Journalism B.A.

To become a Journalism major, you first become a pre-Journalism major. This is done by filling out a “Change of Major/Minor” form, available from the School of Communication. The pre-major should be declared in the freshman or sophomore year.

Application for admission to full JMC-major status should take place during the sophomore year. It is important to note that the JMC major is a two-year program beyond the time at which a pre-major is admitted with full Journalism major status. Whether admitted as a sophomore, junior or senior, the newly admitted Journalism major will often need two full academic years to complete the major course requirements. In particular, seniors and transfer students who are considering applying to become Journalism majors are advised that it is not usually possible to complete the process of application to the major and all the required coursework in fewer than four regular semesters.

To apply to become a Journalism major, students must meet all of the following requirements:

•	Completed 30 hours of undergraduate semester credit:

•	Received a “C” or better in ENG 122;

•	Received a “C” or better in JMC 100.

Complete and submit an “Application for Admission to Journalism Major” form, available from the School of Communication three weeks before each deadline.

Your application must reach the school office by the deadlines indicated below:

•	Fall semester admission: February 15

•	Spring semester admission: October 15

•	No admission decisions are made during the summer.

Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended other than UNC, if any, with the form noted above. The application process will include submitting an essay written in accordance with specifications and procedures articulated each semester by the JMC faculty and communicated to applicants when the application form is obtained by the applicant. Essays will be judged on the quality of content and mechanics. Students who fail the essay will not be admitted.

Mail or deliver the materials noted above to the School of Communication, Box 114 University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed space available in required courses, the school will admit only those students ranking highest in cumulative grade point averages.

News-Editorial Emphasis

The news-editorial emphasis is designed to provide a professional learning experience in reporting, writing and editing. Under the guidance of experienced news people, students perform news-oriented tasks of progressively greater complexity and scope. Students receive individualized assessments of their work on a regular basis.

Graduates of the news-editorial emphasis are qualified for employment in a wide variety of news organizations. These include, but are not limited to, weekly and daily newspapers, radio, TV and cable outlets and magazines. For some students, the news-editorial emphasis is a preparation for careers in related professions, such as law and government.

Public Relations and Advertising Media Emphasis

Students in this emphasis learn the theory, writing skills and professional competencies they need to practice effective public relations and to effectively use media for advertising and promotion.

Students successful in the emphasis learn techniques and tools for entry-level employment in public relations, community relations, media relations, advertising or promotion. Students also become familiar with the history, ethical issues and professional problems in these areas and are thereby prepared to assume professional careers and/or undertake graduate study in these areas.

Telecommunications Emphasis

Students learn writing, production and critical evaluation of radio and television content. The education and skills development are applicable to the full range of audio and video enterprises, including cablevision, educational media, corporate television and broadcast journalism.

This emphasis also familiarizes the student with the history, economics, effects and ethical issues behind radio and television, and thereby prepares students as professionals and potential graduate students in the field.

For degree and program requirements, see:

Media Studies Minor

Journalism B.A.