Journalism

Journalism | Courses | Faculty

108 Bartlett Hall

Degree: Bachelor of Arts

Contact: Norman Sims

Office: 108 Bartlett

Phone: 545-1376

Chair of Department:ÝProfessor Norman Sims. Professors Blais, List, Whitehead; Associate Professor McBride; Assistant Professor Israel; Adjunct Professors Newton, Roche, Simurda.

The Field

The Journalism Department has a distinguished, award-winning faculty including winners of the Pulitizer Prize and the Freedom Forum Journalism Teacher of the Year Award. It draws a diverse group of students who graduate to jobs in newspapers, magazines, television, on-line journalism, and other fields requiring skills in reporting and writing. The major emphasizes both the theory and practice of journalism. Students receive a thorough grounding in the ethics and traditions of journalism as well as the nuts and bolts of reporting and writing. Although graduates of the program end up in a variety of fields including law, government, public relations, and teaching, the major is geared for students who want to work in journalism: daily or weekly newspapers, magazines, on-line publications, and broadcast media. Alumni work at the New York Times, the Boston Globe, National Public Radio, Dateline NBC, The Associated Press, and dozens of top media outlets around the world.

The Major

1. JOURN 300 Newswriting and Reporting (4 cr), plus at least one advanced writing course offered by the department.

2. Any two of the following five courses: JOURN 312 Journalism and Law; JOURN 320 History of American Journalism; JOURN 345 Media Criticism; JOURN 360 Ethics; and JOURN 450 Freedom of the Press.

3. At least four additional elective courses from the department, numbered 200 and above, for a total of at least 26 credits in Journalism courses, but no more than 36. Neither Pass/Fail credits nor internship credits may be counted toward these requirements. No more than three credits of independent study may be applied to the major.

4. A formal minor in another department or program (except Communication), or, when no formal minor exists, 15 credits in courses numbered 200 or above in an individual concentration, with the writtten approval of the department chair.

Students are encouraged to consider studying at a university outside the United States, or completing an internship. International study and mastery of a language other than English enrich the academic experience, and internships enhance career opportunties in journalism and related fields. Students thinking about international study or internships should meet with an academic adviser as soon as possible to schedule requirements for the major during semesters in residence on campus.

Admission to the Major

Admission to the Journalism major is restricted. Students from any major are welcome to apply. Freshmen and sophomores can designate a pre-Journalism major: CAS/J. Pre-Journalism status gives priority in some classes but does not guarantee admission to the major. Students seeking to become Journalism majors should apply during the first or second semester of the sophomore year. Transfer students may be admitted directly to the major during advising or may be asked to complete more course work at the University before applying.

Students may obtain application materials from the department office. Application to the Journalism major requires a grade transcript, statement of purpose, and other materials. Please check with the department for deadlines in applying.

Career Opportunities

Journalism majors acquire qualifications for positions in which reporting, research, writing, and editing are central. These may include work for newspapers and other news organizations, book publishing, public relations, and government agencies. The major is also recognized as strong liberal-arts preparation for graduate study in such fields as journalism, mass communication, history, advertising and public relations, or law.

Journalism | Courses | Faculty