Journalism Major & Minor

Journalism students typically share a passion for writing, an earnest desire to tell honest stories and a fascination with public affairs. More than half of all journalism students choose a second field of study to complement their journalism degree. Some of the most common second majors are political science, history, English and rhetoric and communication.

As Americans begin getting their news from a variety of non-traditional sources, in addition to the newspapers, television and radio broadcasts and magazines that have been at the heart of the major for so many years, journalism programs across the country are adapting to provide students with the tools they will need to become successful writers — no matter what the medium.

First and foremost, Richmond’s Department of Journalism creates writers. Many graduates use their degrees to pursue news writing, public relations, advertising or marketing, while still others find that the strong writing background they receive is the perfect preparation for a range of careers, including attending graduate or professional schools.

Major & Minor Requirements

General prerequisites: Journalism 100 with a grade of C or better and Journalism 101. Journalism 101 with a grade of C- or better is prerequisite for all other journalism courses, and is best completed before the end of the sophomore year.

  • Major

    The Journalism Major

    Note: Except for pass/fail courses, a grade of not lower than C- (1.7) is required in each journalism course comprising the major.

    Eleven units, including:

    • JOUR100 News Media and Society

    • JOUR101 News Writing and Reporting

    • JOUR203 Journalism Across Media

    • JOUR204 Advanced News Writing and Reporting

    • JOUR206 Journalism Law, Ethics

    • JOUR207 Editing for Print, Internet

    • JOUR302 Public Affairs Reporting

    • JOUR304 Seminar

    • JOUR377 Community-Based Journalism

    • Two elective units, chosen from:

      • JOUR210 History of American Journalism

      • JOUR305 Photojournalism

      • JOUR306 Feature and Magazine Article Writing

      • JOUR307 Documentary Journalism

      • JOUR311Covering Election Campaigns

      • JOUR314 Literary Journalism

      • JOUR370 Selected Topics in Journalism (no more than one)

  • Minor

    The Journalism Minor

    Note: Except for pass/fail courses, a grade of not lower than C- (1.7) is required in each journalism course comprising the minor. 

    Six units, including: 

    • JOUR100 News Media and Society

    • JOUR101 News Writing and Reporting

    • JOUR203 Journalism Across Media

    • JOUR206 Journalism Law, Ethics

    • JOUR207 The Art of Editing

    • One elective at the 200-level or 300-level