Introduction
Journalism is the work of supplying content, primarily news, for the ever-expanding world of mass media. Journalists are responsible for gathering information, analyzing and editing it for a mass audience, and dispensing it using some form of media platform. Increasingly the methods of distribution have become more complex, but the basic mission of a journalist remains the same: to serve the public by finding, defining, writing and editing information.
Today’s journalist may be found on traditional publications such as newspapers and magazines, broadcast outlets and specialized publications. They may utilize online delivery or other forms of electronic communication. Trained journalists may use their skills in the expanding field of public relations, working to serve as a bridge between those with a message to communicate and the journalist who seeks information.
Why Consider the Public Relations Sequence of the Journalism Major?
Journalism majors pursue theoretical and practical communication studies in a liberal arts setting. Students of journalism gain practical experience on Western’s award-winning student media, and majors additionally take field internships with newspapers, magazines, broadcast stations, public relations agencies and other professional organizations.
Courses in the public relations sequence follow the news/editorial emphasis, adding communication skills important for careers in this rapidly growing field.
Student Resources
Department website: Journalism
Contact information: Academic Department Manager, Jennifer Dalton, Communications Facility 255, 360-650-4583, torresj3@wwu.edu
Department advising: See the department’s steps to becoming a major for more information
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
Sample Careers: Reporter, Editor, Customer Service Representative, Public Relations Specialist, Community Relations Director, TV News Anchor, Speech Writer, Advertising Copywriter, Copywriter, Market Research Analyst, Lobbyist, Photojournalist, Designer, Multimedia Producer, All careers involving communication
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Criteria for declaring a pre-major
To be eligible to declare as a pre-major in journalism, a student must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. Transfer students will be accepted during their first quarter on campus. Freshmen must complete one quarter of classes at WWU to establish a GPA before being considered as a pre-major. Current WWU students must show evidence of the required 2.5 GPA. Students are encouraged to declare as a pre-major while completing the requirements for the major. For complete details, see Steps to Becoming a Major, Declaring as a Pre-Major on the department’s website.
Admissions
For admission to the major, a student must have completed the following requirements:
- Complete at least 30 college credits with a cumulative 2.50 grade point average
- Pass JOUR 207 with a B- or better
- Complete one Journalism staff course (JOUR 214, JOUR 314, JOUR 321) with a B- or better
Grade Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors. Cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher in major is required.
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