The study of journalism entails the mastery of working with people to present news and features in a way that reflects events accurately and fully. In the broadcast program students will acquire skills in analytical thinking, lucid writing, and effective interviewing to be able to present a clear and forceful picture of their subject in words and images. To have a broad background, students are encouraged to earn more than 60 percent of their credits in other departments, thereby developing a wide understanding of the world and the processes that make society work. In addition, students will become familiar with methods of writing that effectively reach mass audiences and that portray events and people in satisfying ways. Since a wide range of knowledge is essential within the field, students will study libel law, the process of communication, and such areas as the interaction between the mass media and society today.

Students in the program work with the Daily News, where they are responsible for daily student television newscasts on campus and community cable. The lab contains 20 student work stations high-tech software and a news set with ParkerVision computer controlled cameras.

The broadcast program and its students have received recognition from national organizations including the National Association of Broadcasters, Hearst Awards Program, and the Society of Professional Journalists. 

Major Requirements

1. Complete one course from the following: Engl 150, Honrs 150, Phil 150 (must receive a B grade or better to be eligible to apply for admission to the program).

2. Complete the following: Comms 101, 211, 275 (must receive a B grade or better to be eligible to apply for admission to the program).

3. Apply to the major.

4. Complete the following: Comms 239, 300, 308, 325, 385, 486.

5. After consulting with a faculty advisor, complete an internship in conjunction with 4 hours of the following: Comms 399R.

    Note: A C- grade or better in the following prerequisite courses must be achieved before the internship experience: Comms 308, 325.

6. Complete one course from each of the three clusters (9 hours total) from the following department electives:

    Cluster 1:  Comms 302, 351, 411, 416

    Cluster 2:  Comms 301, 360, 406, 480

    Cluster 3:  Comms 381, 382, 481, 482

7.Complete 80 credit hours outside the Department of Communications, including 65 credits in liberal arts and sciences.