Journalism
Journalism is one of four majors offered by the Department of Communication. Students are trained in both print and broadcast journalism. The program has a strong emphasis on cross-platform reporting and multi-media storytelling.
The Program
Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree offered by the Department of Communication must first complete all courses associated with the Pre-Communication requirements. Once all Pre-Communication courses and requirements are met, students submit the transition form, available on the department's website, to their advisor. After verification of accuracy, the student is accepted into the professional program and can continue pursuing a degree in the Department of Communication.
Admission to the Major
Students must complete 19 credits of Pre-Communication courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA to become a journalism major. The courses are COMM 110, COMM 112, COMM 114, COMM 189, COMM 212, COMM 220, and ENGL 120.
Journalism Major
Students majoring in journalism may earn a Bachelor of Science degree (includes an approved minor) or a Bachelor of Arts degree (includes a modern language proficiency).
Career Opportunities
Coursework in the journalism major prepares students for careers in news reporting, media writing, broadcast writing, and broadcast production. The courses emphasize written and oral communication skills and prepare students to communicate in meaningful and effective ways with a variety of audiences.
Journalism Minor
Many other majors offered at North Dakota State University can be greatly enhanced by a journalism minor. The 21-credit minor includes a nine-credit core and twelve credits of professional specialization electives.
Internship Requirement
Internships offer practical experience for journalism students. After securing an internship, students must gain approval from the departmental internship coordinator, have an on-site evaluation, and report on the internship experience. Three credits (120 hours) of this field experience are required for the major, and many students complete more than one internship. Students have interned with a variety of media companies in the Fargo-Moorhead area and beyond. Internships often lead to jobs.
Scholarships
The Department of Communication awards a number of scholarships to students who excel in academics and who have demonstrated career potential. Applications are due by March 1. Visit the department website for information.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Students majoring in journalism are encouraged to gain additional experience by working with the Bison Information Network (television), KNDS-96.9 (radio), or The Spectrum (print). NDSU has two honoraries for top students majoring in a degree program offered by the Department of Communication. Pi Kappa Delta is a national honor fraternity for students involved in human communication activities. Lambda Pi Eta is a national honorary for communication majors with high academic achievement.
High School Preparation
A well-rounded high school education with experiences in high school music, forensics, theater, newspaper, or yearbook serves as good preparation for a major in journalism. Students with interests in science and art, business and service, and publicity and promotion will find a major in this department to be a good fit.
The Faculty
Faculty members in the Department of Communication are dedicated teachers, scholars, and practitioners who are committed to providing high-quality courses, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities for undergraduate research. We encourage students who want to learn more about our faculty to reach out via email or schedule an appointment via Navigate.
Journalism Plan of Study
Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum. Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.
First Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
COMM 112 Understanding Media and Social Change | 3 | COMM 110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
COMM 114 Human Communication | 3 | COMM 200 Introduction to Media Writing | 3 |
COMM 189 Skills for Academic Success | 1 | ENGL 120 College Composition II | 3 |
ENGL 110 College Composition I (or placement) | 4 | Gen Ed Humanities & Arts | 3 |
Gen Ed Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | Gen Ed Science & Technology | 3 |
Gen Ed Wellness | 2 | Gen Ed Science & Technology Lab | 1 |
| 16 |
| 16 |
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
COMM 212 Interpersonal Communication | 3 | COMM 320 Communication Research Methods | 3 |
COMM 220 Persuasion | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
Minor or Language Coursework | 3 | Minor Coursework | 3 |
Gen Ed Global Perspectives | 3 | Gen Ed Humanities & Arts | 3 |
Gen Ed Science & Technology | 3 | Gen Ed Science & Technology | 3 |
| 15 |
| 15 |
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
COMM 310 Advanced Media Writing | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
COMM 496 Field Experience | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
Major Elective | 3 | Minor or Language Coursework | 3 |
Minor or Language Coursework | 3 | Minor LanguageCoursework | 3 |
Gen Ed Upper Division Writing | 3 | AHSS Requirement | 3 |
| 15 |
| 15 |
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
COMM 431 Communication Ethics and Law | 3 | COMM 465 Convergence Media | 3 |
Major Elective | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
Minor or Language Coursework | 3 | Minor or Language Coursework | 3 |
AHSS Requirement | 3 | Additional Coursework May be required to reach | 3 |
Additional Coursework or Internship | 3 |
| |
| 15 |
| 12 |
Total Credits: 120 | |||
View NDSU equivalencies of transfer courses at: www.ndsu.edu/transfer/equivalencies
Minard Hall
Room 338
Minard Hall is located on the south end of campus on Albrecht Boulevard (Campus Map)
Contact Information
Communication
NDSU Dept 2310,
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
DEPT PHONE: (701) 231-7705
DEPT WEBSITE: www.ndsu.edu/communication
or
Office of Admission
North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept #5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Tel: (701) 231-8643 / Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/
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