Four-Year Degree Plan for Major in Journalism
Note that this is a sample four-year plan. There are other course sequences that will allow a student to graduate within four years as long as prerequisite courses are taken in the proper sequence. This sample plan does not guarantee course availability, and adjustments to students’ plans may be necessary if they are unable to take specific courses during specific semesters. Students who are placed into lower level FYW, MAT or other prerequisite courses will need to adjust their four-year plans accordingly. Similarly, students who bring in Advanced Placement, dual enrollment or transfer credit for courses will need to adjust their four-year plans. A minimum of a 2.0 GPA both overall and in the major is required for graduation. In addition to major requirements, all components of the Baccalaureate Experience must be completed in order to successfully graduate.
Degree Requirements
First (Freshman) Year - Fall Semester
| | Humanities/Fine Arts or Social Science (Bacc. Exp.) | 4 |
| | Social Science (Bacc. Exp.) | 3-4 |
| | General Elective | 4 |
| FYW 101 | Writing and Inquiry | 4 |
| GTW 101 | Gateways | 1 |
| | or | |
| HON 101 | Pathways to Honors 1 | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16-17 |
First (Freshman) Year - Spring Semester
Second (Sophomore) Year - Fall Semester
| JOU 271 | News Reporting and Writing | 4 |
| | General Elective | 4 |
| | Natural Science (Bacc. Exp.) | 3-4 |
| | Humanities/Fine Arts or Social Science (Bacc. Exp.) | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15-16 |
Second (Sophomore) Year - Spring Semester
| JOU 221 | Multimedia Journalism I: The Digital Tool Kit | 4 |
| JOU 273 | Practicum in Student Publications | 1-4 |
| JOU | Elective for Journalism Major | 4 |
| | Natural Science (Bacc. Exp.) | 4 |
| | Social Science (Bacc. Exp.) | 3-4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16-18 |
Third (Junior) Year - Fall Semester
| JOU 304 | Multimedia Journalism II: The Converged Newsroom | 4 |
| JOU 273 | Practicum in Student Publications | 1-4 |
| WRI 242 | Publication Editing and Design | 2-4 |
| JOU | Elective for Journalism Major | 4 |
| | General Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Third (Junior) Year - Spring Semester
| JOU 273 | Practicum in Student Publications | 1-4 |
| JOU 371 | Feature Writing | 4 |
| JOU 490 | Journalism Studies: Career Internship for Journalism Majors | 1-8 |
| JOU | Elective for Journalism Major | 4 |
| | General Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15-18 |
Fourth (Senior) Year - Fall Semester
| COM 327 | Communication and Law | 4 |
| JOU | Elective for Journalism Major | 4 |
| JOU | Elective for Journalism Major | 4 |
| | General Elective | 4 |
| JOU 273 | Practicum in Student Publications | 1-4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17-18 |
Fourth (Senior) Year - Spring Semester
| JOU 490 | Journalism Studies: Career Internship for Journalism Majors | 1-8 |
| JOU 499 | Journalism Colloquium/Portfolio | 2 |
| JOU | Elective for Journalism Major | 4 |
| | General Elective | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12-16 |
Total Credit Hours: 125-140
Colloquium/Portfolio
In the final semester of study, graduating journalism majors are required to take the two-credit senior colloquium/portfolio course. Working professionals give workshops on best practices, and the latest developments in the journalism and media industries. Students also compile and submit a portfolio of their best work (in all media) from each year of study. A preface should include a discussion of the student’s growth as a reporter, writer, and multimedia journalist. Program faculty members evaluate portfolios and select the most distinguished for awards.