Journalism Major: News Editorial Concentration
Why study journalism and news editorial at CMU?
The journalism program at CMU balances classroom theory with service learning and other structured hands-on experiences to prepare students for careers in journalism and mass communications. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- The only journalism program of its kind in Michigan with concentrations in advertising, news editorial, photojournalism, and public relations
- Faculty members recognized for their professional and academic experiences and associations with media around the world
- Professional development opportunities with CMU's national award-winning student newspaper, Central Michigan Life
- Internship experiences with many local, state, national, an international media and agencies, including the China Daily
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Most employers prefer individuals with a bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communications and experience gained at school newspapers or broadcasting stations or through internships with news organizations.
- Employment of advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations professionals is expected to increase 18 to 26 percent. Employment of writers and editors is expected to grow nine to 17 percent.
- Online publications and services are growing in number and sophistication, spurring the demand for writers and editors, especially those with Web experience.
Career options
Graduates of the journalism program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Author
- Copywriter
- Magazine Writer
- Graphic Designer
- Media Buyer
- Media Planner
- Newspaper Reporter or Editor
- Sports Commentator
- Technical Writer
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Journalism Major:News Editorial Concentration
A journalism major requires 39 hours of journalism course work. The last 18 hours of journalism course work leading to a journalism major should be taken within the journalism department of CMU. A grade of C or better is required in each course counted toward the major and an overall grade point average of 2.5 for all journalism courses counted toward the major.
A maximum of 44 journalism credits can be applied to graduation. No more than three credits of journalism internship can be applied toward the major. In order to graduate as a major in the Department of Journalism, a student must complete at least 80 semester hours of course work in departments other than journalism. Of those 80 semester hours, 65 must be in the liberal arts and sciences, which are listed under the University Program and area requirements for the B.A. and B.S. degrees. Each journalism major must consult with a journalism faculty advisor prior to registering for courses each semester to ensure orderly progress toward meeting these requirements.
( Total: 39 semester hours )
(3 hours)
Core Courses II
Select one of the following:
3
JRN 372 International and Cross-cultural Mass Communication
Analysis of indigenous and international media systems and their relationship to social, economic and political institutions. (University Program Group IV-A).
3
JRN 380 Racial Diversity: Mass Media's Role
Critical, historical examination of African-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American and gender stereotypes in mass media. Self-portrayals by these groups using mass media. (Group IV-C)
(21 hours)
Core Courses I
3
JRN 102 Introduction to Journalism
An introduction to journalism as a social, cultural, political, technological, and economic force; a professional field; an academic discipline, unit and program.
3
JRN 202 Writing for the Mass Media
Gathering, processing and writing information and opinion on current matters using professional standards and formats in news, public relations and advertising. Typing skills important. Prerequisites: ENG 101 (C or better).
3
JRN 203 Information Gathering for the Mass Media
Acquiring, comprehending, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information by solving journalistic problems in a variety of cases and from multiple perspectives. Pre/Co-Requisite: JRN 202.
3
JRN 220 Basic Media Photography
Camera operation, producing and processing of photographs for media use.
3
JRN 302 Introduction to Graphics and Visual Communication
Principles and techniques of publication/advertising graphics and visual communication, including typography and the printing process.
3
JRN 404 Law of Mass Communication
Principles and case studies. Prerequisites: JRN 101; junior standing.
3
JRN 500 Current Issues in Mass Communication
Examination of the role of mass communication in society through the exploration of issues, ethics, trends and decision-making processes. Prerequisite: senior standing.
(12 hours)
Required Courses
3
JRN 312 Reporting
Skills in gathering, evaluating and writing news. Prerequisites: JRN 202; ENG 201.
3
JRN 315 Editing
Copy editing, headline writing and design and layout. Prerequisites: JRN 202, JRN 302.
3
JRN 430 Magazine and Feature Writing
Experience in writing and marketing newspaper features and magazine articles. Submission of manuscripts for publication is required of each student in the course. Prerequisite: JRN 202.
3
JRN 516 Public Affairs Reporting
Coverage of government and other public issues. Prerequisite: JRN 312.
An additional Journalism course, as approved by the advisor.