The Journalism Program emphasizes ethical values and the role of journalism in modern societies. It concentrates on journalistic skills of gathering, analyzing, and presenting information and is based on the concept that journalists need a rigorous education in the liberal arts as well as in at least one specialized area of study. The study of journalism has a strong tradition at GW, which has offered journalism since the early 1920s. The economic, cultural, and political changes brought about by the Information Age are changing the way we communicate.
Journalism teaches students how to search for details, evaluate events, and communicate effects.
Journalism students benefit from a computerized classroom with CD-ROM technology and direct Internet access used primarily for reporting and writing classes. Professional journalists from the national press corps and prestigious news organizations enhance the classroom experience as adjunct faculty and guest speakers. The intersection of theory and practice is critical to the study of journalism. Majors are encouraged to enroll in at least one internship. Internships often are not only valuable learning experiences but can help students determine which aspect of journalism might be most satisfying to them.