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Reed School of Media and Communications

Journalism, BSJ

Are you curious? Are you interested in current events or passionate about advocating for social change? Or maybe youā€™re creative and like storytelling ā€” verbally or visually. Journalists connect people to the world through print, web, social media, television and radio.

Journalism is a career and a calling. Itā€™s telling real stories about real people that impact lives. Whether it is a breaking news story, a sports story or a documentary, journalists are charged with seeking the truth and making it known.

Through our flexible and hands-on curriculum, you will learn to write, report and produce content across media platforms; engage with a variety of audiences; and gain valuable real-world experience by working with actual clients.

In addition to our fundamental Journalism courses, you will also have the opportunity to take a variety of special topics courses, such as adventure travel writing, data journalism and visualization, health communications, magazine design, social media strategy, sports journalism, virtual and augmented reality, and environmental journalism.

Your Degree Plan The 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Places and Spaces Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Journalism today is about connecting people with their communities and the world. Journalism students learn how to ask tough questions and deliver meaningful answers to the people who want and need to know through a variety of media.

Journalism majors are required to take core courses in media writing, media tools and applications, media law and ethics, data and design and beat reporting. Youā€™ll choose from a variety of 1-hour skills courses like podcast producing or video editing, and select two journalism electives from courses including photojournalism, video reporting and investigative reporting. By combining required courses and electives, you can specialize in a specific medium or design your own unique course of study.

All students must complete a capstone course in which they work in teams to produce multimedia stories and packages for a public audience. All coursework is done in the Collegeā€™s modern facilities, giving students access to the latest digital technology and hands-on tools.

Journalism Major Requirements
Journalism majors earn a Bachelor of Science in Journalism (BSJ) degree upon successful completion of the program.

To graduate, all College of Media majors must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours. Journalism students complete:

  • A media-focused first year seminar course
  • General Education Foundations (GEF) courses like English, math and science
  • Additional courses outside of the major including statistics, economics and sociology
  • Core media courses including writing and ethics
  • Foundation courses in Journalism
  • Journalism skills courses
  • Journalism electives based on your interests
  • Elective courses of your choosing

Tailor this major to your interests by taking one of these courses as you pursue your degree:

  • JRL 220:
    Introduction to Photojournalism

    Learn basic techniques of journalistic photography, digital imaging and editing. Students must have access to a film or digital camera.

  • JRL 318:
    Beat Reporting

    Master the essentials of developing and covering a news beat. Students generate stories, cultivate sources, and discover their community.

  • JRL 319:
    Editing and Curation

    Students develop the skills necessary to edit and design content for online and print media outlets.

  • JRL 321:
    Media Design

    An introduction to the design of newspapers, magazines and internet publications.

  • MDIA 328:
    Media Ethics and Law

    An in-depth exploration of the complex ethical and legal media landscape, with an emphasis on key historical precedents, new cases and challenges related to emerging technology, digital disinformation, artificial intelligence, new problems in social media and other current issues in journalism, public relations and advertising.

  • JRL 335:
    Video and Audio News Writing

    Gathering, researching, and evaluating facts; reporting and writing news for radio and television; editorial decision making and responsibility; broadcast news ethics.

  • JRL 487:
    Advanced Video Reporting and Producing

    This course is run as an actual newsroom to teach students how to produce, gather and report news. Students are assigned ā€œbeats,ā€ and work individually and in teams to produce news for local broadcast. Students serve as the talent and/or technical crew during newscast tapings and learn how to promote their work and engage audiences via professional social media use.

  • JRL 440:
    Visual Storytelling for the Media

    Develop practical and analytical skills in documentary production, including research, story development, scripting and editing.

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • 3+3 Program

    This major is eligible for the that allows qualified students to earn a bachelorā€™s degree and law degree in six years instead of seven years.

  • Accelerated Program

    Journalism offers the option to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in an accelerated time frame.

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity ā€” and enhance your curriculum ā€” through the 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ Honors College. Two programs are offered: for first- and second-year students and for third- and fourth-year students.

The 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Small class sizes with individualized attention.
  • Robust student media with the award-winning student newspaper and .
  • The Emmy award-winning ā€œ51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ Newsā€ student-produced broadcast news program streams on Pittsburghā€™s KDKA-TV website and airs statewide on WV Public Broadcasting.
  • partnership where professionals mentor students during live fact-checking events that are published on the orgā€™s website.
  • Funding available for study abroad and major market internships.
  • 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ College of Creative Arts and Media allows for collaborations with , Fashion Design and Merchandising, , and .
  • One of only 115 journalism/communication programs accredited worldwide by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)
  • - Discover your values and strengths to guide your educational path and personal journey.
Scholarships

Over 92% of 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

Journalism majors can participate in hands-on reporting and immersion journalism projects, such as:

  • - Learn to write, report, shoot, direct, anchor, edit and produce a newscast, working alongside professionals in a modern, HD television studio. Covering events on campus and throughout the Morgantown community, the newscast streams on Pittsburgh's KDKA-TV website, on the HD Media website and airs statewide on West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the City of Morgantownā€™s Public Access Channel.
  • - An independent, nonprofit news outlet initially incubated at the 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ Media Innovation Center. 100 Days is an open-source, co-publishing model and shares content from Appalachiaā€™s diverse communities with regional, national and international media organizations.
  • - Official student newspaper at 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ. The DA was founded in 1887 and draws students from all disciplines to contribute original content for publication. Today, the DA is an award-winning 24/7 digital-first media organization that includes print, online, video and podcasting.
  • - Since 1982, U92 The Moose, W51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ-FM is the source of new music and broadcaster development at 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ. U92 plays a daily mix of fresh alternative music, along with news, sports and specialty and curated genre shows.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the you can join.

Network with professionals in your field as a student member of:

Journalism students intern with companies like The Washington Post, TODAY, CNN, Fox News and NPR.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. Weā€™ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Search Marketing Strategists

Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $74,680

Possible job titles include: Director of Search Engine Optimization (Director of SEO), Ecommerce Marketing Manager, Internet Marketing Specialist, Senior Search Engine Optimization Specialist (Senior SEO Specialist).

Explore Career

Media Programming Directors

Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $82,510

Possible job titles include: Director, Program Director, Program Manager, Programming Director, Station Manager, Newscast Director, Production Director, Television Program Director.

Explore Career

Radio and Television Announcers

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Median Salary: $44,890

Possible job titles include: Anchor, Announcer, News Anchor, Television News Anchor (TV News Anchor).

Explore Career

News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists

Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.

Median Salary: $57,500

Possible job titles include: Anchor, Broadcast Meteorologist, News Anchor, News Director.

Explore Career

Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers

Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.

Median Salary: $73,690

Possible job titles include: Author, Freelance Writer, Novelist, Songwriter.

Explore Career

Film and Video Editors

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $66,600

Possible job titles include: Editor, News Editor, Video Editor, Videographer.

Explore Career

Places and Spaces

Learn about all of the places and spaces you'll learn in.

Featurette - Media Innovation Center - 37654 S MSS 0008 XX

Media Innovation Center

The Media Innovation Center is an open-door, cross-discipline media space that provides the latest digital and interactive tools to develop original, story-based, digital media experiences. Our co-innovation philosophy and embrace of innovation for social change leads our belief that every community should have the access, tools and skills to shape its own story, identity and future.


  • It's the next-best thing to being here ā€“ you can virtually tour residence halls and the 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ Morgantown Campus.

  • You will have it all here ā€” epic traditions, quality academics and a supportive community that feels like home.
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    Experience 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ in person and start imagining life as a Mountaineer!

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ's Journalism major, first-time freshmen must meet 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ's . Interested in transferring? Review the .

Tuition and Aid

How much does Journalism at 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ System campus.

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the Journalism major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

As the result of a special agreement, students from Ohio who are fully admitted to Journalism can enroll at 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ and pay in-state tuition rates. Students must be admitted to both the University and this major.

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ.

Review the to see if your institution is listed.

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ family.

Want to know more about Journalism at 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ? Fill out our request form to receive more information.

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ā€‹ā€‹Experiencing campus is the best way to see if 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ is the right fit. Choose from in-person and virtual options.

Visit 51ĀŅĀ×»»ĘŽ

Your first step to becoming a Mountaineer is applying for admission using our convenient online application.