Major

Journalism and Media Communication is a diverse community of scholars, journalists, media creators, and professional communicators. We think critically and strategically, striving for truth and impact through substance and style.

How Will You Tell Your Story?

We explore the uses and effects of media through teaching, scholarship, creative activity, and engagement. Our community represents a broad diversity of voices and perspectives to inspire fairness, accuracy, and responsibility through academic and professional collaboration.

Choose a Focus Area

While students are not required to choose an area of focus, it is strongly encouraged to build a foundation in at least one of the following JMC focus areas.

Journalism & Storytelling Media Production Strategic Communication Science Communication

Journalism & Storytelling

If you enjoy developing and sharing relevant stories, consider a Journalism and Storytelling focus. Journalists cover important events, trends, and circumstances, gather information and media, then craft factual stories for readers, listeners, and viewers. Technology advances continue to disrupt traditional reporting practices and funding options. But technology also expands the potential reach and influence of journalists. This makes news gathering and dissemination more immediate, global, and responsive.

Hear from JMC faculty about the Journalism and Storytelling focus area

Courses for Journalism and Storytelling include:

JTC 305 Media and Global Cultural Identity
JTC 310 Copy Editing
JTC 320A/B Reporting/Sports Reporting
JTC 328 Feature Writing
JTC 420 Advanced Reporting
JTC 422 Entrepreneurial Journalism

Media Production

Are you interested in a career as a creative media maker? If so, you will need to develop and master skills that demonstrate storytelling expertise in video, audio, photos, graphics, websites, publications, charts, drawings, and social media. All JMC students have access to the department’s large collection of DSLR, video, and drone cameras for photography, single and multi-camera remote video production, as well as use of our studios for professional audio and video production.

Hear from JMC faculty about the Media Production focus area

Courses for Media Production include:

JTC 335 Photography
JTC 345 Video Production
JTC 347 Audio Production
JTC 372 Web Design and Development
JTC 427 Motion Graphic Design
JTC 435 Documentary Video Production

Strategic Communication

If you see yourself using communication and media to advance the goals of an organization, this is the focus area for you. Strategic communicators work in advertising, public relations, promotions, branding, and marketing for corporations, government institutions, small companies, or non-profit groups. They plan, research, create, target, and distribute messages. The goal may be to inform audiences about products and services, improve an organization’s image, or to create and enhance the brand of a product, individual, or group. A top strategic communicator influences audiences by understanding quality media of all types, using messages and tactics through a variety of channels, including press releases and advertisements, email, commercials, social media, online audio and video streaming platforms, websites, and planned events.

Hear from current JMC faculty about the Strategic Communication focus area

Courses for Strategic Communication include:

JTC 350 Public Relations
JTC 355 Advertising
JTC 359 Audience Insights
JTC 374 Social Media Management
JTC 425 Strategic Multicultural Communication
JTC 451 Integrated Communication Campaigns

Science Communication

We define science broadly to not only include basic science, but also topics and issues related to agriculture, environment and natural resources, energy, food, human health, nutrition, risk, technology, veterinary medicine, and animal health. If you see yourself bridging the gap between scientists and the public using strategic communication and storytelling strategies, consider a focus in science communication. In addition to the Science Communication classes offered within the department, students will combine classes from the other focus areas to create an individualized program of study.

Hear from a current JMC faculty member about Science Communication

Courses for Strategic Communication include topics such as:

JTC 319 Science and Environmental Communication
JTC 350 Public Relations
JTC 419 Food and Natural Resources Communication

From there, students can work with their advisor to customize their focus with additional classes such as JTC 335 Photography, JTC 354 Crisis Communication, or JTC 417 Data Visualization Design.

Your Academic Success

You will meet your Academic Success Coordinator at Orientation, and then each semester prior to registration. They will help you understand your degree program, discuss your goals with you, help you to define your focus area, as well as serve as your navigator for resources across campus.

Journalism and Media Communication is a competitive major. Direct entry into the program as a first-year student requires a cumulative high school GPA of 3.2 or higher. Transfer students or students looking to switch majors after enrolling at CSU must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher from all prior university coursework.

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Minors

The Journalism and Media Communication Department offers four minors, including two that are interdisciplinary.

• Media Studies
• Science Communication
• Information Science and Technology
• Music, Stage and Sports Production
• Journalistic Reporting and Storytelling

Minors Page

Opportunities with JMC

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Prospective Students

Not yet attending CSU and considering a major in journalism and media communication? Learn more about the CSU experience and engage with the department by contacting the Recruitment and Enrollment Coordinator in the College of Liberal Arts.

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