They will be exposed to a broad perspective that has helped alumni move into editorial and managerial positions where they influence decision-making in the communications industry. Students choose either the broadcast journalism sequence or print journalism sequence. Highlights Students begin writing Washington stories the first week of the Fall semester. Assignments for Fall reporting and seminar courses take students out of the classroom and into the executive agencies and the Congress. They learn to tap other resources such as the powerful lobbyists, trade associations, think tanks, academics and other special interest groups outside of government that influence policymakers.
Students also learn from guest speakers from the Washington press corps, government and politics.
Most students examine the evolution and latest developments in new media law. Students with significant professional experience are encouraged to enroll in courses outside the School of Communication that examine public policy matters. Most students do a professional internship with one of the many national, regional or local news organizations in the nation's capitol. Resources Students are guided and taught by faculty members who have both professional experience with such outstanding news organizations as National Public Radio, The Wall Street Journal, the Public Broadcasting Service, the Associated Press, The Washington Post, The National Journal and Newsweek magazine. Their academic credentials are in disciplines such as Soviet studies, American history, journalism, mass communication and political science.