Journalism at USI
A degree in journalism prepares students for the journalism profession and other related careers in the field of communications.
Courses focus on sharpening writing and editing skills, capturing photos and video, creating engaging content for the web and analyzing and evaluating news. Journalism courses focus on reporting and writing, copyediting, and visual elements such as photography and graphic design.
Campus media outlets provide opportunities for students to master their skills. They can gain valuable experience at The Shield, 95.7 The Spin, Streaming Eagles Studio and Access USI. Students also intern at newspapers, magazines and radio and TV stations where they gain professional experience and develop contacts in the industry.
Major in Journalism
40 hours; C or better required in all major courses; 2.25 major GPA required
At least 22 hours in the major must be at the 300- to 400-level; at least 12 hours must be at the 400-level.
COMM 192 - Introduction to Mass Communication Credits: 3
COMM 494 - Mass Communication Law and Ethics Credits: 3
COMM 495 - Mass Communication Research Credits: 3
COMM 497 - Career Planning and Professional Development Credits: 1
JRN 273 - Photojournalism Credits: 3
JRN 374 - Web Design Credits: 3
or
JRN 388 - Social Media Journalism Credits: 3
JRN 281 - News Reporting and Writing Credits: 3
JRN 381 - Journalism and Storytelling Credits: 3
JRN 423 - Key Issues in Journalism Credits: 3
Selected from the following (NOTE: Some upper-level courses are offered alternating years):
ADV 101 - Introduction to Advertising Credits: 3
ADV 347 - Advertising Copywriting Credits: 3
COMM 221 - Social Media Communication Credits: 3
COMM 477 - Comparative Structures of Mass Media in a Global Community Credits: 3
COMM 486 - Diversity in Mass Media Credits: 3
JRN 180 - Journalism Workshop Credits: 1 (one hour/semester, up to three hours total)
JRN 374 - Web Design Credits: 3
JRN 384 - Feature Writing Credits: 3
JRN 400 - Independent Study in Journalism Credits: 1-3 (up to three hours total)
JRN 421 - Community Journalism Credits: 3
JRN 481 - Investigative Reporting Credits: 3
JRN 488 - Digital Storytelling Credits: 3
JRN 489 - Internship in Journalism Credits: 1-3
JRN 496 - Media Ethics Credits: 3
JRN 499 - Special Topics Credits: 3
PRL 101 - Introduction to Public Relations Credits: 3
PRL 362 - Writing for Public Relations Credits: 3
RTV 255 - Media Production Credits: 3
RTV 356 - Sportscasting Credits: 3
RTV 366 - Broadcast Journalism Credits: 3
Minor in Journalism
18 hours; C or better required in all courses; 2.25 minor GPA required
COMM 192 - Introduction to Mass Communication Credits: 3
JRN 281 - News Reporting and Writing Credits: 3
JRN 381 - Journalism and Storytelling Credits: 3
JRN 423 - Key Issues in Journalism Credits: 3
Complete six (6) hours of upper-level Journalism (JRN) coursework, as directed by advisor.
