Program Overview

The program in Journalism includes coursework that prepares a student to be a writer and/or designer for print media and the internet. The program enables students to gather information, learn how to assimilate that information and then communicate that information to the interested parties.

Both a major and a minor are offered in Journalism.

Journalism majors are taught through hands-on practice to gather information, verify facts, exercise news judgment, write against deadlines, edit, practice ethical decision-making, and adhere to press laws and regulations.

In addition to the school's core, students complete nine required journalism courses and one Visual Journalism elective. The program begins with an overview course that surveys mass communication, including the evolving role of the news media. Students mix skills and theory to explore the history of journalism, its laws and regulations.

Small laboratory classes allow students to practice writing skills in an introductory news writing course, an advanced reporting course and senior-level courses in public affairs reporting and media convergence. Electives include courses in newspaper, magazine and newsletter writing and graphics; still photography; newspaper or magazine editing and layout; and computer-assisted reporting and reporting for the Internet and other multimedia platforms. Journalism seniors participate in a news ethics and professional problems seminar to prepare them for on-the-job decision-making.

Journalism majors are encouraged to work for The Miami Hurricane, UM's award-winning, student-run newspaper published twice weekly; Distraction, the national award-winning quarterly magazine; Ibis, UM's yearbook; and Communique, the School of Communication's online newspaper.

Students choose from the plethora of newspapers, magazines, newsletters and websites published in the Greater Miami-Fort Lauderdale area for internships and part-time employment. Students have been awarded competitive internships from the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Tribune Newspapers, McClatchy Newspapers, USA Today and the Poynter Institute.