Courses are designed to foster analytical and critical thinking skills and to teach students to communicate effectively with a mass audience. Founded in 1914, the journalism program has full national accreditation by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, Nieman fellows and nationally known journalists. Journalism majors learn about media law, ethics and history, and about the media's role in an increasingly diverse society. The program emphasizes hands-on learning.
Students select either a print or electronic emphasis in their professional skills courses.
Majors choosing a print emphasis have the opportunity to write for a daily newspaper and to write, edit, design and produce a magazine. Students who select the electronic track gain on-air experience at the university radio station and report, anchor, videotape and produce a newscast aired on a local cable channel. Graduates are prepared for jobs as reporters and editors for print, broadcast and on-line media, and for positions as assignment editors, producers, managing editors, publishers and new media entrepreneurs. Courses are also offered for students interested in specialized careers such as sports reporting, business writing, arts criticism or graphic design. In addition, students are expected to take advantage of the school's internship and job placement programs.