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Broadcast Journalism, a three year program

The Broadcast Journalism option of the Journalism program focuses on the journalistic tools and techniques employed in broadcast and cable news operations. Students in Broadcast Journalism will receive hands on experience both in the classroom and through their required internship at a broadcast news organization.

The below schedule is only one example of a three (3) year plan for a student in the Broadcast Journalism program. It is possible to complete the program in three years by taking six credit hours for three summer sessions. This example plan should not be used as a strict guide to completion of the program. Please see your advisor early in your first semester to discuss possible variations of your own degree plan.

First Semester (Fall)

  • MED 120 - Mass Media and Society [fulfills one Gen. Ed - Culture and Society] (3)
  • IDS 110 - Intro to University Life (1)
  • CIS/CSC 101 - Computers for Learning (2-3)
  • COM 115 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)
  • ENG 110 - Writing I (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • PED 100 - Fitness for Living (2)

Total hours = 17-18

Second Semester (Spring)

  • MED 204 - Media Theory (3)
  • JRN 270 - Introduction to Journalism (3)
  • MED 365 - Media Design and Production (3)
  • MTH 130 [or higher] (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • Minor Requirement (3)

Total hours = 18

Third Semester (Summer)

  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding, Humanities (3)
  • General Elective (3)

Total hours = 6

Fourth Semester (Fall)

  • JRN 284 - Broacast Performance (3)
  • JRN 381 - Broadcast News Writing (3)
  • JRN 388 - Electronic News Gathering (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World (4)
  • General Electives (3)
  • Minor Requirement (3)

Total hours = 19

Fifth Semester (Spring)

  • JRN 481 - Broadcast News Reporting (3)
  • MED 382 - Radio Production (3)
  • -OR-
  • MED 383 - Television Production (3)
  • MED 454 - Media Analysis and Criticism (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World with lab (4)
  • Gen. Ed. - Writing II (3)
  • Minor Requirement (3)

Total hours = 19

Sixth Semester (Summer)

  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Culture and Society (3)

Total hours = 6

Seventh Semester (Fall)

  • JRN 407 - Media Law (3)
  • JRN 595 - Internship (3)
  • Minor Requirements [at 300+ level] (6)
  • General Electives [125 hr graduation requirement] (6)

Total hours = 18

Eighth Semester (Spring)

  • MED 581 - Media Ethics (3)
  • Minor Requirement [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Electives [at least 3 hrs at 300+ level] (9-10)

Total hours = 15-16

Ninth Semester (Summer)

  • General Elective (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)

Total hours = 6

Depending on the credit load carried by students each semester, students may need to take up to one additional credit hour of intercession classes at the 300+ level in order to reach the 125 hours required to graduate.

Students must earn a 3.0 or better GPA in MED 120, 204 and JRN 270 and have a 2.25 combined GPA in order to be admitted to the major.

The Broadcast Journalism major requires a minor.   No course may count for both the major and the minor.  The minor should be selected in consultation with the advisor.

Periodicity of many classes is important, with many scheduled as F (fall) or S (spring) only classes.  Check catalog.

Students need a minimum of 40 hours of coursework at a 300+ course level in order to graduate.

Students should get on the waiting list for MED 365 during the first semester on campus.

Summer suggestions may be substituted for a variety of general education requirements listed in the fall and spring semesters.

All statements in this document concerning requirements, prerequisites, conditions or other matters are for informational purposes and are subject to change. Effective academic advisement is a partnership, with advisees sharing in the responsibility.