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Journalism and Mass Communication

This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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Journalism and Mass Communication

http://www.greenlee.iastate.edu/  

The journalism and mass communication major prepares students for careers that involve all aspects of news and information. Emphasis is placed on generating ideas, organizing, writing, editing, and presenting information for various media platforms and audiences. Students work with advisors to develop a program of study that prepares them for work in communication-specific areas including broadcast media, magazines and/or newspapers, photojournalism, science communication, visual communication, and digital media. Coursework in this major focuses on writing, research, digital and emerging media, and professional abilities. Students are required to complete a capstone internship experience to practice and refine their skills.

The Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication prepares students for the field of communication. The school offers three majors:

  • Advertising Bachelor of Arts (ADVRT)
  • Journalism and Mass Communication Bachelor of Science (JL MC)
  • Public Relations Bachelor of Science (P R)

In addition, the Greenlee School offers a 4+1 program allowing students to complete their B.A. or B.S. and earn an M.S. in journalism and mass communication in fewer semesters.

Professional skills are taught and practiced alongside academic requirements using the latest technology and leading-edge communication trends and methods.

Founded in 1905, the unit was one of the first journalism programs to be accredited in 1948 and continues to be one of the longest continuously accredited programs in the country. Accreditation is based on the principle that students need a broad-based, liberal arts education and solid core courses within the discipline. Students taking one major at the school may not seek an additional major or a minor in the school. All students are required to take an additional major or a minor outside the school as an area of expertise.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who major in programs of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication are expected to develop competencies in 10 key areas: 

  • apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
  • demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts;
  • present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies;
  • write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
  • demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
  • apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
  • effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
  • critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
  • apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.

The Journalism and Mass Communication Major

To receive a bachelor of science degree in journalism and mass communication, a student must earn at least 120 credits. A minimum of 72 credits must come from courses other than ADVRT, JL MC or P R. At least 50 of these credits must come from the liberal arts and sciences. Overall, at least 45 credits must be from 300-level or above.

The degree requirements allow for a minimum of 34 credits and a maximum of 48 credits to be taken in ADVRT, JL MC and P R. These include:

JL MC 110Orientation to Journalism and Communication1
JL MC 240Principles of Journalism3
JL MC 201Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media (C+ or better)3
One of the following two courses with C+ or better:
JL MC 302Intermediate Reporting and Writing for the Mass Media3
or JL MC 303 Reporting and Writing for Broadcast Media
300-level ADVRT, JL MC or P R Electives9
JL MC 460Law of Mass Communication3
JL MC 462Media Ethics, Freedom, Responsibility3
400-level ADVRT, JL MC, or P R Electives6
JL MC 499AProfessional Media Internship: Required3
Total Credits34

Journalism and mass communication majors are also required to take:

STAT 101Principles of Statistics (or another approved statistics course)4

As majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, journalism and mass communication students must meet College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and University-wide requirements for graduation in addition to those stated above for the major.

University Requirement: Students in all ISU majors must complete a three-credit course in U.S. Diversity, as well as a three-credit course in International Perspectives. The approved course lists are found at the following web addresses:(U.S. Diversity) http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/students/div-ip-guide/usdiversity-courses and (International
Perspectives) http://www.registrar.iastate.edu/students/div-ip-guide/IntlPerspectives-current. Students must also demonstrate their communication proficiency by earning a grade of C or better in ENGL 250.

College of LAS Requirement: Minimum of 120 credits, including a minimum of 45 credits at the 300-level and above. You must also complete the LAS world language requirement, LAS career proficiency requirement, and any unmet ISU admission requirements.

Greenlee majors and minors cannot take ADVRT, JL MC or P R courses pass/not pass.

Minor or Additional Major: Students are required to fulfill a secondary area of expertise. This requirement can be met by declaring a minor or an additional major outside of the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. Students taking one major at the school may not seek an additional major or a minor in the school.

Juniors can apply to a concurrent degree program and earn a B.S. and an M.S. in journalism and mass communication in fewer semesters.  Contact the Director of Graduate Education for more information on the Greenlee School's 4+1 Program.

Journalism and Mass Communication, B.S.

Freshman
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
JL MC 1101JL MC 2013 
JL MC 2403STAT 1014 
ENGL 1503Social Science3 
Arts and Humanities3Natural Science3 
Natural Science3Arts and Humanities3 
LIB 1601  
 14 16
Sophomore
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
JL MC 300-level choice3JL MC 302 or 3033 
ENGL 2503U.S. Diversity3 
Social Science3World Language or Elective4 
World Language or Elective3-4Arts and Humanities3 
Natural Science2Social Science3 
LAS 2031  
 15-16 16
Junior
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
JL MC 300-level choice3JL MC 300-level Choice3JL MC 499A3
JL MC 400-level choice3Minor/Additional Major Choice3 
International Perspective3Minor/Additional Major Choice 300+ Level3 
Minor/Additional Major Choice3Minor/Additional Major Choice 300+ Level3 
Minor/Additional Major Choice 3Arts & Humanities3 
 15 15 3
Senior
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
JL MC 4603JL MC 4623 
JL MC 400-level Choice3Elective or Minor/Additional Major Choice 300+ Level3 
ADVRT/JL MC/P R Short Course Intensive Elective1Elective or Minor/Additional Major Choice 300+ Level3 
Elective or Minor/Additional Major Choice4Elective or Minor/Additional Major Choice3 
Minor/Additional Major Choice 300+ Level3  
 14 12
Total Credits: 120-121

Minor in Journalism and Mass Communication

Students cannot select more than one minor in the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. Minors in the Greenlee School are not available to Greenlee majors.

For a minor in journalism and mass communication, students complete 15 credits. The minor must include at least 9 credits that are not used to meet any other department, college, or university requirement.

JL MC 101Mass Media and Society3
JL MC 240Principles of Journalism3
9 credits from the following:9
Visual Principles for Mass Communicators
Digital Video Production
Science Communication
Professional Skills Development
Mass Communication Theory
Media Management
History of American Journalism
Journalism and Literature
Communication Technology and Social Change
World Communication Systems
Diversity in the Media
Special Topics in Communication
Total Credits15

Greenlee majors and minors cannot take ADVRT, JL MC or P R courses pass/not pass. 

Concurrent Undergraduate and Graduate Programs

The Greenlee School offers three concurrent degree programs:

B.A. Advertising/M.S. Journalism and Mass Communication
B.S. Journalism/M.S. Journalism and Mass Communication
B.S. Public Relations/M.S. Journalism and Mass Communication

Enrollment in the Greenlee School’s concurrent degree programs enables students to complete coursework for the undergraduate and graduate programs on a five-year accelerated timeline – rather than the typical six-year timeline for the two degrees. Graduates of the concurrent degree program will be prepared to face today’s rapidly changing media environment and contribute to society by becoming a leader within the communication field. Upon completion of the undergraduate program (bachelor’s degree), students can choose between two tracks in the master’s program (master’s degree): one for students who desire specialized study in communication theory and research and one for students who wish to develop or strengthen their professional and strategic communication skills. At the master’s level, the School is well known for developing practitioners and scholars in science communication, political communication, multicultural communication and media industries. The ISU Graduate Handbook outlines policies and requirements for concurrent degree programs. Concurrent degree students must complete all academic requirements and required coursework for both degrees.

To be eligible for a concurrent degree program, currently enrolled Greenlee ADVRT, JL MC or P R students must 1) be defined as seniors by their number of cumulative ISU credits (90 credits or more) and 2) have successfully completed JL MC 201 (required of all three undergraduate majors) with a C+ or better. Before beginning graduate coursework, concurrent degree candidates must formally indicate their interest by contacting the Greenlee School’s Director of Graduate Education. Interested students must then apply to the master’s program no later than March 1 of the year prior to taking graduate coursework. Application and admissions requirements for the master’s program are the same for concurrent students as those applying to the master’s program after completing an undergraduate degree. A thesis or creative component is required for all concurrent degree students.

To receive a bachelor of science/arts degree from the Greenlee School in advertising, journalism or public relations, a student must earn at least 120 credits and complete all required courses. To receive a master’s of science degree from the Greenlee School in journalism and mass communication, a student must earn at least 32 credits and complete all required courses.

Preference for assistantships will be given to students who have completed all of their undergraduate coursework.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. To develop an understanding of the central issues and current research important to the field of journalism and communication.
  2. To be familiar with the breadth and depth of the journalism and communication profession.
  3. To be able to communicate acquired knowledge in the field.
  4. To be aware of ethical issues that pertain to the field of journalism and communication.
  5. To develop the ability to design and present an independent and meaningful research project.

Graduate Programs

Master of Science

The Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication offers work for a master of science degree in journalism and mass communication.

Majors plan a program of study in one of two tracks:

I. Academic track  -- The School offers advanced academic preparation in communication theory and research, leading to the master of science degree. Graduate work prepares students to use and contribute to research and scholarship in the field of communication. This track requires a thesis based on original research, which must be defended successfully before a committee at the end of the program.

Areas of research emphasis include: science and risk communication, media effects, advertising, public relations, political communication, communication technology, law and ethics, international communication, visual communication and emerging media.

II. Professional track -- The School offers advanced professional study in journalism and mass communication leading to the master of science degree. Graduate work prepares students for professional careers in a variety of mass communication fields. Students with limited training or experience in journalism and mass communication may include skills courses in their programs, but the credits for those courses may not count toward the graduate degree. This track requires either a creative component which must be defended successfully before a committee at the end of the program.

 

All graduate students must complete 32 credits for graduation, comprised of four core classes, at least two electives outside the Greenlee School, and at least four thesis or creative component credits. The following core courses account for 10 credits of the needed 32 credits.

JL MC 501Theories of Mass Communication3
JL MC 502Fundamentals of Communication Research Methods3
JL MC 592Introduction to Graduate Study in Journalism and Mass Communication1
JL MC 598Seminars in Mass Communication1-3

Each student selects elective courses based on his/her area of emphasis and career goal, in consultation with the student's major professor and Program of Study Committee.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. To develop an understanding of the central issues and current research important to the field of journalism and communication.
  2. To be familiar with the breadth and depth of the journalism and communication profession.
  3. To be able to communicate acquired knowledge in the field.
  4. To be aware of ethical issues that pertain to the field of journalism and communication.
  5. To develop the ability to design and present an independent and meaningful research project.

Graduate Minor

The Greenlee School graduate program offers minor work for students majoring in other departments. The M.S. minor requires:

JL MC 501, JL MC 510 and one other course in journalism and mass communication for a total of 9 credits taken within the Greenlee School.

Concurrent Programs

The Greenlee School's concurrent degree programs enable interested students the opportunity to complete coursework for the undergraduate and graduate programs on a five-year accelerated timeline – rather than the typical six-year timeline for the two degrees.