About Us
"Whoever controls the media, controls the mind." Jim Morrison (American rock singer/songwriter 1943-1971)
Are you someone who can't get enough of the latest headlines? Does advertising fascinate you? Are you a "people person"? Do you enjoy writing? If so, you may want to consider majoring in journalism. With this degree, you could find yourself covering world events for a major newspaper or TV network, reporting on sports for a local radio station or writing about entertainment on the Internet. Or you could use your research, writing, editing and people skills as a public relations or advertising professional. Regardless, with a B.A. in Journalism, you'll have what it takes to work in these tough yet often rewarding businesses.
About our offerings
To receive a B.A. in Journalism at UNC, you must complete 120 semester hours of course work. This includes the hours you must take to complete UNC's Liberal Arts Core (40 hours), the hours you must take to complete JMS's major requirements (about 40 hours) and minor requirement (about 18 hours), and the university electives you must take to bring the total up to 120 hours (about 32 hours). See the Catalog for specific requirements. Required courses in the major include 12 semester hours of core classes and additional semester hours of courses specific to one of two emphasis areas: Strategic Communications or News and Multimedia Journalism. An internship is strongly recommended.
Journalism & Media Studies Major
Career preparation and understanding of mass communications are two significant benefits of majoring in journalism. Professionally experienced, academically qualified faculty members provide high-quality instruction and opportunities for skills enhancement in each of the emphases.
Students who complete a journalism degree program will have demonstrated the ability to do the following:
- Conduct research and interview sources.
- Consult primary and secondary sources of information and analyze and evaluate resultant information and ideas.
- Analyze and evaluate public knowledge, public opinion, audience need and audience interests.
- Serve the public interest, which may include, but is not limited to, commercial interest.
- Draft and edit news stories, news releases, scripts, storyboards, treatment synopses, media plans or production plans.
- Apply standards of formatting, writing, editing and graphic design.
- Apply ethical and legal standards of profession.
- Acquire and organize necessary materials, equipment and personnel for specific tasks.
- Shoot and edit video and audio, rehearse, perform air checks and modify content as needed.
- Produce a final news story or components of media plans or produce radio or television programs.
