School of Undergraduate Studies

Journalism Minor

• Program Objectives
• Course Requirements

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Journalism

Students may seek an academic minor in journalism.

Effective communication in public relations and mass media careers requires the ability to create effective messages given different audiences and contexts. Combined with an understanding of legal and ethical implications, you’ll be well-equipped with the skills you need for significant career advancement.

Objectives

The student who graduates with a minor in journalism will be able to:

• Apply communication theories—including both speech communication and mass communication theories—to various situations and contexts.
• Explain the role media and mass communication play in society.
• Identify the legal and ethical implications of communication and produce messages that are ethically and legally responsible.
• Apply fundamental concepts and techniques in public relations and mass media writing to create effective messages to different audiences and within different contexts.
• Use tools and technology to gather information, as well as to develop and deliver messages.
• Critically analyze information for creating effective oral or written messages and evaluating messages.

Journalism Minor - Course Requirements

A minor in journalism requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in journalism and communication studies. All JOUR and COMM courses apply. At least 9 credits must be earned in JOUR courses. Students are recommended to take JOUR 201 and 202 first, followed by COMM 300 and 400 (if they have not already applied the courses toward other degree requirements).

Courses may not duplicate those used to satisfy requirements for the major. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.