A degree in Journalism and Media Communication features a powerful multimedia curriculum that invites creativity. Required courses inspire communication expertise, critical thinking skills, and conceptual understanding. Advanced courses provide specialized media exposure. The end result is unlimited potential, as demonstrated by graduates.

– Elizabeth Spayd, ’81, is Public Editor of the New York Times.
– Charles D’Agata, ’90, is CBS News’ London-based international correspondent.
– Jeff Eastin, ’90, is creator of the White Collar and Graceland TV Series on the USA Network.
– Virginia Singarayar, ’10, is a news designer for the Washington Post.
– Gabriel Dance,’05, is on the New York Times investigative team after earning Pulitzer Prizes with the Guardian and The Marshall Project.
– Ryan Avery, ’09, is the youngest-ever World Champion of Public Speaking.
– Dave Samson, ’79, directs public affairs for the multinational Chevron Corporation.
– Rebecca (Waddingham) Boyle, ’03, is a nationally-recognized science and nature writer.
– Joseph Akmakjian, ’13, is the Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
– David Freed, ’77, is a Pulitzer Prize winner, a Hollywood scriptwriter and novelist.
– Joseph Conrad, ’86, owns Cactus, one of Denver’s most influential advertising agencies.
– Mark Taras, ’84, earned the international Van Gogh award for video editing.
– Brian Weister, ’98 (B.A.), ’03 (M.S.), Four-time national TV news Editor of the Year
– Samantha Johnston, ’98, is General Manager of The Aspen Times.

And it doesn’t stop there. With roughly 6,000 graduates, Journalism and Media Communication alumni work in virtually every conceivable career tied to journalism, media, and communication. The department continually refreshes the curriculum to identify educational opportunities for emerging careers.

Students customize a course of study according to their individual goals. It starts by building a strong foundation in writing, communication technology, and conceptual understanding. Then it's on to a career-specific path through courses in writing, reporting, editing, public relations, advertising, television, web design, and scientific or technical communication, among others. Advisers work closely with students to help shape customized skill sets. For a list of how courses can apply to specific career tracks, see the department’s career advising supplement.

Students complete at least 40 credits in the department, including a senior capstone course and an internship or practicum. In addition to the All University Core Curriculum (AUCC), students select 21 or more subject-specific credits outside of the department to develop a secondary field of expertise. This requirement can be satisfied by completing an academic minor, a second major, or with a group of related courses. Examples include, but are not limited to minors in Business, Political Science, or Information Science and Technology. When academic minors aren’t available in a student’s interest area, students work with their advisers to select a content focus and courses to match their interests.

All students should examine the curriculum check sheet and course list to get a complete overview of the Journalism and Media Communication graduation requirements. The Degree Progress Audit (DARS) is available on RAMweb and is the best tool for students to track their progress toward graduation.