The Department of Journalism and Communication (JCOM) prepares students for careers in a wide range of communication fields. Students develop knowledge and skills in such areas as information gathering, writing, video production, online journalism, and media literacy.
JCOM students routinely win state, regional, and national awards in video and print journalism, multimedia and new technologies, and public relations. The faculty members are more than just teachers and researchers; they are veteran mass media professionals and nationally recognized scholars with experience as newspaper journalists, magazine writers, photographers, editors, TV producers, public relations specialists, and Web designers.
The department recommends that all students complete a one-semester internship before graduation. Because of the hands-on learning students receive while in the program, they graduate with substantial experience and are more likely to be hired.
Students in the major are required to have a minor to build expertise in another subject area.
Students receive a BS by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.
Emphases:
- Broadcast/Electronic Media: This emphasis focuses on the distribution of video and audio content to a wide audience through television, radio, and the Internet. Students learn to write radio and TV scripts and to use electronic media equipment. They gain hands-on experience through the departments Aggie TV News. Opportunities are also available through Utah Public Radio and Aggie Radio.
- Print Journalism: Students work toward mastery of the written word, telling stories and aspiring to accuracy, integrity, and artistry. They typically enter careers writing for newspapers, magazines, or other print and online media. Many students in this emphasis write for the on-campus newspaper, The Utah Statesman, or for the student-run Aggie BluePrint magazine.
- Public Relations/Corporate Communications: Students learn to help the public better understand organizations, businesses, and issues. They gain experience working with on- and off-campus clients through coursework and internships. After graduation, PR students often move into careers in event planning, image building, media relations, crisis management, Web communications, social media, employee relations, and more.
- Social Media: This emphasis prepares students for careers as digital media directors, content curators, digital content developers, and online strategists for a variety of organizations. Students learn content development and curation using the latest tools, interpret analytic data, and develop data-based strategies for clients. Internship opportunities are available with local companies, public relations and marketing firms, and media organizations.