Journalism
The University of Oregon undergraduate program is based on the premise that the best professional communicator is broadly educated. In accordance with national accrediting standards, students must take at least 104 credits in courses outside the School of Journalism and Communication. A maximum of 76 credits in the 180-credit undergraduate program may be in journalism and communication courses. Students learn about media practice and effects. They study the role of the media in society, the history of journalism, visual communication, the ethics of media practices, the economics of the media, new media technologies, international communication, diversity in the media, and the legal and social responsibilities of the media.
Undergraduate Studies
The role of the school’s undergraduate program is to provide students with the creative, critical, and problem-solving skills they need to become ethical, professional communicators and critical media consumers.
Premajor Admission
New students planning to major in journalism enter the university as premajors and do not need to meet special admission requirements beyond the general university requirements.
Each premajor is assigned to a journalism and communication advisor who assists in planning programs, answering questions, and tracking progress toward admission as a major and toward graduation. Students should check with an advisor at least once a year to ensure that requirements are being met. In addition, students will be assigned a faculty advisor, who will guide them through the portfolio process. The director of student services for the school supervises undergraduate academic advising.
A university student in another major may switch to a journalism premajor online on the School of Journalism and Communication website. To become a premajor, a student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 for all work at the University of Oregon.
Premajor Program
Students must complete the school’s premajor core curriculum, and earn grades of C or better:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| J 100 | Media Professions | 2 |
| J 101 | Grammar for Communicators | 2 |
| J 201 | Media and Society | 4 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Admission as a Major
Admission to the School of Journalism and Communication is competitive. The faculty considers applications from premajor students who have
- completed 24 or more graded credits of course work at the University of Oregon, earning a cumulative UO GPA of at least 2.90
- completed College Composition I (WR 121) and College Composition II (WR 122) or College Composition III (WR 123) with grades of P or C– or better
- completed the school’s premajor core curriculum
A student’s GPA is a major factor in the admissions decision. Students with a GPA of 3.25 or higher are guaranteed admission to the major.
Applicants with grade point averages between 2.90 and 3.24 are evaluated and judged competitively by an admissions committee as applications are received. The admissions committee considers the requirements listed above and other materials that applicants submit, including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a portfolio. Students with a GPA below 2.90 may petition the committee for admission. The committee has the option of waiving any of the requirements listed above if evidence of a candidate’s high potential for success in the major is presented and approved.
Transfer Students
Students transferring to the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication enter as premajors. They apply to the University of Oregon Office of Admissions and are accepted as premajors if they meet the university’s general standards for admission. To be admitted to major status, transfer students must meet the school’s requirements for admission as a major.
Transfer Credit
The School of Journalism and Communication accepts journalism credits earned at other colleges and universities as follows:
- Credits earned at schools of journalism accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications are accepted for journalism credit and may fulfill specific course requirements
- Journalism credits may be accepted from unaccredited journalism programs, but they may not be used to meet specific course requirements. They do count toward the 76-credit limit set by national accrediting standards
- Regardless of the number of credits transferred, students must take at least 27 credits of journalism in residence to earn a degree from the University of Oregon
- Students may not take more than 76 credits in journalism courses out of the 180 total credits required for a bachelor’s degree. They may, however, add credits to the 180-credit total to accommodate extra journalism credits (e.g., take 186 credits to accommodate as many as 82 credits in journalism)
- The school accepts equivalent courses taught at other colleges to meet the Media and Society (J 201) requirement for application to be a major, and may accept equivalent courses to meet other core requirements if approved by the associate dean for undergraduate affairs
Transfer students who want to discuss the transfer policy may consult the associate dean, director of student services, or the advisors in the Student Services Center.
The school offers course work leading to bachelor of arts (BA) and bachelor of science (BS) degrees. Major requirements are the same for each. Differences between the two degrees are explained under Requirements for Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in the Bachelor's Degree Requirements section of this catalog.
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism Premajor Requirements* | ||
| J 100 | Media Professions | 2 |
| J 101 | Grammar for Communicators | 2 |
| J 201 | Media and Society | 4 |
| Journalism Major Requirements | ||
| J 211 | Gateway to Media | 8 |
| J 212 | Writing for Communicators | 4 |
| J 213 | Fact or Fiction | 4 |
| Core Context Requirement | ||
| J 320 | Gender, Media, and Diversity | 4 |
| J 385 | Communication Law | 4 |
| J 397 | Media Ethics | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Media History | ||
| International Communication | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Media Technologies and Society: [Topic] | ||
| Culture and Power in the Media: [Topic] | ||
| Media Structures and Regulation: [Topic] | ||
| Research Methods: [Topic] | ||
| Journalism Major Requirements | ||
| J 361 | Reporting I | 4 |
| J 462 | Reporting II | 4 |
| J 463 | Specialized Reporting: [Topic] | 4 |
| Select two from either the writing or the visual concentration: | 8 | |
| Writing Concentration | ||
| Feature Writing I | ||
| Newspaper Editing | ||
| Advanced News Editing | ||
| Feature Writing II | ||
| The Journalistic Interview | ||
| Visual Concentration | ||
| Digital Video Production | ||
| Documentary Production | ||
| Reporting for Electronic Media | ||
| Advanced Television News | ||
| Media Design: [Topic] | ||
| Advanced Photojournalism: [Topic] | ||
| Four additional credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Internship: [Topic] | ||
| Workshop: [Topic] 1 | ||
| Terminal Project | ||
| Specialized Reporting: [Topic] | ||
| OR Magazine | ||
| Flux Production | ||
| And any additional concentration course not previously taken | ||
| Elective: At least four journalism credits are needed to reach the minimum 72 | 4 | |
| General Studies Requirements | 104 | |
| At least 104 non-journalism credits, including one of the following: | ||
A non-SOJC minor | ||
A non-SOJC concentration 2 | ||
A non-SOJC double major | ||
| Minimum 2.9 cumulative UO GPA | ||
| Total Credits | 176 | |
| 1 | Only J408 workshops intended for journalism majors will be eligible. J408 workshops intended for media studies, advertising and public relations majors are not suitable for this section. |
| 2 | A non-SOJC concentration is at least 24 credits from the same non-SOJC subject code. 12 must be upper division credits and 4 of those 12 must be a 400-level course. All courses must be taken graded and passed with a C- or better. Not all subjects are suitable for a concentration; consult an SOJC advisor. |
Bachelor of Science in Journalism Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism Premajor Requirements* | ||
| J 100 | Media Professions | 2 |
| J 101 | Grammar for Communicators | 2 |
| J 201 | Media and Society | 4 |
| Full Major Core | ||
| J 211 | Gateway to Media | 8 |
| J 212 | Writing for Communicators | 4 |
| J 213 | Fact or Fiction | 4 |
| Core Context Requirement | ||
| J 320 | Gender, Media, and Diversity | 4 |
| J 385 | Communication Law | 4 |
| J 397 | Media Ethics | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Media History | ||
| International Communication | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Media Technologies and Society: [Topic] | ||
| Culture and Power in the Media: [Topic] | ||
| Media Structures and Regulation: [Topic] | ||
| Communication Ethics and Law: [Topic] | ||
| Journalism Major Requirements | ||
| J 361 | Reporting I | 4 |
| J 462 | Reporting II | 4 |
| J 463 | Specialized Reporting: [Topic] | 4 |
| Select two from either the writing or the visual concentration: | 8 | |
| Writing Concentration | ||
| Feature Writing I | ||
| Newspaper Editing | ||
| Advanced News Editing | ||
| Feature Writing II | ||
| The Journalistic Interview | ||
| Visual Concentration | ||
| Digital Video Production | ||
| Photojournalism | ||
| Documentary Production | ||
| Reporting for Electronic Media | ||
| Advanced Television News | ||
| Media Design: [Topic] | ||
| Advanced Photojournalism: [Topic] | ||
| Four additional credits from the following: | 4 | |
| Internship: [Topic] | ||
| Workshop: [Topic] 1 | ||
| Terminal Project | ||
| Specialized Reporting: [Topic] (different topic than selected above) | ||
| OR Magazine | ||
| Flux Production | ||
| And any additional concentration course not previously taken | ||
| Elective: At least four journalism credits are needed to reach the minimum 72 | 4 | |
| General Studies Requirements | 104 | |
| At least 104 non-journalism credits, including one of the following: | ||
A non-SOJC minor | ||
A non-SOJC concentration 2 | ||
A non-SOJC double major | ||
| Total Credits | 176 | |
| 1 | Only J408 workshops intended for journalism majors will be eligible. J408 workshops intended for media studies, advertising and public relations majors are not suitable for this section. |
| 2 | A non-SOJC concentration is at least 24 credits from the same non-SOJC subject code. 12 must be upper division credits and 4 of those 12 must be a 400-level course. All courses must be taken graded and passed with a C- or better. Not all subjects are suitable for a concentration; consult an SOJC advisor. |
Additional Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 72 credits and a maximum of 76 credits in journalism, of which at least 27 must be taken at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication and at least 40 must be upper division
- Satisfactory completion of at least 104 credits in academic fields other than journalism. A student who graduates with 180 credits must count no more than 76 credits (including transfer credits) in journalism toward the degree
- Students must take a minimum of 40 upper-division credits in journalism, including prerequisites
- Majors and premajors must take all school courses for letter grades unless a course is only offered pass/no pass (P/N). All graded journalism courses taken to satisfy the major must be passed with a grade of mid-C or better
- A cumulative GPA of 2.70 or better in courses taken in the School of Journalism and Communication at the time of graduation
Internship
A major may earn no more than 9 credits in Internship: [Topic] (J 404).
Honors Program
Departmental or program honors shall be available to all qualified students. Departments and programs must maintain accessible, transparent and accurate information about their honors program in the University Catalog. This information may also be published on department or program websites.
The honors program provides high-achieving students the opportunity to develop analytic, creative, critical thinking and research skills in small-group, discussion-oriented courses. The program develops a small multidisciplinary community of communications scholars from all the majors within the School of Journalism and Communication.
Students take three honors courses focusing on media theory, research, or issues, which partially fulfill the context course requirement. In addition, students complete an original piece of scholarship or creative work in the senior year.
The program targets journalism majors entering their junior year who have a minimum 3.50 cumulative UO GPA. Applications are accepted each spring for the following year’s cohort. Clark Honors College students are eligible to apply. More information is available on the school's website.
Second Bachelor’s Degree
Students who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to earn a second bachelor’s degree in the School of Journalism and Communication may apply for premajor status through the university’s Office of Admissions. Upon fulfilling the requirements for application for admission, they may apply for major status. Students must complete the university requirements for the BA or BS. Credits, including transfer credits, earned for the first bachelor’s degree may count toward meeting the requirements as long as they conform to the transfer-credit policy outlined previously.
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism: Advertising Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism Premajor Requirements* | ||
| J 100 | Media Professions | 2 |
| J 101 | Grammar for Communicators | 2 |
| J 201 | Media and Society | 4 |
| Full Major Core | ||
| J 211 | Gateway to Media | 8 |
| J 212 | Writing for Communicators | 4 |
| J 213 | Fact or Fiction | 4 |
| Core Content Requirement | ||
| J 320 | Gender, Media, and Diversity | 4 |
| J 385 | Communication Law | 4 |
| J 397 | Media Ethics | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Media History | ||
| International Communication | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Media Technologies and Society: [Topic] | ||
| Culture and Power in the Media: [Topic] | ||
| Media Structures and Regulation: [Topic] | ||
| Strategic Communications Research | ||
| Research Methods: [Topic] | ||
| Advertising Major Requirements | ||
| J 342 | The Creative Strategist | 4 |
| Select at least four from the following: | 16 | |
| Advertising Media Planning | ||
| Agency Account Management | ||
| Curiosity for Strategists | ||
| Writing Design Concepts | ||
| Branding and Content | ||
| Brand Development: [Topic] | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Advertising Campaigns | ||
| Advanced Advertising Campaigns | ||
| Elective: At least four journalism credits are needed to reach the minimum 72 | 4 | |
| General Studies Requirements | ||
| At least 104 non-journalism credits, including one of the following: | 104 | |
A non-SOJC minor | ||
A non-SOJC concentration 1 | ||
A non-SOJC double major | ||
| *Completion of UO's writing composition requirement (WR 121 and either WR 122 or WR 123). Students in the Clark Honors College are exempt. | ||
| Minimum 2.90 cumulative UO GPA | ||
| Total Credits | 176 | |
| 1 | A non-SOJC concentration is at least 24 credits from the same non-SOJC subject code. 12 must be upper division credits and 4 of those 12 must be a 400-level course. All courses must be taken graded and passed with a C- or better. Not all subjects are suitable for a concentration; consult an SOJC advisor. |
Bachelor of Science in Journalism: Advertising Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism Premajor Requirements* | ||
| J 100 | Media Professions | 2 |
| J 101 | Grammar for Communicators | 2 |
| J 201 | Media and Society | 4 |
| Full Major Core | ||
| J 211 | Gateway to Media | 8 |
| J 212 | Writing for Communicators | 4 |
| J 213 | Fact or Fiction | 4 |
| Core Content Requirement | ||
| J 320 | Gender, Media, and Diversity | 4 |
| J 385 | Communication Law | 4 |
| J 397 | Media Ethics | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Media History | ||
| International Communication | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Media Technologies and Society: [Topic] | ||
| Culture and Power in the Media: [Topic] | ||
| Media Structures and Regulation: [Topic] | ||
| Strategic Communications Research | ||
| Research Methods: [Topic] | ||
| Advertising Major Requirements | ||
| J 342 | The Creative Strategist | 4 |
| Select at least four from the following: | 16 | |
| Advertising Media Planning | ||
| Agency Account Management | ||
| Curiosity for Strategists | ||
| Writing Design Concepts | ||
| Branding and Content | ||
| Brand Development: [Topic] | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Advertising Campaigns | ||
| Advanced Advertising Campaigns | ||
| Elective: At least four journalism credits are needed to reach the minimum 72 | 4 | |
| General Studies Requirements | ||
| At least 104 non-journalism credits, including one of the following: | 104 | |
A non-SOJC minor | ||
A non-SOJC concentration 1 | ||
A non-SOJC double major | ||
| *Completion of UO's writing composition requirement (WR 121 and either WR 122 or WR 123). Students in the Clark Honors College are exempt. | ||
| Minimum 2.90 cumulative UO GPA | ||
| Total Credits | 176 | |
| 1 | A non-SOJC concentration is at least 24 credits from the same non-SOJC subject code. 12 must be upper division credits and 4 of those 12 must be a 400-level course. All courses must be taken graded and passed with a C- or better. Not all subjects are suitable for a concentration; consult an SOJC advisor. |
Additional Requirements
- Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 76 credits in journalism, of which at least 27 must be taken at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication and at least 40 must be upper division
- Satisfactory completion of at least 104 credits in academic fields other than journalism. A student who graduates with 180 credits must count no more than 76 credits (including transfer credits) in journalism toward the degree
- Majors and premajors must take all school courses for letter grades unless a course is only offered pass/no pass (P/N). All graded journalism courses taken to satisfy the major must be passed with a grade of mid-C or better
- A cumulative GPA of 2.70 or better in courses taken in the School of Journalism and Communication at the time of graduation
Four-Year Degree Plan
Requirements for the School of Journalism and Communication are complex, and students are strongly encouraged to consult with an advisor in the school’s Student Services Center to ensure accurate interpretation of requirements and timely degree completion. For more information on student services and academic requirements, visit the website.
- Master of Arts in Journalism
- Master of Science in Journalism
- Master's Degree in Advertising and Brand Responsibility
- Master's Degree in Multimedia Journalism
Graduate Studies
The master's of arts (MA) and master's of science (MS) programs at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication seek to expose students to a wide range of ideas concerning the structure, function, and role of the media in society.
The professional journalism master’s program offers a twelve- to fifteen-month program designed for those holding bachelor’s degrees but who have little or no academic or professional journalistic or media background. Graduate students in this program acquire professional skills.
The master’s program in advertising and brand responsibility is a one-year graduate program designed to prepare students to guide strong brands in areas such as sustainability, privacy and data protection, social justice, and diversity.
The Portland-based multimedia journalism master’s program, offered evenings and weekends, is designed to prepare experienced journalists with the skills needed for multimedia storytelling and for the entrepreneurial imperatives of the contemporary media business environment.
The Portland-based strategic communication master's program, offered evenings and weekends, provides advanced conceptual and tactical skills for working professionals in industries such as public relations, advertising, marketing communication, and corporate communication.
Information about and applications for graduate programs are available on the School of Journalism and Communication website.
Financial Assistance
The school provides a number of graduate scholarships and graduate employee (GE) opportunities. Graduate employees assist faculty members with teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities. Please note that GE positions are only open to communication and media studies students.
International Students
A firm mastery of English, including American mass-communication idiom, is necessary for success at the graduate level. International students who lack such mastery are required to attend courses at the American English Institute on campus before participating in the graduate program. Though these courses do not carry graduate credit, they qualify to meet students’ visa requirements. The best time to enroll in the institute’s courses is the summer session preceding the first term in the graduate program.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the graduate program is granted for fall term for communication and media studies, multimedia journalism, and strategic communication; summer session for the Eugene-based professional master's degree in journalism. Application materials are the same for the master’s and the doctoral programs. Applicants to the master’s programs must have received a BS or BA or equivalent prior to the first term of enrollment; applicants to the doctoral program must have received an MA or MS or equivalent. To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit the following:
- Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate work was completed. The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission is 3.00. In exceptional cases, an applicant with a lower GPA may be admitted conditionally
- Optional: Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores no more than five years old
- A 750- to 1,000-word essay describing the applicant’s academic and career goals
- An up-to-date résumé or curriculum vitae
- A portfolio, string book, clips, or other evidence of relevant professional work or evidence of scholarly writing and research. Doctoral applicants may include a copy of a master’s thesis
- Three letters of recommendation—preferably two from academic sources
- International students must also submit documentation for either a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 100 or better or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7 or better.
Application deadlines
- Doctoral program: January 1
- Communication and Media studies master's degree: February 1
- Admission to the graduate program is granted for fall term (summer session for professional master's program students in the Eugene-based journalism only; designate summer session as the start date on your application for admission)
Advising
An advisor is appointed for each graduate student in the school by the program director.
Course programs for graduate students are planned individually in consultation with advisors. Graduate students should meet with their advisors at least once a term.
Requirements for Graduation
A graduate student in the School of Journalism and Communication cannot elect the pass/no pass (P/N) option for a graduate course offered by the school unless that course is offered P/N only.
Master's Degree in Journalism
The Eugene-based Journalism master's program is geared toward students of all backgrounds. It serves students who've worked professionally and are looking to expand their skills as well as students who are new to the field. No previous journalistic experience is required for admission.
Master of Arts in Journalism
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| J 508 | Workshop: [Topic] (Reporting and Information Strategies) 1 | 4 |
| J 508 | Workshop: [Topic] (Visual Studies in Journalism) | 4 |
| J 561 | Newspaper Editing 2 | 4 |
| J 611 | Mass Communication and Society | 4 |
| J 562 | Reporting II | 4 |
| J 563 | Specialized Reporting: [Topic] (Story Development) | 4 |
| J 563 | Specialized Reporting: [Topic] (Advanced Story Development) | 4 |
| Elective graduate courses 3 | 12-24 | |
| J 604 | Internship: [Topic] | 6 |
| or J 609 | Terminal Project | |
| J 510 | Experimental Course: [Topic] | 1-4 |
| Total Credits | 47-62 | |
| 1 | A master of arts degree requires second-year foreign language proficiency. See the Division of Graduate Studies website for details. |
| 2 | Preparatory courses, taken only during summer session. |
| 3 | Courses must be approved by advisor and may include courses outside the School of Journalism and Communication. |
Master of Science in Journalism
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| J 508 | Workshop: [Topic] (Reporting and Information Strategies) 1 | 4 |
| J 508 | Workshop: [Topic] (Visual Studies in Journalism) | 4 |
| J 561 | Newspaper Editing 2 | 4 |
| J 611 | Mass Communication and Society | 4 |
| J 562 | Reporting II | 4 |
| J 563 | Specialized Reporting: [Topic] (Story Development) | 4 |
| J 563 | Specialized Reporting: [Topic] (Advanced Story Development) | 4 |
| Elective graduate courses 3 | 12-24 | |
| J 604 | Internship: [Topic] | 4-6 |
| or J 609 | Terminal Project | |
| J 510 | Experimental Course: [Topic] | 1-4 |
| Total Credits | 45-62 | |
| 1 | A master of arts degree requires second-year foreign language proficiency. See the Graduate School website for details. |
| 2 | Preparatory courses, taken only during summer session. |
| 3 | Courses must be approved by advisor and may include courses outside the School of Journalism and Communication. |
Master’s Degree in Advertising and Brand Responsibility
This Eugene-based program leads to a master of arts or master of science degree in advertising and brand responsibility. This one-year, full-time program operates on the idea that successful brands in the 21st century must be authentic and committed to the common good and the benefit of society. Diverse brands such as Nike, Patagonia, Cheerios, and Yoplait have successfully addressed social issues while building brand equity by recognizing the power of persuasive communication in making the world a better place.
Course work examines the theory and practice of persuasive communication and brand responsibility; students participate in a three-term seminar that trains students in best practices in planning, brand management, and creative marketing. The course of study concludes with a professional project in which students develop a campaign, a research paper, or some other effort on brand responsibility under the guidance of an advisor.
Applicants should have an interest in the field and some background, either professional or academic, in advertising, public relations, marketing, or strategic communication.
Candidates for this degree must earn at least 46 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better. Courses that do not carry graduate credit are not included in the GPA.
See the School of Journalism and Communication website for more detailed and up-to-date information about application requirements, the curriculum, and final project options.
Master’s Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| J 557 | Curiosity for Strategists | 4 |
| J 560 | Brand Development: [Topic] (Advertising and Culture) | 4 |
| J 594 | Strategic Communications Research | 4 |
| J 607 | Seminar: [Topic] (Brand Responsibility) 1 | 12 |
| J 609 | Terminal Project | 6 |
| J 611 | Mass Communication and Society | 4 |
| Electives chosen in consultation with an advisor 2 | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 46 | |
| 1 | Yearlong course. |
| 2 | Electives include courses in green brand strategy, writing design concepts, quantitative and qualitative methods, "ideasmithing," interactive media, and courses taught as part of the strategic communication master’s program such as Introduction to Strategic Communication Marketing (J 616), Strategic Communication Management (J 618), or Strategic Communication: [Topic] (J 624). |
Additional Requirements
A master of arts degree requires second-year foreign language proficiency. See the Division of Graduate Studies website for details.
Master's Degree in Multimedia Journalism
This program is based at the School of Journalism and Communication’s George S. Turnbull Portland Center and leads to a master of arts or master of science degree in multimedia journalism. Offered evenings and weekends, it is designed to prepare journalists with the skills needed for multimedia storytelling and for the entrepreneurial imperatives of the contemporary media business environment.
Contemporary journalists must have the fundamental skills and values of the field as well as the ability to tell stories across multiple distribution channels (emerging digital platforms as well as print and broadcast) and to understand the business environment of the new and constantly evolving media world. Tomorrow’s journalist must be both collaborative and independent—comfortable working both inside and outside of traditional organizational structures.
The program consists of a core of required 4-credit journalism and communication courses complemented by 2-credit, shorter-term workshop courses and graduate-level course work in an approved area of content outside of journalism and multimedia. The course of study concludes with a professional project that allows the student to report and produce a professional-quality multimedia project under the guidance of an advisor. To prepare for the project, students take a minimum of four terms (including one required summer session course).
Successful applicants typically have professional experience as well as strong academic credentials. Candidates for this MA or MS degree must earn at least 48 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better. Courses that do not carry graduate credit are not included in the GPA.
See the School of Journalism and Communication website for more detailed and up-to-date information about application requirements, the curriculum, and final project options.
Master's Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| J 596 | Communication Ethics and Law: [Topic] | 4 |
| J 611 | Mass Communication and Society | 4 |
| J 638 | Story and Commerce | 4 |
| J 608 | Workshop: [Topic] 1 | 2 |
| J 609 | Terminal Project | 6 |
| Other courses chosen in consultation with advisor | 20 | |
| Electives 2 | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 48 | |
| 1 | Students must complete at least one professional development workshop. We encourage students to take additional workshops for a more enriching experience. Workshops vary from term to term and may include topics such as Visualizing Information; Audio Storytelling; Story in Stills; and Innovation, Science, and Story. |
| 2 | Students may take elective courses from a variety of disciplines. Electives should be chosen in consultation with your adviser. At least 8 elective credits are required. |
Additional Requirements
A master of arts degree requires second-year foreign language proficiency. See the Division of Graduate Studies website for details.
Courses
J 100. Media Professions. 2 Credits.
Introduction to dynamic media and communication professions, opportunities, and issues, as well as to majors in journalism and communication.
J 101. Grammar for Communicators. 2 Credits.
Intensive review of grammar, word use, spelling, and principles of clear, concise writing. Introduction to media style. Premajor status required.
J 196. Field Studies: [Topic]. 1-2 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 198. Workshop: [Topic]. 1-12 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 199. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 201. Media and Society. 4 Credits.
Introduction to the critical examination of the roles of media in society.
J 208. Introduction to Documentary Production. 4 Credits.
Introduction to the theory and practice of documentary production. Focuses on aesthetics, technology, research, and writing fundamentals of documentary making, covering preproduction, production and postproduction. Cinema studies majors only.
Prereq: J 201, CINE 260M or ENG 260M; two from CINE 265, CINE 266, CINE 267.
J 211. Gateway to Media. 8 Credits.
Integrates critical thinking, creative thinking, and basic skills for nonfiction storytelling through words, photos, audio, and video. Majors only.
Prereq: J 100, J 101, J 201, and either CHC enrollment or completion of the WR requirement.
J 212. Writing for Communicators. 4 Credits.
Course builds on what was learned in Grammar for Communicators course (J 101) to help students develop the ability to write for a variety of professional platforms and to achieve the appropriate strategic purpose.
Prereq: J 100, J 101, J 201, and either CHC enrollment or completion of the WR requirement.
J 213. Fact or Fiction. 4 Credits.
This course helps students grapple with information in the digital age to evaluate how media professionals develop notions of truth, ethics, and transparency. It covers information credibility, social media algorithms, and data and numerical literacy.
Prereq: J 100, J 101, J 201, and either CHC enrollment or completion of the WR requirement.
J 250. Media Studies Production. 2 Credits.
This course complements an understanding of production skills and practice from Gateway to Media by adding critical and cultural theory. By examining the relationship between theory and practice, students gain deeper knowledge of how production practices impact cultural and society.
Prereq: J 211.
J 299. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 314. Introduction to Media Studies. 4 Credits.
Presents a historical overview of the study of media, with in-depth discussion of primary theoretical approaches and their application to the current media environment. Majors only.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 315H. Honors Media Theory and Research. 4 Credits.
Foundation course for honors program. Introduction to seminal theories in communication; overview of methodologies used in the study of theories. Acceptance into School of Journalism and Communication honors program required for enrollment.
J 320. Gender, Media, and Diversity. 4 Credits.
Critical study of the media with regard to gender, race, ethnicity, and other social divisions. Ramification and possible mechanisms of change.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 331. Digital Video Production. 4 Credits.
Introduction to techniques of single-camera field video production. Journalism and cinema studies majors only.
Prereq: (J 205 and J 206) or J 208 or J 211 with a grade better than C-.
J 333. Writing for Multimedia. 4 Credits.
Introduction to the process and practice of writing for multimedia, including print, audio-video, computer-assisted presentation, web-based applications, and striking the balance between word and image. Journalism majors or multimedia minor standing only.
Prereq: ARTD 250, ARTD 251, ARTD 252.
J 340. Principles of Advertising. 4 Credits.
Role of advertising in the distribution of goods and services; the advertising agency; the campaign; research and testing; the selection of media: print, electronic, outdoor advertising, direct mailing. Not for journalism: advertising majors.
J 342. The Creative Strategist. 4 Credits.
Creative approaches to ideation and strategic thinking for all advertising industry specialties. Emphasis on creative process, generative techniques, teamwork, career planning, industry trends. Journalism: advertising majors only.
Prereq: J 211, J 212 with a grade better than C-.
J 350. Principles of Public Relations. 4 Credits.
Overview of public relations practice in a diverse global society, including theory, career opportunities, history, communication forms and channels, and legal and ethical concerns.
J 352. Strategic Writing and Media Relations. 4 Credits.
Writing-intensive lab; students produce strategic, theory-based content for multiple media platforms using various journalistic styles and storytelling skills and incorporating ethical media-relations practices.
Prereq: J 211, J 212, J 213, J 350 with a grade of better than C-.
J 361. Reporting I. 4 Credits.
News gathering and writing. Extensive writing in class and outside of class in a variety of forms: news, features, interviews, multimedia scripts. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: (J 205 and J 206) or J 211 with a grade better than C-.
J 365. Photojournalism. 4 Credits.
Visual reporting techniques, with emphasis on practice, law, and ethics of photojournalism and photographic communication. Laboratory and portfolio-intensive. Majors only.
Prereq: (J 205 and J 206) or J 211 with a grade better than C-.
J 371. Feature Writing I. 4 Credits.
Introduction to feature writing for print and online media; marketing your ideas and stories. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: J 361 with a grade better than C-.
J 377. Science of Science Communication. 4 Credits.
In this class students will delve deeper into the theoretical foundations of science communication as a discipline. Students will develop an understanding of the different models of science communication, their benefits, drawbacks, and current use in a variety of contexts.
Prereq: We recommend two area satisfying courses in the sciences.
J 385. Communication Law. 4 Credits.
Legal aspects of the media: constitutional freedom of expression, news gathering, access to public records, libel, privacy, copyright, advertising, electronic media regulation, and antitrust.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 387. Media History. 4 Credits.
The changing structure and character of the media in the United States.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 396. International Communication. 4 Credits.
National and cultural differences in media and information systems, global news and information flows, implications of rapid technological change, and communication and information policies.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-
J 397. Media Ethics. 4 Credits.
Ethical problems in the media: privacy, violence, pornography, truth-telling, objectivity, media codes, public interest, media accountability.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 399. Special Studies: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 400M. Temporary Multilisted Course. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 401. Research: [Topic]. 1-9 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 403. Thesis. 1-9 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 404. Internship: [Topic]. 1-9 Credits.
Repeatable for maximum of 9 credits.
J 405. Special Problems: [Topic]. 1-12 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 406. Practicum: [Topic]. 1-12 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 407. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 408. Workshop: [Topic]. 1-6 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 409. Terminal Project. 1-12 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 410. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 411M. US Film Industry. 4 Credits.
Traces the past and present of the U.S. film industry, examining key moments in the development of Hollywood, including the consolidation and restructuring of the major movie studios, the film industry’s relationship to TV and the Internet. Journalism Majors and MEST minor.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 412. Issues in Communication Studies: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Uses a variety of theories and methods to examine specific aspects of media content, processes, and audiences. Majors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 413. Communication Studies Capstone. 4 Credits.
Draws on skills and knowledge learned in other communications studies and related courses to demonstrate competence in broad areas of research.
Prereq: J 211, J 212, J 213, J 314 with a grade better than C-.
J 415. Media Studies Research Methods. 4 Credits.
This course provides the core skills necessary to critically evaluate scientific and analytic studies and conduct research in the media studies tradition. Students learn basic principles of media studies research methods, such as experiments, surveys, naturalistic observations, and interviews.
Prereq: J 201, J 314.
J 416. Survey of the Documentary. 4 Credits.
Historical and critical survey of the documentary as a form of artistic expression and an instrument of social commentary. Majors, cinema studies majors, and media studies minors only.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 420. Documentary Pre-Production. 4 Credits.
Students learn to research, plan, budget for, and develop a documentary film idea. They gain experience shooting a sizzle and pitching projects to potential producers. Several documentary forms will be explored, including portraits, ethnographies, interviews, personal stories, processes and events, and re-enactments.
Prereq: J 208.
J 421. Documentary Production. 4 Credits.
Get experience shooting a short documentary worthy of broadcast screening, film festival exhibition, or another venue.
Prereq: For SOJC students J 208 and J 420 with a grade better than C-. For CINE students: J 208 and permission of the instructor.
J 422. Documentary Post-Production. 4 Credits.
Trains students with to edit and do post-production work on their documentary film projects.
Prereq: J 208, J 420, J 421.
J 424H. Honors Theory and Research: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Uses a variety of theories and methods to closely examine and analyze contemporary problems and situations in media and communications. Acceptance into School of Journalism and Communication honors program required for enrollment. Repeatable once when topic changes for a maximum of 8 credits.
J 427M. Latino Roots I. 4 Credits.
Documents Latino history in the racial history of what is now Oregon since 1500 and teaches students to conduct oral history interviews. Multilisted with ANTH 427M. Sequence with J 428M. Offered alternate years.
J 428M. Latino Roots II. 4 Credits.
Continuation of Latino Roots I, designed for producing a short documentary using oral history as the story. Covers basic theory and practice of digital film-video documentary production. Multilisted with ANTH 428M. Sequence with J 427M. Offered alternate years.
Prereq: J 427M.
J 429. Media Technologies and Society: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Explores the interrelationship between media technologies and social practices and processes in current and historical contexts. Majors and minors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes. Open to MEST minors.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 430. Culture and Power in the Media: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Explores issues of culture, identity, and power, including the role media play in reinforcing social, political, and economic disparities. Majors and minors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 431. Media Structures and Regulation: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Explores how the infrastructures and regulatory environments of national and global media institutions influence discourse, democracy, and public life. Majors and MEST minors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 432. Reporting for Electronic Media. 4 Credits.
Training in gathering, production, and presentation of news for the electronic media. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: J 331, J 361 with a grade better than C-.
J 434. Advanced Television News. 4 Credits.
News gathering and production for television. Students produce live programming for local cable systems. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: J 331, J 361, J 432 with a grade better than C-.
J 436. Media Design: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Focuses on issues and techniques in picture and graphic editing, typography, and work-picture composition and interaction for long-form visual storytelling across legacy- and emerging-media platforms. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits.
Prereq: J 361 with a grade better than C-.
J 443. Advertising Media Planning. 4 Credits.
Objectives and strategy for determining effective methods of reaching a designated target audience. Use of media measurement tools. Journalism: advertising majors only.
Prereq: J 207, J 342 with a grade better than C-.
J 444. Agency Account Management. 4 Credits.
The role of the account executive in the advertising agency examined through case studies. Journalism: advertising majors only.
Prereq: J 211 and J 342 with a grade better than C-.
J 448. Advertising Campaigns. 4 Credits.
Seniors produce a comprehensive campaign involving every aspect of advertising, ranging from market research through creative and media strategy formulation to execution. Journalism: advertising majors only.
Prereq: three from J 443, J 444, J 457, J 458, J 459, J 460 with a grade better than C-.
J 449. Advanced Advertising Campaigns. 5 Credits.
Team experience of creating a professional-level advertising plan. Students participate in a national competition. Journalism: advertising majors only.
J 452. Strategic Public Relations Communication. 4 Credits.
Advanced writing lab emphasizing business communication, direct-to-consumer strategies and techniques, and effective use of web-based communication strategies. Journalism: public relations majors only.
Prereq: J 352 with a grade better than C-.
J 453. Strategic Planning and Cases. 4 Credits.
Campaign planning, administration, crisis communication, and issues management, encompassing research, writing objectives and tactics, evaluation methods, and constructing budgets and timelines. Journalism: public relations majors only.
Prereq: J 352 with a grade better than C-.
J 454. Public Relations Campaigns. 4 Credits.
Capstone course applying theory, skills, and a team-based approach to researching, planning, presenting, and implementing a campaign for a client. Professional portfolios presented and reviewed. Journalism: public relations majors only.
Prereq: J 452, J 453; J 494 with a grade better than C-.
J 457. Curiosity for Strategists. 4 Credits.
Explores the building of intellectual curiosity as a problem-solving technique within the context of culture and media. Emphasis: critical thinking, readings, projects, performance. Journalism: advertising majors only.
Prereq: J 211 and J 342 with a grade better than C-.
J 458. Writing Design Concepts. 4 Credits.
Conceptual problem-solving for traditional and emerging media. Emphasis: conceptual development, advertising writing, design, campaigns, presentation of developed work. Journalism: advertising majors only.
Prereq: J 211 and J 342 with a grade better than C-.
J 459. Branding and Content. 4 Credits.
Capstone course on brand portfolio development for writers, art directors, and strategists. Emphasis: production, multiple-platform creative development, industry-focused portfolios. For Journalism: advertising majors only.
Prereq: J 205, J 206, J 207, J 342 with a grade better than C-.
J 460. Brand Development: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Revolving topics on emerging issues in branding and advertising, including strategies in digital and interactive brand solutions, media decision-making, and sustainability. Journalism: advertising majors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes.
Prereq: J 205 and J 206 and J 342, or J 211 and J 342, with a grade better than C-.
J 461. Newspaper Editing. 4 Credits.
Copyediting, headline writing, and page design for newspapers in print and online; emphasis on grammar and style. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: J 361 or equivalent with a grade better than C-.
J 462. Reporting II. 4 Credits.
In-depth reporting on public affairs and community news. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: J 361 with a grade better than C-.
J 463. Specialized Reporting: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.
Reporting special topics, including the environment, business and economics, politics, health and medicine, science, and the arts; and digital and multiplatform journalism. Journalism majors only. Repeatable.
Prereq: J 361 with a grade better than C-.
J 466. Advanced Photojournalism: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Intensive visual reporting techniques, with emphasis on digital production, color, lighting, in-depth storytelling, documentary, and portfolio. Majors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes.
Prereq: J 365 with a grade better than C-.
J 467. Issues in International Communication: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Topics focus on global media issues. Majors and minors only; cinema studies majors for approved topics. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits when topic changes.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 468. Advanced News Editing. 4 Credits.
Advanced training in news editing under newsroom conditions. Discussion of issues in editing, headline writing, and news judgment. Includes work with web-based journalism. Focus on teamwork. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: J 461 with a grade better than C-.
J 469. OR Magazine. 4 Credits.
Building skills in journalistic storytelling and multimedia production of a digital magazine for distribution via mobile devices. Repeatable once for a maximum of 8 credits.
J 472. Feature Writing II. 4 Credits.
In-depth story research and advanced feature writing for print and online markets. Individual conferences. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: J 361, J 371 with a grade better than C-.
J 475. Flux Production. 1-5 Credits.
Planning and production of "Flux" magazine. Students make and carry out assignments, write and edit stories, take photos, shoot video, sell advertising, and design the magazine. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits.
Prereq: J 211, J 212, J 213, J 331, J 361 with a grade better than C-.
J 477. Topics in Science of Science Communication: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
This course dives deeply into issues related to the science of science communication, including more advanced exploration of health communication, decision making, numeracy, and environmental communication. Students will focus on developing research projects in consultation with the instructor. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits when topic changes.
Prereq: J 377.
J 478. Producing the Science Story: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
This course focuses on producing stories about science for a variety of media. Students will incorporate research from the science of science communication in crafting story strategies for specific audiences. Additional focus will be on innovative storytelling strategies for complicated subjects using journalistic practice. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits when topic changes.
Prereq: J 377.
J 480. Public Relations: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Addresses a specific theory, method, or issue in the study and practice of public relations, such as international practice or strategic use of new media. Repeatable thrice when topic changes for a maximum of 16 credits.
J 483. The Journalistic Interview. 4 Credits.
Gathering information through asking questions. Literature and research findings on techniques of listening, nonverbal communication, and psychological dynamics of the interview relationship in journalistic situations. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: J 361 with a grade better than C-.
J 489. Media Entrepreneurship. 4 Credits.
Media Entrepreneurship introduces students from journalism and communication-based fields to the fundamentals of the entrepreneurship and innovation, and gives them an opportunity to conceive, develop and test original media business ideas.
Prereq: SOJC undergrads: Media studies: J 314 with a grade better than C-; Journalism: J 361 with a grade better than C-; Advertising: J 342 with a grade better than C-; Public relations: J 352 with a grade better than C-.
J 494. Strategic Communications Research. 4 Credits.
Introduction to how and why research is conducted and used by public relations and advertising professionals to formulate strategic campaigns and evaluate their effectiveness. Majors only.
Prereq: J 342 or J 350.
J 495. Research Methods: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Uses a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods to examine concepts and processes of research used in such areas as advertising, public relations, journalism, strategic communication, and communication studies. Majors and minors only. Repeatable when topic changes for a maximum of 12 credits.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 496. Communication Ethics and Law: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Analyses of ethical and legal issues confronting the communications industry using various ethical and legal theories, readings, and cases relevant to the specific topic. Majors and minors only. Repeatable once for a maximum of 8 credits when topic changes.
Prereq: J 201 with a grade better than C-.
J 500M. Temporary Multilisted Course. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 503. Thesis. 1-9 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 507. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 508. Workshop: [Topic]. 1-6 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 510. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 511M. US Film Industry. 4 Credits.
Traces the past and present of the U.S. film industry. Multilisted with CINE 511M.
J 512. Issues in Communication Studies: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Uses a variety of theories and methods to examine specific aspects of media content, processes, and audiences. Majors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes.
J 516. Survey of the Documentary. 4 Credits.
Historical and critical survey of the documentary as a form of artistic expression and an instrument of social commentary. Majors, cinema studies majors, and media studies minors only.
J 520. Documentary Pre-Production. 4 Credits.
Students learn to research, plan, budget for, and develop a documentary film idea. They gain experience shooting a sizzle and pitching projects to potential producers. Several documentary forms will be explored, including portraits, ethnographies, interviews, personal stories, processes and events, and re-enactments.
J 521. Documentary Production. 4 Credits.
Get experience shooting a short documentary worthy of broadcast screening, film festival exhibition, or another venue.
J 522. Documentary Post-Production. 4 Credits.
Trains students with to edit and do post-production work on their documentary film projects.
J 527M. Latino Roots I. 4 Credits.
Documents Latino history in the racial history of what is now Oregon since 1500 and teaches students to conduct oral history interviews. Multilisted with ANTH 527M. Sequence with J 528M. Offered alternate years.
J 528M. Latino Roots II. 4 Credits.
Continuation of Latino Roots I, designed for producing a short documentary using oral history as the story. Covers basic theory and practice of digital film-video documentary production. Multilisted with ANTH ANTH 528M. Sequence with J 527M. Offered alternate years.
Prereq: J 527M.
J 529. Media Technologies and Society: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.
Explores the interrelationship between media technologies and social practices and processes in current and historical contexts. Majors and minors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes. Open to MEST minors.
J 530. Culture and Power in the Media: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Explores issues of culture, identity, and power, including the role media play in reinforcing social, political, and economic disparities. Majors and minors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes.
J 531. Media Structures and Regulation: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Explores how the infrastructures and regulatory environments of national and global media institutions influence discourse, democracy, and public life. Majors and MEST minors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes.
J 532. Reporting for Electronic Media. 4 Credits.
Training in gathering, production, and presentation of news for the electronic media. Journalism majors only.
J 534. Advanced Television News. 4 Credits.
News gathering and production for television. Students produce live programming for local cable systems. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: J 532 with a grade of mid-C or better.
J 536. Media Design: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Focuses on issues and techniques in picture and graphic editing, typography, and work-picture composition and interaction for long-form visual storytelling across legacy- and emerging-media platforms. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits.
J 543. Advertising Media Planning. 4 Credits.
Objectives and strategy for determining effective methods of reaching a designated target audience. Use of media measurement tools. Journalism: advertising majors only.
J 544. Agency Account Management. 4 Credits.
The role of the account executive in the advertising agency examined through case studies. Journalism: advertising majors only.
J 548. Advertising Campaigns. 4 Credits.
Graduate students produce a comprehensive campaign involving every aspect of advertising, ranging from market research through creative and media strategy formulation to execution. Journalism: advertising majors only.
Prereq: three from J 543, J 544, J 556, J 557, J 558, J 559, J 560.
J 549. Advanced Advertising Campaigns. 5 Credits.
Team experience of creating a professional-level advertising plan. Students participate in a national competition. Journalism: advertising majors only.
J 552. Strategic Public Relations Communication. 4 Credits.
Advanced writing lab emphasizing business communication, direct-to-consumer strategies and techniques, and effective use of web-based communication strategies. Journalism: public relations majors only.
J 553. Strategic Planning and Cases. 4 Credits.
Campaign planning, administration, crisis communication, and issues management, encompassing research, writing objectives and tactics, evaluation methods, and constructing budgets and timelines. Journalism: public relations majors only.
J 554. Public Relations Campaigns. 4 Credits.
Capstone course applying theory, skills, and a team-based approach to researching, planning, presenting, and implementing a campaign for a client. Professional portfolios presented and reviewed. Journalism: public relations majors only.
Prereq: J 552, J 553; one from J 594, J 595.
J 557. Curiosity for Strategists. 4 Credits.
Explores the building of intellectual curiosity as a problem-solving technique within the context of culture and media. Emphasis: critical thinking, readings, projects, performance. Journalism: advertising majors only.
J 558. Writing Design Concepts. 4 Credits.
Conceptual problem-solving for traditional and emerging media. Emphasis: conceptual development, advertising writing, design, campaigns, presentation of developed work. Journalism: advertising majors only.
J 559. Branding and Content. 4 Credits.
Capstone course on brand portfolio development for writers, art directors, and strategists. Emphasis: production, multiple-platform creative development, industry-focused portfolios. Journalism: advertising majors only.
J 560. Brand Development: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Revolving topics on emerging issues in branding and advertising, including strategies in digital and interactive brand solutions, media decision-making, and sustainability. Journalism: advertising majors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes.
J 561. Newspaper Editing. 4 Credits.
Copyediting, headline writing, and page design for newspapers in print and online; emphasis on grammar and style. Journalism majors only.
J 562. Reporting II. 4 Credits.
In-depth reporting on public affairs and community news. Journalism majors only.
J 563. Specialized Reporting: [Topic]. 1-4 Credits.
Reporting special topics, including the environment, business and economics, politics, health and medicine, science, and the arts; and digital and multiplatform journalism. Journalism majors only. Repeatable.
J 566. Advanced Photojournalism: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Intensive visual reporting techniques, with emphasis on digital production, color, lighting, in-depth storytelling, documentary, and portfolio. Majors only. Repeatable three times for a maximum of 16 credits when topic changes.
J 567. Issues in International Communication: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Topics focus on global media issues. Majors only. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits when topic changes.
J 568. Advanced News Editing. 4 Credits.
Advanced training in news editing under newsroom conditions. Discussion of issues in editing, headline writing, and news judgment. Includes work with web-based journalism. Focus on teamwork. Journalism majors only.
Prereq: J 561 with a grade of mid-C or better.
J 569. OR Magazine. 4 Credits.
Building skills in journalistic storytelling and multimedia production of a digital magazine for distribution via mobile devices. Repeatable once for a maximum of 8 credits.
J 572. Feature Writing II. 4 Credits.
In-depth story research and advanced feature writing for print and online markets. Individual conferences. Journalism majors only.
J 575. Flux Production. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable. Planning and production of "Flux" magazine. Students make and carry out assignments, write and edit stories, take photos, shoot video, sell advertising, and design the magazine. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits.
J 577. Topics in Science of Science Communication: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
This course dives deeply into issues related to the science of science communication, including more advanced exploration of health communication, decision making, numeracy, and environmental communication. Students will focus on developing research projects in consultation with the instructor. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 hours when topic changes.
J 578. Producing the Science Story: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
This course focuses on producing stories about science for a variety of media. Students will incorporate research from the science of science communication in crafting story strategies for specific audiences. Additional focus will be on innovative storytelling strategies for complicated subjects using journalistic practice. Repeatable twice for a maximum of 12 credits when topic changes.
J 580. Public Relations: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Addresses a specific theory, method, or issue in the study and practice of public relations, such as international practice or strategic use of new media. Repeatable thrice when topic changes for a maximum of 16 credits.
J 583. The Journalistic Interview. 4 Credits.
Gathering information through asking questions. Literature and research findings on techniques of listening, nonverbal communication, and psychological dynamics of the interview relationship in journalistic situations. Journalism majors only.
J 589. Media Entrepreneurship. 4 Credits.
Media Entrepreneurship introduces students from journalism and communication-based fields to the fundamentals of the entrepreneurship and innovation, and gives them an opportunity to conceive, develop and test original media business ideas.
J 594. Strategic Communications Research. 4 Credits.
Introduction to how and why research is conducted and used by public relations and advertising professionals to formulate strategic campaigns and evaluate their effectiveness. Majors only.
J 595. Research Methods: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Uses a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods to examine concepts and processes of research used in such areas as advertising, public relations, journalism, strategic communication, and communication studies. Journalism majors only. Repeatable when topic changes for a maximum of 12 credits.
J 596. Communication Ethics and Law: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Analyses of ethical and legal issues confronting the communications industry using various ethical and legal theories, readings, and cases relevant to the specific topic. Majors only. Repeatable once for a maximum of 8 credits when topic changes.
J 601. Research: [Topic]. 1-6 Credits.
Repeatable for maximum of 16 credits.
J 602. Supervised College Teaching. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable for maximum of 5 credits.
J 603. Dissertation. 1-16 Credits.
Course may be repeated 25 times for credit after the initial instance.
J 604. Internship: [Topic]. 1-6 Credits.
Repeatable for maximum of 12 credits.
J 605. Special Problems: [Topic]. 1-12 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 606. Practicum: [Topic]. 1-6 Credits.
Repeatable for maximum of 16 credits.
J 607. Seminar: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 608. Workshop: [Topic]. 1-6 Credits.
Repeatable for maximum of 16 credits.
J 609. Terminal Project. 1-6 Credits.
Repeatable for maximum of 6 credits.
J 610. Experimental Course: [Topic]. 1-5 Credits.
Repeatable.
J 611. Mass Communication and Society. 4 Credits.
Review of the literature of mass communication. Introduction to graduate study in journalism and communication.
J 612. Media Theory I. 5 Credits.
First in a three-part sequence introducing students to media theory, focusing on the social scientific tradition. Sequence with J 613, J 614.
J 613. Media Theory II. 5 Credits.
Second in a three-part sequence introducing students to media theory, focusing on critical approaches. Sequence with J 612, J 614.
Prereq: J 612.
J 614. Media Theory III. 5 Credits.
Third in a three-part sequence introducing students to media theory, focusing on contemporary theoretical perspectives.
Prereq: J 613.
J 616. Introduction to Strategic Communication Marketing. 4 Credits.
Discussion of fundamental marketing concepts from the perspective of the manager. Analysis of complex marketing challenges in research, segmentation, targeting, pricing, distribution, and branding.
J 617. Strategic Communication Theory and Research: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Theory, research, and practice of strategic communication. Topics may include relationship management, risk communication, identity and culture, and social media theory. Repeatable when topic changes for a maxium of 20 credits.
Prereq: graduate standing.
J 618. Strategic Communication Management. 4 Credits.
Elements of managing and leading organizations; examination of key issues faced by leaders. Topics include leadership theory, leading change, dealing with conflict, and performance and strategic management.
J 619. Teaching and the Professional Life. 4 Credits.
Explores teaching strategies, curriculum development, and other aspects of academic professional life in journalism and communication.
J 621. Foundations of Strategic Communication. 4 Credits.
Reviews major theories, models, and practices in strategic communications. Theoretical topics include media effects and persuasion as applied to public relations, advertising, and other strategic communication.
J 623. Creativity in Strategic Communication. 4 Credits.
Explores the use of creative conceptual thinking as part of the strategic basis in successful communication campaigns.
J 624. Strategic Communication: [Topic]. 2 Credits.
Explores problems and specialized skills needed in strategic communication management. Examples include crisis communication, creativity in business, corporate social responsibility. Repeatable up to five times with change in topic.
J 627. Foundations of Multimedia Journalism. 4 Credits.
Serves as a foundation of theory and technique, with an introduction to storytelling forms, technical production skills, and the visual language. Students will learn how to use the tools of the trade so that they can communicate effectively with other multimedia journalists.
J 628. Multimedia Journalism Practices. 4 Credits.
Building on the J 627 course, students create a narrative video project that focuses on visual storytelling, character development, and present-tense storytelling.
J 629. Media and Communication Ethics: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
This course explores ethical issues facing media workers and media users in culture and society today. Topics may include digital ethics, strategic communication ethics, visual ethics and global media ethics.
J 635. Thinking Story. 4 Credits.
Recognize and use fundamental approaches to narrative storytelling to create dynamic and engaging multimedia projects.
J 639. Foundations of Explanatory Video Journalism. 4 Credits.
Students explore and practice concepts in visual explanation and explanatory video.
J 641. Qualitative Research Methods. 4 Credits.
Introduces qualitative research methods including traditional historical inquiry, oral history, ethnography, and participant observation.
J 642. Quantitative Research Methods. 4 Credits.
Introduces and analyzes quantitative research methods in terms of design, measurement, inference, and validity. Focuses on conceptualization in communication research.
J 643. Advanced Doctoral Seminar. 5 Credits.
Seminar participants demonstrate competence in broad families of social research by drawing on skills and knowledge obtained in J 612, J 613, J 614, J 641, and J 642.
Prereq: J 612, J 613, J 614, J 641, J 642.
J 644. Philosophy of Communication. 4 Credits.
Explores the philosophical foundations of communication in the United States, including political philosophies that range from Milton to McLuhan.
J 646. Political Economy of Communication. 4 Credits.
Introduction to the political economy of communication. Includes such issues as ownership and control patterns; the role of the state; labor; intellectual property rights; and international markets.
J 648. Cultural Approaches to Communication. 4 Credits.
Examination of communication and mediated communication as cultural processes in the production and reproduction of social systems.
J 649. International Communication. 4 Credits.
Examines global communication structures and processes and their consequences. Topics include new technologies, news and information organizations, cross-cultural uses of Western media, and information policies.
J 654. Reporting within Communities. 4 Credits.
Students explore and practice emerging "community-first" concepts of journalism and reporting to identify the needs of the communities served, codesigning processes and solutions to keep them engaged.
J 656. Producing the Story. 4 Credits.
Students work collaboratively to create a compelling, ethical work of journalism with impact, applying all aspects of community engagement, reporting, storytelling, and production skills learned in previous terms.
J 660. Advanced Research Methods: [Topic]. 4 Credits.
Explores specific qualitative or quantitative communication research methods. Topics may include discourse analysis, oral history, historical methods, legal methods, content analysis, and survey methods. Repeatable when topic changes.
Prereq: J 641 or J 642, depending on topic.
J 663. Foundations of Strategic Sport Communication. 4 Credits.
Presents and reviews major theories, models, and practices in sports communication. Theoretical topics include sports media effects and persuasion as applied to broadcast, public relations, advertising, and other strategic communication. Cultural, societal and industry relevance also discussed.