Academic Programs Catalog

College of Communication Arts and Sciences

School of Journalism

Tim P. Vos, Director

The School of Journalism is a leading national and international innovator in journalism and digital storytelling. We are a community of deep thinkers and motivated doers who work to create a better news and information environment for tomorrow. Faculty have won some of the field’s the highest awards and students compete annually for regional and national recognition. 

The School’s nationally accredited undergraduate program houses majors in Journalism and Digital Storytelling—preparing students for a range of media professions. Our graduate programs prepare journalists, storytellers and scholars who will be leaders in the digital media landscape. Faculty and doctoral students are award-winning scholars and teachers, known throughout the discipline for their leadership in journalism and digital media education, research, and outreach.

 


Undergraduate Programs

School of Journalism graduates provide the written and visual storytelling that inform, entertain, and challenge people every day. Using a state-of-the-art newsroom and studios students produce content for multiple platforms – from news publications to television to social media to film to streaming services. Students learn valuable storytelling skills, become critical thinkers, excellent writers, and superb visual communicators. Students work in various student-produced media, become members of student organizations, have internships, win professional awards, and get job offers. They are prepared for the future of media and will be leaders in the field because of their knowledge, skill, and flexibility. 

Transfer students are welcomed. For additional information about admission and transferring courses, please contact the Undergraduate Student Affairs Office, College of Communication Arts and Sciences, 1-517-355-1794.

Digital Storytelling

Digital storytelling is the foundation for the world of media. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Storytelling prepares students for a career in a media-focused world and provides them with the tools and techniques needed for creative, entrepreneurial and analytical processes and production. Graduates are prepared for a multitude of career paths -- film, television, corporate communications, digital advertising, new media—anything that involves using sound and image to entertain, inform and/or educate. The digital storytelling major has an interdisciplinary focus with courses from Communication Arts and Science, Film Studies, Journalism, and Media and Information.

The program of study encompasses a common core with foundational and supplementary courses. Students must choose one of the following 12-credit transcriptable concentrations or a 15-credit minor:

The Animation Concentration focuses on the production and theory of animated works in storytelling. Students completing this concentration will be prepared for understanding and producing stories via animation. Students will gain a background in the theoretical and practical uses of the animated form.

The Audio Storytelling Concentration is focused on storytelling through the art and science of production through audio. Students gain hands-on experience producing stories through sound for audio-based models such as terrestrial broadcast radio, satellite radio and web-based distribution and podcasts. Students will learn the fundamentals of audio technology, delivery and presentation, sound design and theory, and industry organization and business concepts.

The Filmmaking Concentration focuses on filmmaking – both fiction and non-fiction in focus. Students learn pre-production, production, and post-production techniques and design principles involved in documentary and fiction film. Students also gain experience in producing, directing, and managing media projects for distribution on multiple platforms including broadcast, cable, mobile networks, and the Internet.

The Multicam Production Concentration focuses on media production using industry multi-camera approaches. Students will learn hands-on multicam techniques for broadcast television and related fields. This concentration emphasizes theory and execution of live directing and production of multicam broadcasts. Students will establish an understanding of production techniques for media distribution including traditional broadcast, mobile networks and web formats.

The Minor in Documentary Production introduces undergraduates to the history, theory, and production of documentary media. Documentary production focuses on issues of media, representation, and reality. It engages directly with the fundamental understanding of how the world is presented, represented, distorted, structured, and shaped. Interpretation and representation of reality constitutes a central axis of inquiry and debate. By integrating production and analysis, students in this minor produce theoretically informed work and develop a cutting-edge understanding of the challenges inherent in representing reality.

The Minor in Fiction Filmmaking educates students in the history, theory, and production of fiction film. Students who enroll in this minor combine practical skills in production with conceptual training in film studies to produce theoretically informed work while developing an understanding of the challenges of creating high-quality films.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Storytelling

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Digital Storytelling.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Digital Storytelling major is met by completing one of the following courses: Digital Storytelling 411B or 435B or 441 or 442A or 442B or 442C or 443, or Journalism 312.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following core courses with a minimum grade of 2.0 or higher in each course (12 credits):
    CAS 112 Story, Sound and Motion 3
    DS 103 Media History 3
    DS 113 Story, Sound and Motion II 3
    JRN 108 The World of Media 3
    b. Complete a concentration or minor (12 to 15 credits):
    Animation
    1. Complete the following courses (9 credits):
    JRN 212 2D Animation Storytelling 3
    JRN 312 Stop Motion Animation Storytelling (W) 3
    JRN 413 3D Animation Storytelling 3
    2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    JRN 412 Scoring for Moving Pictures 3
    MI 337 Compositing and Special Effects 3
    Audio Storytelling
    1. Complete three of the following courses (9 credits):
    DS 243 Audio Storytelling 3
    DS 343 Podcasting 3
    DS 344 Sound Design for Storytelling 3
    JRN 412 Scoring for Moving Pictures 3
    2. Complete the following course (3 credits):
    DS 443 Advanced Audio Design (W) 3
    Filmmaking
    1. Complete the following courses (9 credits):
    DS 241 Filmmaking I: Basics of Film Production 3
    DS 341 Filmmaking II: Creating Short Films 3
    DS 441 Filmmaking III: Advanced Filmmaking Capstone (W) 3
    2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    DS 311 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking 3
    DS 351 Producing for Cinema and Television 3
    DS 409 Advanced Lighting and Camera Techniques 3
    DS 440 Advanced Video Editing 3
    FLM 334 Introduction to Screenwriting (W)  3
    Multicam Production
    1. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
    DS 242 Multicam Production I 3
    DS 342 Multicam Production II 3
    2. Two of the following courses, one of which must be DS 442A, DS 442B, or DS 442C:
    DS 442A Multicam Production for Arts (W) 3
    DS 442B Multicam Production for Sports (W) 3
    DS 442C Multicam Production for News (W) 3
    THR 411 Stage Lighting Design 3
    THR 416 Stage Sound Design 3
    Students may choose to complete one of the following minors (15 credits):
    Documentary Production or Fiction Filmmaking. Students should consult the Academic Programs catalog statement in the department that administers the minor to learn the requirements.
    c. Complete a minimum of 12 elective credits of courses from the following:
    DS 202 Writing for Digital Storytelling 3
    DS 211 Documentary Film History and Theory 3
    DS 241 Filmmaking: Basics of Film Production 3
    DS 242 Multicam Production I 3
    DS 243 Audio Storytelling 3
    DS 311 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking 3
    DS 341 Filmmaking: Creating Short Films II 3
    DS 342 Multicam Production II 3
    DS 343 Podcasting 3
    DS 344 Sound Design for Storytelling 3
    DS 351 Producing for Cinema and Television 3
    DS 409 Advanced Lighting and Camera Techniques 3
    DS 411A Advanced Documentary Filmmaking I (W) 3
    DS 411B Advanced Documentary Filmmaking II (W) 3
    DS 435A Creating the Fiction Film I 3
    DS 435B Creating the Fiction Film II (W) 3
    DS 440 Advanced Video Editing 3
    DS 481 Indian Film and Media Production 8 to 12
    DS 492 Digital Storytelling Special Topics 3
    DS 492A Digital Storytelling Special Topics in Animation 3
    DS 492B Digital Audio Storytelling Special Topics 3
    DS 492C Special Topics in Filmmaking 3
    DS 492D Special Topics in Multicam Production 3
    FLM 301 History of Film after Midcentury 3
    JRN 206 Video Storytelling with Phones 3
    JRN 212 2D Animation Storytelling 3
    JRN 310 Photojournalism 3
    JRN 312 Stop Motion Animation Storytelling (W) 3
    JRN 412 Scoring for Moving pictures 3
    JRN 483 Photo Communication in Europe 6
    JRN 486 British and Irish Mass Media Education Abroad 6
    JRN 487 Creative Journey Education Abroad 6
    MI 337 Compositing and Special Effects 3
    Courses chosen to complete this requirement may not be used to fulfill the requirements of a concentration or minor.
    d. Digital Storytelling majors must complete a minimum of 72 credits in courses outside of the School of Journalism, and mass communication. Digital Storytelling majors may complete up to 48 credits in digital storytelling, journalism, and mass communication areas of study.


 

Journalism

Journalism is a profession and set of skills for gathering, investigating, producing, and disseminating news. Thus, journalism is an essential feature of democratic societies – providing truthful information that aids individual and collective decision-making. Whether focusing on political, sports, business, environmental, science, or international topics, the journalism major provides students with the professional preparation to serve society’s needs. Graduates are prepared to work in a range of traditional and innovative journalism-related occupations and platforms.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism.
    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Journalism major is met by completing Journalism 300. That course is referenced in item 3. a. below.
  2. The requirements of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
a. All of the following core courses (19 to 24 credits):
JRN 108 The World of Media 3
JRN 200 Writing and Reporting News 3
JRN 203 Visual Storytelling 3
JRN 300 Multimedia Writing and Reporting (W) 3
JRN 325 Journalism History 3
JRN 430 News Media Law and Ethics 3
JRN 493 Journalism Professional Field Experience 1 to 6
Students must achieve a minimum grade of 2.0 or higher in Journalism 200 and 300 in all credits attempted.
b. One of the following courses (3 credits):
CAS 110 Creative Thinking 3
CAS 111 Design and Layout 3
CAS 112 Story, Sound and Motion 3
CAS 114 Creativity and Innovative Entrepreneurship 3
CAS 116 Media Sketching and Graphics 3
c. Complete a concentration or minor (12 to 15 credits). 
Students may choose from the following concentrations (12 credits). Students may select special topics to fulfill concentration requirements with advisor approval.
Broadcast Journalism
All of the following courses:
JRN 206 Video Storytelling with Phones 3
JRN 306 Broadcast News I: Intro to Reporting 3
JRN 403 Broadcast News II: Intermediate Reporting 3
One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
JRN 303 On-Air Announcing, Interviewing and Hosting 3
JRN 406A Broadcast News III: Advanced Reporting 4
JRN 406B Broadcast News Producing 4
Environment, Science and Health Reporting
Both of the following courses:
JRN 372 Environment, Science and Health Journalism Special Topics 3
JRN 472 Environmental, Science and Health Reporting 3
Complete 6 credits from the following:
JRN 372 Environment, Science and Health Journalism Special Topics 3
JRN 472 Environmental, Science and Health Reporting 3
JRN 485 Environmental Communication Education Abroad 3
JRN 488 Visual Storytelling in Kenya  4
A 300-level or above environment-relevant non-Journalism course with advisor approval.
Students who reenroll in JRN 372 or 472 must select a different topic than previously taken.
Information Graphics
All of the following courses:
JRN 338 Information Graphics 3
JRN 345 Images and Messages 3
JRN 438 Advanced Information Graphics 3
Complete 3 credits from the following:
JRN 336 Designing for Media 3
JRN 487 Creative Journey Education Abroad 6
JRN 488 Visual Storytelling in Kenya 4
International Reporting
All of the following courses:
JRN 265 International Journalism and Media 3
JRN 365 International News and Government Dynamics 3
JRN 465 International Reporting 3
Complete 3 credits from the following:
JRN 365 International News and Government Dynamics 3
JRN 483 Photo Communication in Europe 6
JRN 484 Sports Journalism Education Abroad 6
JRN 485 Environmental Communication Education Abroad 6
JRN 486 British and Irish Mass Media Education Abroad 6
JRN 487 Creative Journey Education Abroad 6
JRN 488 Visual Storytelling in Kenya 4
Students who reenroll in JRN 365 must select a different topic than previously taken.
Media Design
All of the following courses:
JRN 336 Designing for Media 3
JRN 345 Images and Messages 3
JRN 436 Design for Web and Mobile Devices 3
Complete 3 credits from the following:
JRN 338 Information Graphics 3
JRN 487 Creative Journey Education Abroad 6
JRN 488 Visual Storytelling in Kenya 4
Media Relations
All of the following courses:
JRN 206 Video Storytelling with Phones 3
JRN 310 Photojournalism 3
JRN 336 Designing for Media 3
JRN 402 Public Relations Topics in Journalism 1
Complete at least 2 credits from the following:
ADV 402 Public Relations Topics in Advertising 1
COM 402 Public Relations Topics in Communication 1
JRN 345 Images and Messages 3
JRN 402 Public Relations Topics in Journalism 1
JRN 488 Visual Storytelling in Kenya 4
Students who reenroll in ADV 402, COM 402, or JRN 402 must select a different topic than previously taken. ADV 402 and COM 402 are only open to students that have been accepted to the Minor in Public Relations.
Photojournalism
All of the following courses:
JRN 310 Photojournalism 3
JRN 345 Images and Messages 3
JRN 410 Advanced Photojournalism: Documentary 3
Complete 3 credits from the following:
CAS 110 Creative Thinking 3
CAS 112 Story, Sound and Motion 3
JRN 483 Photo Communication in Europe 3
JRN 488 Visual Storytelling in Kenya 4
Sports Journalism
All of the following courses:
JRN 218 Sports in Contemporary Media 3
JRN 317 Sports Journalism 3
JRN 416 Sports Multimedia Content Management 3
JRN 418 Advanced Sports Reporting 3
Writing, Reporting and Editing
All of the following courses:
JRN 305 Editing for Print and Digital 3
JRN 407 Advanced Reporting 3
JRN 432 Magazine, Feature and Freelance Writing 3
One of the following courses:
JRN 420 Capital News Service 3
JRN 472 Environmental, Science and Health Reporting 3
JRN 486 British and Irish Mass Media Education Abroad 6
Students may choose from the following minors (15 credits):  
Animation and Comics Storytelling in Media, Broadcast Journalism, Documentary Production, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Media Photography, Public Relations, or Sports Journalism.  Students should consult the Academic Programs catalog statement in the department that administers the minor to learn the requirements.
d. The following courses from an approved list in the School of Journalism, in departments outside the College of Communication Arts and Sciences:
(1) Literature: One course (3 credits)
(2) Civics: One of the following courses (3 credits)
PLS 100 Introduction to American Politics 3
PLS 302 Urban Politics 3
PLS 304 Minority Politics 3
PLS 313 American Public Policy       3
PLS 320 Judicial Politics                   3
PLS 324 Congress                            3
PLS 325 The Presidency                   3
PLS 334 Campaigns and Elections   3
e. Journalism majors must complete a minimum of 60credits in courses outside of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences.

Other Programs

Environmental Studies and Agriscience - Communication concentration:  see the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources section of this catalog for courses in Journalism appropriate to this major.

Engineering Arts:  see the College of Engineering section of this catalog for courses appropriate to this major.

Suggestions for Program Success

Students should pursue the University’s Integrative Studies requirements during their first and second years. Students should complete Journalism 108 in the first year and Journalism 200, 203 and 300 before the end of the sophomore year.
 
Journalism majors are also required to complete an internship for credit, under JRN 493. Internships are an important part of bridging classroom work to the world of work. Our most successful graduates complete multiple internships before graduating.

In order to ensure enrollment in required courses, majors should plan their sophomore, junior and senior year programs with the advice and assistance of academic advisors and faculty.

Today’s journalists should have a broad education in the liberal arts, social sciences, and physical and natural sciences.  Many courses in literature, history, economics and foreign languages are open to freshmen and sophomores.


Minor in Animation and Comics Storytelling in Media

The Minor in Animation and Comics Storytelling in Media, administered by the School of Journalism, provides a strong foundation in history, theory and production of storytelling using animation and comics. Students acquire production skills to visually represent issues, events, narrative, instruction, history and entertainment and use critical thinking as they study storytelling content, context, ethics and the cultural, global and historical impacts of these forms for various media platforms and audiences. Upon completion of the minor, students will have gained necessary skills to research, create and produce digital, interactive and immersive 2D/3D animation, comics, graphic novels, and cartoons.

The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements of the minor should consult the undergraduate advisor in the School of Journalism to apply. Applications will be reviewed prior to semester enrollment.

Requirements for the Minor in Animation and Comics Storytelling in Media

Complete 15 credits from the following:

1. All of the following courses (12 credits):
JRN 212 2D Animation Storytelling 3
JRN 312 Stop Motion Animation Storytelling 3
JRN 412 Scoring for Moving Pictures 3
JRN 413 3D Animation Storytelling 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
ENG 325 Readings in Graphic Narrative 3
JRN 213 Animation, Comics, Culture and Graphic Novels in Media 3
JRN 313 Political Cartoons 3
JRN 338 Visualizing Data with Information Graphics 3
JRN 345 Images and Messages 3


 

Minor in Documentary Production

The Minor in Documentary Production introduces undergraduates to the history, theory, and production of documentary media. Documentary production focuses on issues of media, representation, and reality. It engages directly with the fundamental understanding of how the world is presented, represented, distorted, structured, and shaped. Interpretation and representation of reality constitutes a central axis of inquiry and debate. By integrating production and analysis, students in this minor produce theoretically informed work and develop a cutting-edge understanding of the challenges inherent in representing reality.

The Minor in Documentary Production is administered by the School of Journalism within the College of Communication Arts and Sciences. The minor is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. Students in the Film Studies program in the Department of English; the School of Journalism; the Department of Media and Information; and the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and American Cultures may find this minor of particular interest.

Students who are interested in the minor are eligible to apply if they are in good academic standing. Students will apply for the minor in the spring of their sophomore year by submitting an application available through the School of Journalism. Applications will be reviewed prior to annual enrollment.

With the approval of the department that administers the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the student’s academic advisor for the minor.

Prerequisite:
DS 211 Documentary Film History and Theory  3

Requirements for the Minor in Documentary Production

The student must complete at least 15 credits from the following:

1. The following course (3 credits):
DS 311 Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking 3
2. Complete at least 6 credits from one of the following areas:
Audio/Video
DS 341 Filmmaking II: Creating Short Films 3
DS 344 Sound Design for Storytelling 3
DS 409 Advanced Lighting and Camera Techniques 3
DS 440 Advanced Video Editing 3
MI 337 Compositing and Special Effects 3
Broadcast News
JRN 306 Broadcast News I: Intro to Reporting 3
JRN 403 Broadcast News II: Intermediate Reporting 3
JRN 406B Broadcast News Producing 4
Film Studies
FLM 260 Introduction to Digital Film and Emergent Media 4
FLM 334 Introduction to Screenwriting (W) 3
FLM 460 Seminar in Digital Film and Emergent Media (W) 3
Multimedia
CSUS 265 Exploring Environmental and Sustainability Issues and Policy Using Film 3
JRN 203 Visual Storytelling 3
WRA 225 Introduction to Composing Digital for Video 3
Photography
One of the following, either (1), (2), or (3):
(1) JRN 310 Photojournalism 3
JRN 410 Advanced Photojournalism Documentary 3
(2) JRN 483 Photo Communication in Europe 6
(3) JRN 488 Visual Storytelling in Kenya 4
JRN 310 Photojournalism 3
or
JRN 410 Advanced Photojournalism Documentary 3
Producing
DS 351 Producing for Cinema and Television 3
JRN 450 Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship 3
MI 301 Bringing Media to Market 3
Web
JRN 336 Designing for Media 3
JRN 436 Designing for the Web and Mobile Devices 3
MI 349 Web Design and Development 3
Writing
ENG 223 Introduction to Creative Non-Fiction Writing 3
ENG 423 Advanced Creative Non-Fiction Writing 3
JRN 300 Multimedia Writing and Reporting (W) 3
JRN 432 Magazine, Feature and Freelance Writing 3
3. The following capstone courses (6 credits):
DS 411A Advanced Documentary Filmmaking I (W) 3
DS 411B Advanced Documentary Filmmaking II (W) 3

Minor in Broadcast Journalism

The Minor in Broadcast Journalism, which is administered by the School of Journalism, provides students a strong foundation for a career in broadcast journalism. Using cutting-edge technology, students gain experience in audio and video storytelling, on-air performance, and the production of high-end newscasts, replicating the real-world of broadcast news.

The minor is available to students who are enrolled in the Journalism major at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

To be considered for admission, a student must have been formally admitted to the Journalism major. Students who plan to apply to the program should complete an application and submit it to the School of Journalism.

Requirements for the Minor in Broadcast Journalism

Complete 16 credits from all of the following courses:
JRN 206 Video Storytelling with Cell Phones 3
JRN 303 On-Air Announcing, Interviewing and Hosting 3
JRN 306 Broadcast News I: Introduction to Reporting 3
JRN 403 Broadcast News II: Intermediate Reporting 3
Complete one of the following courses (4 credits):
JRN 406A Broadcast News III: Advanced Reporting 4
JR4 406B Broadcast News Producing 4


 

Minor in Media Photography

The Minor in Media Photography, which is administered by the School of Journalism, provides the opportunity to gain extended knowledge around the history, approaches, tools, outlets and possibilities for creating engaging visual content that can be used in a variety of media outlets. Students gain the marketable skills necessary to analyze, conceive of, create and distribute powerful images, as well as have a clear understanding of how they can use photography to support their career objectives.

The minor is available as an elective to students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to apply to the program should consult the undergraduate advisor in the School of Journalism. 

Requirements for the Minor in Media Photography

Complete 15 credits from the following: 

1. All of the following core courses (9 credits):
JRN 310 Photojournalism 3
JRN 345 Images and Messages 3
JRN 410 Advanced Photojournalism: Documentary 3
2. Complete 6 credits from the following courses:
CAS 110 Creative Thinking 3
CAS 111 Design and Layout 3
CAS 112 Story, Sound and Motion 3
CAS 205 Photography in Media Settings 1
JRN 203 Visual Storytelling 3
JRN 206 Video Storytelling with Phones 3
JRN 336 Designing for Media 3
JRN 483 Photo Communication in Europe 6
JRN 488 Visual Storytelling in Kenya 4
JRN 492 Journalism Special Topics 3
Students enrolling in JRN 492 must have advisor approval to ensure appropriate content. Students who reenroll in JRN 492 must select a different topic for each enrollment.

 

Minor in Sports Journalism

The Minor in Sports Journalism, which is administered by the School of Journalism, provides students a strong foundation and marketable skills necessary to conceptualize, develop, research, interview, create and deliver traditional, multimedia, broadcast, and social media sports journalism. Sports journalism content includes news issues, events, narrative and linear journalistic storytelling techniques, history, global sports and media relationships, social media, sports terminology, game play, rules, equipment and processes, and impact on society at all levels. Students demonstrate critical thinking, enabling professional content, context and ethics across global media platforms and audiences.

The minor is available to students who are enrolled in the Journalism major at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

To be considered for admission, a student must have been formally admitted to the Journalism major. Students who plan to apply to the program should complete an application and submit it to the School of Journalism.

Requirements for the Minor in Sports Journalism

Complete 15 credits from the following: 
1. All of the following courses (12 credits):
JRN 218 Sports in Contemporary Media 3
JRN 317 Sports Journalism 3
JRN 416 Sports Multimedia Content Management 3
JRN 418 Advanced Sport Reporting 3
2. One of the following courses (3 or 6 credits):
JRN 303 On-Air Announcing, Interviewing and Hosting 3
JRN 404 Sports Broadcast and Production 3
JRN 432 Magazine, Feature and Freelance Writing 3
JRN 484 Sports Journalism Education Abroad 6
JRN 492 Journalism Special Topics 3
JRN 492 special topics courses may count towards the concentration, if applicable and with advisor approval. Students who re-enroll in JRN 492 must select a different topic than previously taken.

 

Minor in Public Relations

Students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts degree program with a major in journalism may elect a Minor in Public Relations. For additional information, refer to the Minor in Public Relations statement.


Linked Bachelor's-Master's Degree in Health and Risk Communication

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism
Master of Arts Degree in Health and Risk Communication

The department welcomes applications from Michigan State University undergraduate Journalism majors with at least 86 credits.  Admission applications must be made prior to the final semester as a Journalism undergraduate.  The number of students admitted to this linked program will be limited by availability. Admission to the program requires a minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 3.50, a statement of goals for the master’s degree, Graduate Record Examination scores, at least two letters of recommendation from faculty in the School of Journalism or Health and Risk Communication faculty, a resume, and an approved program of study for the master’s degree at the time of admission.  It is recommended that students complete a special topic in the area of health and risk communication through COM 399 Special Topics. Admission to the Linked Bachelor’s-Master’s Program allows the application of up to 9 credits toward the master’s program for qualifying 400-level and above course work taken at the undergraduate level at Michigan State University or an external accredited institution.  The number of approved credits, not to exceed 9, are applied toward the credit requirement of the master’s degree.  No 400-level courses with a grade lower than 3.0 will count toward the master’s degree.  Credit obtained from 400-level pass-fail courses and internships will not count toward the degree.  Credits applied to the Linked Bachelor’s-Master’s Program are not eligible to be applied to any other graduate degree program.

 


Linked Bachelor's-Master's Degree in Journalism

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism
Master of Arts Degree in Journalism

The department welcomes applications from Michigan State University undergraduates majoring in Journalism with at least 70 credits. Application for admission must be made prior to the final semester as a Journalism undergraduate major. Admission to the program requires the following: a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 based on all courses taken at MSU, a statement of goals for the master’s degree, a statement of the applicant’s background, at least two letters of recommendation from  MSU faculty, and an approved program of study for the master’s degree at the time of admission.  Applicants must have already completed JRN 108, 200, 203,300, 325, and 430 with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 in these courses.  Admission to the Linked Bachelor's-Master's program allows the application of up to 9 credits toward the master's program for qualifying 400-level and above course work taken at Michigan State University. No 400-level courses with a grade lower than 3.0 will count toward the master’s degree. Credit obtained from 400-level pass/fail courses and internships will not count toward the degree. Students admitted to the program must complete all of the requirements for either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis) in the master's degree.

 


Graduate Study

The School of Journalism offers several graduate options. A Master of Arts degree (M.A.) for students with a background in journalism or related professions and for those whose degrees are in areas other than journalism or who have not worked professionally in the field. For exceptional MSU students (those whose GPA is 3.5 or above) who want to combine their undergraduate education with an M.A. degree in journalism, the School of Journalism offers a dual bachelor’s-master’s program. The School also offers a graduate certificate in journalism that help professionals and graduates update their knowledge of the field of journalism. A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Information and Media focuses on research in journalism and news, audiences, media technology, media effects or other subjects of students’ choice related to journalism and media. They learn how media and society influence each other. 

 


Journalism - Master of Arts

The Master of Arts degree program provides students with the exciting opportunity to acquire lifelong skills and knowledge as critical thinkers, excellent writers, and visual communicators in preparation for journalism careers in new media technologies and traditional media anywhere in the world. It provides flexibility to adapt to the needs of individuals for advanced study or for those without prior media experience or journalism education. It also encourages students to gain expertise in an area of study outside journalism that coincides with their future goals.

The program appeals to applicants who seek employment in related areas of innovative journalism, including mobile or online media, radio and TV news, documentaries, newspapers, magazines, photojournalism and other visual communication, media management, public relations, and journalism for domestic or international markets. It serves applicants who seek fundamental, advanced and specialized courses in journalism and related fields, who wish to pursue doctoral study, who are professional journalists planning to advance in the industry, and those who will seek opportunities in fields such as environmental journalism and international journalism.

In addition to the requirements of the University and of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

In addition to meeting the established standards required for admission to graduate study in the college, applicants for admission are asked to provide the Journalism Graduate Committee with the following:

  1. An official transcript of all undergraduate and graduate work.
  2. Three letters of recommendation from persons who are familiar with the applicant's academic and professional work.
  3. A 750–word autobiography.
  4. A 1000–word statement of goals for the master's degree.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Journalism

A minimum of 31 credits is required for the master’s degree in journalism under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).
Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B
All of the following courses (10 credits):
JRN 802 Journalism ProSeminar 1
JRN 804 Journalism Studies Seminar 3
JRN 805 Disruptions in Journalism 3
JRN 806 Contemporary Issues in Journalism 3
Additional Requirements for Plan A
1. All of the following courses (12 credits):
JRN 803 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods 3
JRN 816 Applied Research Methods in Journalism 3
JRN 899 Master's thesis Research 6
2. Complete 9 additional credits of elective course work approved by a program plan committee which may include a 9 credit concentration in: Environmental, Science, and Health Journalism; or International Journalism.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
1. All of the following courses (12 credits):
JRN 800 Multiple Media Reporting I 3
JRN 801 Multiple Media Reporting II 3
JRN 896 Journalism Professional Project 6
2. Complete 9 additional credits of elective course work approved by a program plan committee which may include a 9 credit concentration in: Environmental, Science, and Health Journalism; or International Journalism.
Optional Concentrations
The following concentrations will fulfill elective requirements in either Plan A or Plan B.
Environmental, Science and Health Journalism
All of the following courses (9 credits):
JRN 872 Environment, Science and Health Reporting Topics 3
JRN 873 Environment, Science and Health Journalism Seminars 3
Any advisor approved environmental, science, health or risk course.
International Journalism
Select 9 credits from the following:
JRN 475 International News and Government Dynamics 3
JRN 875 Global Affairs Reporting 3
JRN 887 Journalism Study Abroad Topics 6
Any advisor approved international course.

Journalism - Doctor of Philosophy

The School of Journalism participates in the interdepartmental doctoral program in Information and Media and in the interdisciplinary doctoral emphasis in American Studies.

The doctoral program in Information and Media is described under the College of Communication Arts and Sciences listing.

A description of the American Studies emphasis may be found under Interdepartmental and Interdisciplinary Programs in the College of Arts and Letters section of this catalog.

Additional information about graduate study in Journalism and Information and Media may be obtained from the School of Journalism.


Journalism/Law Institute

The Journalism/Law Institute was established in the School of Journalism to study areas of common interest to the mass media, the courts, and the legal profession. The Institute holds seminars and workshops and fosters research and study into First Amendment concerns.

 


Journalism - Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Journalism is designed to help students understand the fundamental processes of gathering, organizing, presenting and disseminating news and information in various text, audio and visual forms for different news media platforms. Students learn about the field of journalism studies, the variety of disruptions that continually shape and reshape the field and the newest innovative media technology. They develop an understanding of the influence and effects of media in society.

Admission

To be considered for admission into the Graduate Certificate in Journalism, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree and submit a short academic essay. For additional information, refer to the Admission section in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.

Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Journalism

Students must complete a minimum of 9 credits, through selection of a minimum of three JRN courses at the 800-level, in consultation with the academic advisor.