Major in Journalism and Media Communication

The study of journalism, mass communication, and specialized media combines high-level professional training with a broad foundation in the liberal arts. All students complete a common 24-credit core, including writing, multimedia, and conceptual courses, as well as a capstone course. Students work closely with their Academic Success Coordinator and Faculty Advisors to select an additional 22 credits in a focus area crafted to match their career interests with options in Journalism and Storytelling, Media Production and Strategic Communication. Practical experience can be gained on the staffs of the Rocky Mountain Collegian, the award-winning campus television station Collegian TV, College Avenue magazine, and KCSU-FM Radio. Graduating seniors present professional portfolios for assessment by panels of faculty and communication professionals from Denver and elsewhere in Colorado. Because successful communicators require broad knowledge, this flexible program encourages development of a background in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and in-depth study in an area of interest outside journalism. The addition of a minor or double major in disciplines such as political science, information technology, history, economics, business, communication studies, psychology, the arts, or natural or applied sciences is possible.

The Department of Journalism and Media Communication is one of a relatively small number of departments formally recognized by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. Participation in volunteer activities, cooperative education opportunities, or communication-related part time jobs is highly recommended to enhance practical training and development.

Learning Objectives

Students will demonstrate:

1. Competence in writing, editing, and producing media messages as well as in planning, designing, and evaluating effective public information programs.
2. Knowledge and use of communication theory and research principles to guide the selection of communication audiences, message content and format, and media channels to enhance communication impact.
3. Understanding of the ethics, laws, and values associated with professional communication activity.

Accelerated Program

The major in Journalism and Media Communication includes an accelerated program option for students to graduate on a faster schedule. Accelerated Programs typically include 15-16 credits each fall and spring semester for three years, plus 6-9 credits over two to three summer sessions. Students who enter CSU with prior credit (AP, IB, transfer, etc.) may use applicable courses to further accelerate their graduation. Visit the Office of the Provost website for additional information about Accelerated Programs.

Potential Occupations

The Journalism and Media Communication program emphasizes the role of mass and specialized media in society and prepares students for entry-level work in private business, government, and education. Depending upon the focus of study, students may find career opportunities in a wide variety of professional communication venues. Specific career opportunities may include: advertising copywriter, designer, or producer; agriculture writer, reporter, or editor; attorney specializing in communication law; blogger, columnist, or editorial cartoonist; college professor; communications manager or director; company spokesperson; corporate media specialist; e-mail and direct mail strategist; environmental media specialist; freelance writer, editor, or photographer; health writer, editor, or producer; marketing coordinator; media relations director or strategist; multimedia producer; non-profit communications director; novelist or non-fiction author; reporter or photojournalist for the web, magazines, newspapers, or television; owner of public relations agency or production company; professional speaker; public affairs officer for government agency; public relations agency account executive; publication designer for magazines or newspapers; radio disc jockey, reporter, or music director; reality television producer, writer, photographer, or on-camera talent; science writer or editor; social media specialist; sports writer, photographer, or producer; technical writer or editor; teacher for any level of K-12 education upon completion of appropriate licensing (see the Center for Educator Preparation); television news anchor or program host; television or radio news program producer or director; television documentary producer; travel writer, photographer, or program host; video editor for news, corporate, or entertainment television; website designer and manager.

To change your major to Journalism and Media Communication, you can either call the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center at 970-491-3117 or send an email to cla_advising@colostate.edu. More information is available on https://advising.libarts.colostate.edu. 

Effective Fall 2023

All majors in the department must earn a minimum grade of C (a grade of C- is not acceptable) in each course that carries the JTC subject code.

Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication Accreditation Requirements

Majors in Journalism and Media Communication must take a minimum of 46 credits of JTC courses and a minimum of 66 credits outside of JTC.

Of the 66 credits outside of JTC, 21 must meet one of the following Second Field criteria with approval of advisor:¹

1. a Minor;
2. an Interdisciplinary Minor;
3. 21 credits in one subject code;
4. 9 credits from one subject code and 12 credits from a second subject code;
5. a selection of 21 credits comprising a Second Field developed by the student and the advisor.

Courses taken outside of the department may include All-University Core Curriculum (AUCC) courses, Minor or Second Field courses, or any other out-of-department (non-JTC) courses used to complete the major as approved by advisor.

The 46 JTC required credits include 24 credits specified in the curriculum below plus 22 credits of directed electives to create an individualized focus area from the following categories (Writing, Production, Internship/Practicum, Advanced, Additional credits).

Directed Electives for Individualized Focus Area

Over the sophomore, junior, and senior years, students must complete a minimum of 22 credits in an individually designed focus area. Students must select those 22 credits from among the following categories and courses in consultation with advisor, as follows:

¹

Of the 21 credits required for the Second Field, 12 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level) and none may be from JTC.

²

With approval of the department and advisor, students may substitute a 400-level Journalism and Media Communication study abroad course for 1 credit of the Internship/Practicum requirement and up to 3 credits of the Additional Credits requirement, for a maximum total of 4 credits for study abroad.

³

High-achieving students, with approval of advisor, may select JTC 544 to satisfy 3 credits of the Additional Credit requirement.

⁴

Select a minimum of 22 credits of Focus Area courses and 21 credits of Second Field courses over the sophomore, junior, and senior years, in consultation with advisor.

⁵

Select a three-credit statistics course offered by any department, with approval of advisor. A statistics course is required if one was not taken to satisfy AUCC 1B requirement.

⁶

Select 3 credits other than JTC 100 from the list of courses in category 3C of the AUCC. Students in this major must take 3 credits of Social and Behavioral Sciences other than JTC 100, which is required in the freshman year.

⁷

If either JTC 411 or JTC 415 was taken as a Concept Course in the junior year, students may take any different concept course here. 

⁸

Select enough elective credits to bring the program to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).