The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Studies prepares graduates to enter the broad field of journalism with a solid core of writing, editing and ethical training. Students learn the fundamentals of journalism for newspapers, magazines, radio, television and new media.
Instruction in the program focuses on developing news judgment, writing accurately and fairly and understanding the complexities of media writing. Students gain knowledge and develop skills in collecting and relaying information and acquiring speed and versatility in producing stories for print, broadcast and the internet. A solid understanding of media ethics and personal responsibility is also stressed. All of the skills students learn in the program can be applied to both traditional and new media.
A unique facet of the degree is the required interdisciplinary cognate, or secondary area of specialty, that allows students to assemble related courses from across the university. Some examples include "Society and Contemporary American Politics" and "Cultural Ethics of International Marketing." This provides students with a specialty that will prove useful in entering the profession.
The internship program is also an important part of the major--the chance to experience journalism first-hand. Majors are also encouraged to work for one of the DU student media, particularly The Clarion.