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College of Arts & Sciences

Journalism and Media Communication

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Why pursue a degree in Journalism and Media Communication? 

Journalism and media professionals are in high demand in business, advertising, marketing and media industries worldwide. Majoring in Journalism and Media Communication gives you the best of both worlds, with skills in newsgathering, copywriting, editing, and multimedia production, along with digital audio production, video storytelling, media theory and social media. This program is designed to provide in-depth exposure to print, digital and broadcast media. At North Central College, you will acquire the skills necessary to tell stories across a variety of platforms and technologies. With an emphasis in journalism, video/TV or radio, you will be able to put together a unique program suited for your goals. Whether you become a reporter, editor, producer, marketing manager, copywriter or something else, Journalism and Media Communication is sure to provide a wide variety of skills for a rewarding career.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Keeping up with news trends, researching stories and interviewing people
  • Editing and disseminating information through print and digital platforms
  • Excelling in front of the camera, behind the scenes or in the office in a media environment

then a degree in JOURNALISM AND MEDIA COMMUNICATION might be for you.

Why study journalism and media communication at North Central College?

In the Classroom

Coursework Topics

  • Business and Professional Communication
  • Broadcast News
  • Copy Editing
  • Digital Audio Production
  • Digital Journalism
  • Digital Media Writing
  • Global Media in a Digital Age
  • History of Journalism
  • Media Criticism
  • Multimedia Journalism
  • Media Law and Ethics
  • Newsgathering
  • Photo Journalism
  • Social Media
  • TV Studio Production
  • Video Storytelling

Beyond the Classroom

As a journalism and media communication major, you can: 

  • Obtain hands-on experience in creative design, media production and many other opportunities through our unique practicum courses.
  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Get published in the award-winning Chronicle news magazine and ncclinked.com news website.
  • Go LIVE on the air at the student-run radio station WONC, named the best college radio station in the country in 2015.
  • Study abroad to complement your degree.

Journalism and Media Communication, B.A.

Journalism and Media Communication prepares students to become modern media practitioners, practiced in the art of storytelling using a variety of platforms and technologies. Depending on the specific courses selected, students are equipped for careers in the journalism, radio, television, video production, social media, advertising and digital content creation.

Majors in Journalism and Media Communication are encouraged to complete at least one internship in the media-related area of their choice.  Students should work closely with faculty to identify appropriate internship opportunities.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Communication and Media Studies.

Core Courses

Production Fundamentals

Three of the following:

Advanced Production

Two of the following:

History and Theory

One of the following:

Media Practicum

Four semesters of the following:

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Journalism and Media Communication Minor

Journalism and Media Communication prepares students to become modern media practitioners, practiced in the art of storytelling using a variety of platforms and technologies. Depending on the specific courses selected, students are equipped for careers in journalism, radio, television, video production, social media, advertising and digital content creation.

For additional programs and courses in this department, see Communication and Media Studies.

A minimum of 20 credit hours, including:

Core Courses

Production Fundamentals

Two of the following:

Advanced Production

One of the following:

Media Practicum

One of the following:

Note:

Practicum courses may be taken for zero credit hours.

Journalism and media communication outcomes

Internships

Recent graduates have completed internships as:

  • Editorial intern, College Fashionista, New York City
  • Programming and production intern, NBC Sports, Stamford, Conn.

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates have been accepted at programs such as:

  • Loyola University (Chicago), Master’s in Communication: Digital Media and Storytelling

Careers

Recent graduates in Media Studies are employed as:

  • Playback Operator, Big Ten Tonight, Big Ten Network
  • Producer/Editor, Traffic Pulse Networks
  • Anchor/Reporter, Newsy
  • Copy writer at MACLYN
  • Video Editor, Verizon Media
  • Associate account manager for Lever

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College

Apply to North Central College

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