You must digest often complex information and reshape it into a clear, understandable story. You must master the language, including the details of punctuation, grammar, spelling and concise usage. You will develop skills in gathering information, asking the right questions of the right people to get the information you need. These skills spring from a genuine and fundamental curiosity about the world, what happens and why and a desire to share that information with readers or listeners. In an increasingly complex world, journalists need a well-rounded education.
Journalists encounter stories in every realm of human endeavor.
The more background they bring to a story, the easier they can understand and organize information. That means knowing about political science, literature, history, psychology, economics, agriculture, science, sociology, philosophy, art, business and learning a second language. Journalism students should focus on a liberal arts curriculum along with specific courses in journalism toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution. Even as freshmen, they gain experience on the staff of the student newspaper, the Northwest Trail , experience that might not come until a junior or senior year at other schools. Winner of the national Pacemaker award from Associated Collegiate Press, the Trail provides practical experience in writing, photography and page layout.