Department of Journalism, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
82 Credits
Introduction/What is the Study of Journalism?
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. He or she may utilize online delivery or other forms of electronic communication. The trained journalist may use her or his 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 a Visual Journalism Concentration in 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 visual journalism sequence prepare students in the concepts, professional practices and course work applications of visual components of news: photojournalism, information graphics, video and audio clips, mapping and typography.
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Department Chair
Peggy Watt
Communications Facility 253
360-650-2338
Peggy.Watt@wwu.edu
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Academic Department Manager
Karen Smith
Communications Facility 255
360-650-3252
Karen.Smith@wwu.edu
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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
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How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process)
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 with a B- or better
- Submit a letter of application
Students meeting qualifications but not admitted because of space limitations will be listed as pre-majors and admitted as space allows.
Application deadlines: Deadlines for pre-major/major declaration are posted in the Journalism Department each quarter.
See additional details in the Journalism Department’s Declaration of Major .
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.
