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Journalism Concentration

journalism

 

Our journalism concentration provides the basis for a fascinating and challenging career in a field that is changing daily as the traditional print and electronic media move closer together. This is a rapidly changing field and we keep track with the changes.

Students are able to do reporting and cover all the important events on WCU campus and the community and publish it on The Western Carolina Journalist, the news website of the Department of Communication established in the fall of 2010.This enables students to practice their professional judgment and skills with various community groups and local agencies.

Majors can expand their knowledge of the various communication tools by taking a second communication concentration of broadcasting, public relations or broadcast sales.

As an option journalism majors can take a second major in a specific field they have an interest in joining, as environmental science, natural resource management, criminal justice, a foreign language, international studies or one of the sciences.

Faculty bring years of academic and professional experience to the classroom. Classes engage students in "real world" challenges using the community as a laboratory.

Students can begin their professional networking by joining the Society of Professional Journalists and WCU student chapter and enhance their skills and network.

Requirements for the B.S. Degree in Communication/Journalism

Liberal Studies - University Required 42 hours

Communication Core (19 hours)

Required Practical Course:

COMM 240 - Writing for Communication Credits: 3

Required Theory Course:

COMM 350 - Communication Theory and Criticism Credits: 3

Required Professional Courses:

COMM 296 - Introduction to Professional Development Credits: 3

COMM 483 - Internship in Communications Credits: 3, R9

COMM 496 - Seminar in Professional Development Credits: 1

Select two (2) of the following communication courses:

COMM 301 - Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3

COMM 312 - Small Group & Team Communication Credits: 3

COMM 345 - Public and Mediated Speaking Credits: 3

COMM 415 - Intercultural Communication Credits: 3

Journalism (21 hours)

COMM 330 - News Reporting I Credits: 3

COMM 430 - News Reporting II Credits: 3

CS 130 - Introduction to Computing Credits: 3

LAW 406 - Media Law Credits: 3

PSC 169 - Global Issues Credits: 3

Select two (2) of the following communication courses:

COMM 254 - Radio Production I Credits: 3

COMM 255 - Television Production I Credits: 3

COMM 302 - Reporting of Public Affairs Credits: 3, R6

COMM 304 - Magazine and Feature Writing Credits: 3

COMM 305 - Sports Writing Credits: 3

COMM 346 - Communications Ethics and Responsibilities Credits: 3

COMM 352 - Writing for Broadcast Credits: 3, R6

COMM 380 - Social Media Communication Campaigns

COMM 385 - News Practicum I Credits: 3

COMM 431 - International Reporting

COMM 493 - Selected Topics in Communication Credits: 3, R9 (with approval of advisor)

COMM 494 - Communication Projects Credits: 1-3, R6 (with approval of advisor)

To complete the program: A total of 40 hours is required, including a minor, second communication concentration, second major, or other approved program and student selected general electives. At least 30 hours taken at WCU must be at the junior-senior level to meet one of the general university degree requirements.

Total hours required for the degree: 120

Note: The above information is not an official listing of the coursework required for the B.S. degree in Communications/Journalism. For an official listing of the required courses you should consult The Record, the official Western Carolina University catalog of courses.

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