JOURNALISM
WHAT IS JOURNALISM?
Journalism has to do with the gathering, preparing, and dissemination of information through various means, such as newspapers, magazines, wire services, Web sites, radio, and television. Competitive, but incredibly diverse and dynamic, the journalism major imparts strong communication and research skills and fosters the ability to synthesize ideas.
WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?
The journalism degree is an extremely flexible and creative one in that it exposes you to a broad range of communication issues. With a journalism degree you will learn to look at the media critically, to write and speak concisely and effectively, as well as learn about new forces shaping human communication like digital media and global communications. Journalists generally specialize in two different areas, print or broadcast journalism. Print journalism focuses on newspaper, magazine, and Internet writing while broadcast focuses on reporting for radio and TV. Here are some classes you'll likely take as a journalism major:
- Broadcast Journalism
- Corporate Communication/Public Relations
- Feature Writing
- Mass Media Law
- Photojournalism
- News Writing and Reporting
In addition to course work, internship programs are an excellent way to gain experience in the field.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A DEGREE IN JOURNALISM?
A degree in journalism provides all kinds of possibilities, especially for entrepreneurial students who complete internships while in school. People with journalism degrees take jobs with newspapers, magazines, television stations, in corporate marketing and public relations departments, work in advertising, serve as spokespeople for politicians and political candidates, run nonprofit organizations, and succeed in sales jobs. Students interested in pursuing graduate degrees use their journalism backgrounds as a springboard for law school, graduate study in psychology, business, and other fields.