Clear, focused writing is a critical skill for all Journalism and Mass Communication students. At least 90 of those graduation hours are outside the School of Journalism and 65 of those 90 hours should be in liberal arts courses. In addition SJMC majors complete a 21 credit-hour block of courses from outside the School approved by the adviser and dean. This concentration, usually taken in a single department, is matched to the student's major or other special interest. The School of Journalism and Mass Communication maintains fully equipped video and audio production studios and a remote production truck.
Students operate a cable stereo radio service.
Electronic Media produces news, sports and public service programs for cable channel 98 serving Greater Des Moines. E-Media students have multiple opportunities for traditional and corporate internships. In a typical month, interns work at the ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox and public television affiliates in Des Moines. Students regularly intern for Des Moines' 18 radio stations. Drake Line won the 1993 Student Emmy for Best Newscast in an 11-state region.