Journalism and Mass Communication
In our classrooms, computer labs and broadcast studio, our faculty of award-winning journalists and academics teach students to report, produce and write for all forms of media. Classes include database and multi-platform reporting, investigative journalism and studio production. The curriculum also focuses on the role journalism and media play in civic and political life.
The Journalism and Mass Communication major and minor provide students with practical skills and an academic background in the role and effects of journalism and media messages. The program emphasizes analysis and critical thinking as students pursue the practical study of media and journalism, media law, history, processes, ethics and effects.
Students interested in the Journalism and Mass Communication minor should fill out a declaration form (.PDF), declaring the minor before the end of their junior year. The SMPA advisor for JMC minors is Professor Lee Huebner.
Degree Requirements
Student Stories
Intern Diary: Ariana Mushnick with Vox.com
“The information and skills I’ve learned in my SMPA classes have been extremely helpful for the work I do at Vox. As a current student in Professor Nikki Usher’s social media class, I’ve been able to directly apply skills and concepts we are learning in the course to my internship.”
Ariana Mushnick, Class of 2016, Journalism and Mass Communication
Intern Diary: Stephanie Stich on Capitol Hill
“SMPA allowed me the privilege to say I worked on "the Hill" — an opportunity that most journalism students only dream about. And for that, I'm grateful and ready to take on new challenges in my life and career.”
Stephanie Stich, Class of 2016, Journalism and Mass Communication