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Print Journalism, a four year program

The Print Journalism option of the Journalism program focuses on the journalistic tools and techniques employed in print-style news operations, inclusive of newspapers, magazines, and internet. Students in Print Journalism will receive hands on experience both in the classroom and through their required internship at a news organization.

The below schedule is only one example of a four year plan for a student in the Print 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)
  • COM 115 - Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)
  • ENG 110 - Writing I (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)

Total hours = 15-16

Second Semester (Spring)

  • MED 204 - Media Theory (3)
  • JRN 270 - Intro 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 370 - News Reporting and Writing (3)
  • JRN Elective [with advisor approval in major] (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • HST 121/122 or PLS 101 [Gen. Ed. - Public Affairs] (3)
  • Minor course (3)

Total hours = 15

Fourth Semester (Spring)

  • JRN 372 - Public Affairs Reporting (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 course (3)

Total hours = 16

Fifth Semester (Fall)

  • JRN Elective [with advisor approval in major] (3)
  • MED 454 - Media Analysis and Criticism (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Culture and Society (3)
  • Minor course (3)
  • General Elective [125 hr graduation requirement] (6)

Total hours = 18

Sixth Semester (Spring)

  • JRN 476 - Newspaper Editing (3)
  • Gen. Ed. - Self-Understanding (3)
  • Minor course [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Elective [may include JRN or MED courses] (6)

Total hours = 15

Seventh Semester (Fall)

  • JRN 407 - Media Law (3)
  • JRN Elective [with advisor approval in major] (3)
  • Minor course [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Elective (6-8)

Total hours = 15-17

Eighth Semester (Spring)

  • JRN 595 - Internship (3)
  • MED 581 - Media Ethics (3)
  • Minor course [at 300+ level] (3)
  • General Elective (6)

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 Print 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 will choose JRN electives with advisor approval, but may not count JRN 597 and no more than six (6) hours of JRN 300 courses.

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