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Broadcast Journalism, a four 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 four year plan for a student in the Broadcast Journalism program. 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. Effective academic advisement is a partnership, with advisees sharing in the responsibility.

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)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding - Creativity (3)
  • COM 115 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)
  • ENG 110 - Writing I (3)

Total hours = 15-16

Second Semester (Spring)

  • MED 204 - Media Theory (3)
  • JRN 270 - Introduction to Journalism (3)
  • MTH 130 [or higher] (3)
  • PED 100 - Fitness for Living (2)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World (4)

Total hours = 15

Third Semester (Fall)

  • JRN 284 - Broacast Performance (3)
  • JRN 381 - Broadcast News Writing (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding, Humanities (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • Minor Requirement (3)

Total hours = 15

Fourth Semester (Spring)

  • MED 365 - Media Design and Production (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Natural World with lab (4)
  • Gen. Ed. - Writing II (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • Minor Requirement(3)

Total hours = 16

Fifth Semester (Fall)

  • JRN 388 - Electronic News Gathering (3)
  • MED 382 - Radio Production (3)
  • -OR-
  • MED 383 - Television Production (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Culture and Society (3)
  • Minor Requirement (3)
  • General Elective (3)

Total hours = 18

Sixth Semester (Spring)

  • JRN 481 - Broadcast News Reporting (3)
  • MED 454 - Media Analysis and Criticism (3)
  • Minor Requirement [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Electives [may include JRN or MED courses] (6)

Total hours = 15

Seventh Semester (Fall)

  • JRN 407 - Media Law (3)
  • JRN 595 - Internship (3)
  • Minor Requirement [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Electives [at least 3 hrs at 300+ level] (6-7)

Total hours = 15-16

Eighth Semester (Spring)

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

Total hours = 15

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.

All statements in this document concerning requirements, prerequisites, conditions or other matters are for informational purposes and are subject to change.