Journalism Major

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Journalism and public relations courses will teach you how to become an effective storyteller and help you sharpen the skills that employers are looking for. As a Journalism major, you will need to take 38 credit hours of journalism courses, with a grade of C or better in each. (No more than 12 credit hours may transfer in the major.)

Required Courses (15 credits)

  • J 110 Foundations of Journalism and Mass Communications (3 cr.)
  • J 200 Reporting, Writing, and Editing I (P: ENG-W 131) (3 cr.)
  • J 210 Visual Communication (3 cr.)
  • J 300 Communications Law (P: Sophomore standing) (3 cr.)
  • J 410 Media as Social Institutions (capstone) (P: J 300 & Junior standing or above)

Concentration Core (12 credits)

Select one concentration and complete all four courses in that concentration.

Journalism Concentration

  • J 341 Newspaper Reporting (P: J 200 & J 210)
  • J 351 Newspaper Editing (P: J 200 & 210)
  • J 409 Media Management
  • Select one specialty course from the following:
    • J 343 Broadcast News (P: J 200 & J 210)
    • J 344 Photojournalism Reporting (P: J 200 & J 210)
    • J 463 Graphic Design I (P: J 200 & J 210)

Degree Map

To help you guide your four-year college journey, consult your degree map for a snapshot of classes you will be taking to finish your degree.

Sports Journalism Concentration

  • J 150 Introduction to Sports Journalism
  • J 345 Sports Journalism Writing (P: J 150, J 200 & J 210)
  • J 361 Issues in Sports Journalism (P: J 150)
  • J 409 Media Management

Degree Map

To help you guide your four-year college journey, consult your degree map for a snapshot of classes you will be taking to finish your degree.

Public Relations Concentration

  • J 219 Introduction to Public Relations
  • J 340 Public Relations Tactics and Techniques (P: J 219)
  • J 390 Public Relations Writing (P: J 200 & J 219)
  • J 428 Public Relations Planning and Research (P: J 340 & J 390)

Degree Map

To help you guide your four-year college journey, consult your degree map for a snapshot of classes you will be taking to finish your degree.

Electives

Journalism Electives: (6 credits)

Choose any two courses in journalism and public relations as long as you meet the prerequisite for that course.

Research Elective: (3 credits)

Choose in consultation with your academic advisor. Examples include: J 414 International Newsgathering Systems; J 460 Issues Management and Crisis Communications; J 460 Sports, Scandals and Society; J 475 Race, Gender and the Media.

Career Preparation: (1 credit)

You must take a career preparation course based on your chosen area of concentration:

Journalism and Sports Journalism Concentrations

  • J 402 Careers in Journalism (P: Junior standing or above), 1 cr.

Public Relations Concentration

  • J 400 Careers in Public Relations (P: Junior standing or above), 1 cr.

Internship

You must complete an internship in your field before graduation.

  • J 492 (P: By permission), 1 cr.

Recommended Journalism Curriculum

In order to provide you with guidance that will both enhance your academic experience and avoid problems meeting requirements, the Department of Journalism and Public Relations has developed the following suggested curriculum for taking Journalism courses (the below is for majors seeking the Journalism concentration). (Be sure to meet with your academic advisor to determine a plan for your general education courses, minors, certificates and other requirements.)

Freshman Year

Fall : JOUR-J110 Foundations of Journalism and Mass Communications
Spring : JOUR-J200 Reporting, Writing, & Editing 1
JOUR-J210 Visual Communications

Sophomore Year

Fall : JOUR-J341 Newspaper Reporting
Spring : JOUR-J351 News Editing

Junior Year

Fall : JOUR-J300 Communications Law
JOUR-J402 Careers in Journalism
Journalism Specialty Course
Spring : JOUR-J409 Media Management
JOUR-J492 Media Internship

Senior Year

Fall : Journalism Research Elective
Journalism Major Elective
Spring : JOUR-J410 Media as Social Institutions
Journalism Major Elective

Transfer Students

Are you thinking about continuing your education with the Department of Journalism and Public Relations? Please follow these steps to make the transfer process as smooth as possible for you:

  1. Apply to IU Indianapolis.
  2. Complete the next steps for transfer students.
  3. Make an orientation reservation. During orientation, you’ll meet with one of our academic advisors who will assist you with reviewing transfer credit, identifying remaining degree requirements, and enrollment planning.