Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Department of Journalism and Media Production


Studies in the Department of Journalism and Media Production blend the knowledge of communication practices and technology. Coursework in media production and journalism develops essential skills for working professionals in the mass media, public relations, technical, scientific, medical, journalism, media production, or corporate communication fields.

The coursework focuses on the development of reader-centered, content-driven information products produced in various areas of concentration including journalism, public relations, mobile and social media communication, video and interactive media production, or technical writing and editing.

Bachelor of Arts

The journalism program prepares students for careers in traditional and convergent media. A solid education is offered in the basics of journalism with Bachelor of Arts degrees earned in journalism or broadcast journalism. Students may also choose from journalism minors.

Proficiency in standard written English is a prerequisite for all journalism courses. Students are required to complete ENG 1010 before taking any journalism courses beyond JMP 1000.

Students should select an advisor early in their course of study. Students may not select both a major and minor from the Journalism program. The Journalism program will provide students with a list of suggested General Studies courses to help them gain a broad base of knowledge necessary for working in news and information media.

The journalism faculty are academic and working professionals who offer a real-world education in the tenets of journalism; accuracy, truth, fairness, acting independently and minimizing harm. Instructors also teach rigorous courses of First Amendment case studies and ethical issues that prepare students for careers in both print and electronic newsrooms and public relations firms.

Scholarships are offered to students in the MSU Denver Journalism program.

All journalism degree emphases prepare our students for traditional and convergent publishing. Many of our graduates are working professionals at local, national and international media companies. All journalism majors require a minor.

Bachelor of Science

The Department of Journalism and Media Production also offers four Bachelor of Science degrees plus an extended major in Journalism and Media Production. In addition, the department offers a Digital Media Minor in conjunction with the Department of Art and the Department of Communication Arts and Sciences.

Each individual major teaches theory, concepts, and practical applications that can be employed in various areas of business, industry, government, and the media production field. With the exception of the extended major option, all students must complete a minor.

Upon completion of a degree program in this program, students should be able to:

  • Communicate knowledge of the field both orally and in writing
  • Relate technical communication principles from their selected areas of concentration
  • Apply theory and principles in a practical manner to their areas of concentration
  • Conduct research, synthesize technical information and write in the appropriate format of their concentration
  • Present technical information in a media or interactive media format suitable to their areas of concentration
  • Produce or oversee the production of technical information in a video or interactive media format suitable to their area of concentration

Extended Major

To complete the extended major in Journalism and Media Production, students must fulfill the 12-credit departmental core, all of the coursework required for any of the department’s normal majors, followed by sufficient credits in JMP courses to total 66 credits. In addition, the student must fulfill all of MSU Denver’s General Studies and Multicultural requirements. Students enrolled in the extended major are NOT required to complete a minor. Consult the department for details concerning the extended major.

Digital Media Minor

The Digital Media minor includes courses from the departments of Art, Communication Arts and Sciences, and Journalism and Media Production. This minor consists of 24 credits, six of which must be upper division. This minor is designed to provide skills that will increase employment opportunities in the field of digital media communication.

Journalism and Media Production Minor

Sport Media Minor

The Sport Media minor includes courses from the departments of Human Performance and Sport, and Journalism and Media Production. The minor consists of a core of courses drawn from both departments.

 

Page Revised July 1, 2019