Areas of Study
Print | Broadcast | Photojournalism | Multimedia | Sports
Journalism courses are divided broadly into skills and studies courses and more narrowly within those two categories according to their level and probable writing content. In addition, courses are divided into the school’s four areas of professional concentration:
Print (Newspaper, Magazine, or Copy Editing and Design)
The print area of study is designed to add to the appreciation and understanding of magazine and newspaper journalism in society. Upon finishing the required coursework, students will be prepared for employment at any type of magazine (general consumer, trade, etc.) or newspaper, or possibly both. This area emphasizes writing, editing and layout skills. An introduction to computers and new software programs provides graduates with the skills necessary for desktop publishing. Also, students are introduced to aspects of visual design, and layout and design skills.
Broadcast
Journalism students will learn not only the hands-on skills necessary to use basic and new technologies, but also the critical thinking, writing, reporting, producing and photography skills to meet challenges in the professional world. Students in the program also get the opportunity to learn directing and producing skills relevant to broadcast news.
Photojournalism
Students are introduced to the photographic techniques and styles of newspapers, magazine, public relations, advertising, general business/institutional use and long-term documentary work, as well as photographic techniques and styles used for artistic and personal expression. Photojournalism teaches the fundamental skills for assignment photography and includes concerns of subject matter, shooting, printing, posing, lighting for location and studio, and ethics. Presentation skills for portfolio, exhibition, printing, electronic media, graphic design, and digital image processing are also taught.
Multimedia Journalism
The multimedia area focuses on the emerging electronic media outlets for journalists. Here students learn the theory, practice and skills needed for online, new media and other computer-based journalism opportunities.
Courses in each area have prerequisites appropriate to their skill level; prerequisites may include testing, an interview, or other procedures in conjunction with an application process. This application process, separate from the university admissions application, occurs when the student has met all requirements necessary to move from a pre-journalism to journalism major. Please see Theresa Thomas, the undergraduate academic advisor, in CMA A6.146 to discuss these additional requirements.
Sports Journalism
Students will be exposed to a variety of topics and experiences, including television production, investigative reporting, column writing, public relations and the ever-broadening multi-media world of sports journalism. The goal is to strengthen writing and reporting skills and provide access to the expertise and insights of some of the top journalist, broadcasters and PR people in the country.