Journalists will always provide the news that people need by finding out what is happening in their neighborhoods, their cities, their states, and their nation and by informing citizens about items they need to know. Students who study journalism learn how to write well and quickly. They learn how to do research and analyze what they find. They learn how to ask the right questions, find the right documents, and communicate what they’ve discovered in an engaging way. Changing technology has opened opportunities for journalists such as blogging, editing, and shooting video and photos for newspapers, radio, television, and online news organizations. They also find work in related fields, such as public relations and advertising. Many journalism majors also go on to graduate school or law school.
Students majoring in journalism must complete 39 credit hours of study as outlined below, and take “ CMST 101 Public Speaking - OC (3 credits) ” or “ CMST 110 Introduction to Communication Studies - OC (3 credits) ” for the oral communication requirement of their general education program, and take “JOU 110 Introduction to Mass Communication - SB (3 credits) - SB (3 credits)” as one of the courses for the Individual & Society requirement in their general education program. It is the policy of the Communication Department that the courses offered by the department (CMST, COM, DFX, EMB, HCOM, JOU, POP, PRE courses) cannot be double counted toward the majors and minors in the department unless the required course is the only option.
Special graduation requirements: All majors and minors must earn a letter grade of C- or better and a 2.0 GPA in their major or minor courses.
Four-Year Plan: Click here to view the Four-Year Plan for this specific program. To find out more about Four-Year Plans, visit the Policies and Procedures page.
♦ Indicates prerequisite.
