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.
The Journalism Major
Note: Except for pass/fail courses, a grade of not lower than C (2.0) is required in each journalism course comprising the major.
11 units, including:
JOUR 100 News Media and Society
JOUR 101 News Writing and Reporting
JOUR 203 Introduction to Visual Journalism
JOUR 204 Advanced News Writing and Reporting
JOUR 206 Journalism Law, Ethics
JOUR 207 Editing for Print, Internet
JOUR 302 Public Affairs Reporting
JOUR 304 Seminar
JOUR 377 Community-Based Journalism
Two elective units, chosen from:
JOUR 210 History of American Journalism
JOUR 307 Documentary Journalism
JOUR 311 Covering Election Campaigns
JOUR 312 Independent Study
JOUR 314 Literary Journalism
JOUR 370 Selected Topics in Journalism
The Journalism Minor
Note: Except for pass/fail courses, a grade of not lower than C (2.0) is required in each journalism course comprising the minor.
Seven units, including:
JOUR 100 News Media and Society
JOUR 101 News Writing and Reporting
JOUR 203 Introduction to Visual Journalism
JOUR 204 Advanced News Writing and Reporting
JOUR 206 Journalism Law, Ethics
JOUR 207 Editing for Print, Internet
JOUR 377 Community-Based Journalism