program description

the bachelor of arts in journalism prepares students for careers in journalism. this is accomplished by providing instruction that requires students to demonstrate a working knowledge of the skills, laws, ethics, power, and responsibilities of the news media. a strong liberal arts education also is required.

the main goals of the program's skills courses are to help students become accurate and thorough researchers; incisive thinkers who can gauge the quality of information; precise, clear, and graceful writers; technically, aesthetically fine photojournalists; and competent digital technologists. many students choose the major because these skills provide excellent preparation for numerous occupations, not only for journalism.

students in the print/online concentration are required to take introductory courses in research, reporting, writing, digital skills, and editing. photojournalism concentration students are required to take introductory courses in writing, digital skills, and reporting as well as courses in basic photography and news photography. all students are required to take courses in multimedia journalism. specialized courses for print/online students reflect different areas of expertise–feature writing, public journalism, opinion writing, investigative reporting, magazine writing, design courses, and visual journalism for writers and editors.