Department of Journalism Programs

In a changing news media landscape, this much remains true: People still want to know what is going on in the world and local community around them. The basic skills of reporting and writing remain unchanged. What has changed are the expectations for journalists and the methods of delivery to readers and viewers.

The Journalism Department's B.A. degree provides students with a full range of the knowledge, tools, and skills they will need to be successful in this new news media landscape. The degree offers a broad liberal arts background necessary for careers in the news media and in allied fields, such as public relations, sports information, business and public service. The degree also prepares students for further study in law or graduate school.

In addition to writing, reporting and web publishing skills, the B.A. degree offers flexibility to explore more topics through elective courses. A required cognate pushes students to specialize in an area outside of journalism to immerse themselves in broader skills building or content areas, such a political science or sports.

In a changing news media landscape, this much remains true: People still want to know what is going on in the world and local community around them. The basic skills of reporting and writing remain unchanged. What has changed are the expectations for journalists and the methods of delivery to readers and viewers.

The Journalism Department's B.S. degree provides students with a full range of the knowledge, tools, and skills they will need to be successful in this new news media landscape. The degree offers a broad liberal arts background necessary for careers in the news media and in allied fields, such as public relations, sports information, business and public service. The degree also prepares students for further study in law or graduate school.

In addition to writing, reporting and web publishing skills, the B.S. degree includes a deeper immersion in technology and a required internship. A required cognate pushes students to specialize in an area outside of Journalism to immerse themselves in broader skills building or content areas, such a political science or sports.

The minor in Journalism is helpful for students looking to learn more about the news industry, and develop skills in a specific area, such as news design, magazine writing, public relations. The minor complements study in Political Science, Communication, Sports Management, and many other fields. Through advisement, Journalism minors design a plan of study after taking one required course – Basics of Journalism.

The minor in Public Relations will help prepare students for careers in media relations, publicity and promotion, public affairs and government relations, event planning, corporate communications, and crisis management. Building and maintaining positive relationships with external audiences is the core of public relations. Students will develop a combination of writing, social media, persuasive and technical skills, then apply them through tactics and media choices to create a favorable image for their clients. 

The minor draws from Journalism, Marketing, Professional Writing and Communication, Media & Screen Studies courses to help students learn about media relations and branding campaigns for corporate, governmental, and nonprofit clients. Course options in Art, Media Studies, Political Science, Public Health and Sport Management give students content-area context in the field.

Study how drones (small unmanned aerial systems) are employed for geography, environmental sciences, journalism and other industries. This interdisciplinary minor prepares students with the fundamental knowledge, skills and experience in the technological, legal and ethical considerations and applications of drones in various fields.

This minor is suited for students who are interested in learning about emerging drone technologies and how they can be applied to professional settings. The minor complements environmental sciences, geography, journalism and communication programs.

The Science, Values and Society minor is best suited for students interested in ideas, concepts and concerns located at the intersection of science and values. By engaging in these topics, the Science, Values and Society minor will gain a broader understanding of the social and ethical implications of scientific practices, scientific methodologies, and technologies. The Science, Values and Society minor is especially helpful when paired with a scientific or interdisciplinary major so that the student receives a more well-rounded scientific education, one that allows the student to fully understand the role of science within a broader societal structure.