MMC 2604, STA 2023, ECO 2013, JOU 3110
• 2.0 GPA on all work at all institutions

Semester 2

• Complete an additional 2 of 6 critical-tracking courses
• 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
• 2.5 GPA on all work at all institutions

Semester 3

• Complete 1 additional critical-tracking courses
• 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
• 2.5 GPA on all work at all institutions

Semester 4

• Complete all critical-tracking courses
• 2.0 GPA required for all critical-tracking courses
• 2.5 GPA on all work at all institutions

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

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

1. Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts used by journalists.

Critical Thinking

2. Conduct research and evaluation information that is accessible through advanced database and public records.
3. Demonstrate reporting skills that reflect a diverse and pluralistic society.
4. Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press.

Communication

5. 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

• Exams
• Story Evaluation