Minors in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media
A minor is a great way to add something special to your major in another program. Minors in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media help give you professional skills and experiences, as well as digital skills and improved writing.
Eighteen hours of coursework is required for the minor in the School of Journalism and Strategic Media. Interested persons should contact the director of the School of Journalism and Strategic Media before beginning coursework. A grade point average of 2.00 is required for the minor.
Journalism Minor
Journalism Minor
Journalism and Strategic Media
A total of 18 hours is required for the Journalism minor.
Required Courses (18 hours)
- JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment 3 credit hours
JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
- JOUR 2710 - Media Writing 3 credit hours
JOUR 2710 - Media Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.
- JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills 3 credit hours
JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills
3 credit hours
Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.
- One upper-division JOUR elective (excludes JOUR 3580 or JOUR 4000) 3 credit hours
JOUR 3090 - Reporting
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710. Theory and practice of basic journalism skills, including content gathering, storytelling, evaluating, writing, and processing of news.
JOUR 3430 - Radio News Reporting
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and JOUR 2720. Stresses reporting, writing, and presenting radio news. The history, philosophy, and regulation of electronic media news. Three-hour lecture.
- JOUR 3530 - Feature Writing 3 credit hours
JOUR 3530 - Feature Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710 or permission of instructor. Theory and practice of writing feature stories for newspapers and magazines. Assignments in writing for professional publications as well as the student newspaper.
- JOUR 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public 3 credit hoursOR
JOUR 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 3650/RIM 3650.) A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. Comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
- JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication 3 credit hours
JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.
Public Relations Minor
Public Relations Minor
Journalism and Strategic Media
A total of 18 hours is required for the Public Relations minor.
Required Courses (9 hours)
- JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment 3 credit hours
JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
- JOUR 2710 - Media Writing 3 credit hours
JOUR 2710 - Media Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.
- PR 2040 - Public Relations Principles 3 credit hours
PR 2040 - Public Relations Principles
3 credit hours
Introduces the practice of public relations, including its fundamental concepts and theories, historical development, and current issues.
NOTE: This was formerly PR 3040.
Choose two (6 hours)
PR 3360 - Strategic Communication Writing for Public Relations
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710 and PR 2040. Techniques of creating and writing strategic messages, including the planning and development of components for strategic communication campaigns for corporate, public service, and other persuasive messages.
- PR 3380 - Public Relations Publications 3 credit hours
PR 3380 - Public Relations Publications
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Admission to candidacy; VCOM 2950. Effective print-design techniques with emphasis on organizational publications.
- PR 3400 - Case Studies in Public Relations 3 credit hours
PR 3400 - Case Studies in Public Relations
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: PR 2040. Practical methods of handling problems in public relations with emphasis on fact-finding, planning, promoting, and evaluating.
- JOUR 3660 - Strategic Communication Research 3 credit hours
JOUR 3660 - Strategic Communication Research
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: JOUR 2710, permission of instructor, or permission of the School of Journalism. Introduces research methods used in advertising, journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. Provides experiences in scientific research and data analysis, including quantitative and qualitative methods, content analysis, experiments, surveys and focus groups for diagnosing, planning, managing, and evaluating situations.
Choose one (3 hours)
JOUR 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 3650/RIM 3650.) A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. Comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
- JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law 3 credit hours
JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
- JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication 3 credit hours
JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.
Advertising Minor
Advertising Minor
Journalism and Strategic Media
A total of 18 hours is required for the Advertising minor.
Required Courses (9 hours)
- ADV 3020 - Principles of Advertising 3 credit hours
ADV 3020 - Principles of Advertising
3 credit hours
Overview of advertising principles and practices including the role of advertising in society and the marketplace, consumer behavior, advertising media, budgeting and planning, and the creation and production of advertising messages.
- JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment 3 credit hours
JOUR 1020 - Introduction to Media and Entertainment
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 1020/RIM 1020.) An introduction to media and entertainment, exploring the history of media and entertainment as it pertains to ethics, law, free expression, diversity and inclusion, economics, research, globalization, and other important concepts. Examines the evolution of technology, from the first printing presses to social media and gaming, as well as media industries that include advertising and public relations.
JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills
3 credit hours
Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.
- VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications 3 credit hours
VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications
3 credit hours
Introduces students to the creative use of current industry-standard software used for print, digital, and Web design. Focuses on important aspects of design, typography, color theory, and production for creating more effective visual communication. Students explore their own vision through creative projects. Exposure to diverse industry professionals from around the world expands knowledge of the field. Combined lecture/lab.
Choose one (3 hours)
- ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender 3 credit hours
ADV 3060 - Issues in Advertising: Sexuality and Gender
3 credit hours
Explores use of sexuality and gender portrayals in print, broadcast, outdoor, and online and new forms of advertising from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases.
- ADV 4230 - Case Studies in Strategic Communication 3 credit hours
ADV 4230 - Case Studies in Strategic Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: ADV 3170 and ADV 3480 or permission of instructor and junior standing. Problems, decisions, and decision-making processes of advertising and strategic communication managers. Emphasis on decision making across functional areas of advertising and strategic communication processes.
Professional Option (3 hours)
- ADV 3480 - Media Strategy and Buying 3 credit hours
ADV 3480 - Media Strategy and Buying
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Planning, implementing, and evaluating of media objectives and strategy in advertising, including media characteristics, limitations, and budgeting.
- ADV 4250 - Interactive Advertising and Social Media 3 credit hours
ADV 4250 - Interactive Advertising and Social Media
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: ADV 3020 or permission of instructor. Explores advertisers' use of social media from various theoretical perspectives and using actual cases. Focuses on building skills in various platforms.
Choose one (3 hours)
JOUR 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 3650/RIM 3650.) A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. Comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
- JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law 3 credit hours
JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
- JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication 3 credit hours
JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.
Visual Communication Minor
Visual Communication Minor
Journalism and Strategic Media
A total of 18 hours is required for the Visual Communication minor.
Required Courses (9 hours)
JOUR 2710 - Media Writing
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENGL 1010 and ENGL 1020 or equivalents. Theory and practice of writing for print and electronic media according to the techniques, styles, and formats of various media.
- JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills 3 credit hours
JOUR 2720 - Digital Media Skills
3 credit hours
Professional skills necessary to create digital platform stories that integrate audio, photo, video, and text.
- VCOM 2010 - Introduction to Visual Communication 3 credit hours
VCOM 2010 - Introduction to Visual Communication
3 credit hours
Overview of concepts for effective visual communication; the role of visual elements and design practices in a cultural, historical, and political context; basic typography and design, electronic and digital composition and reproduction, and technological aspects of design and production.
- VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications 3 credit hours
VCOM 2950 - Visual Communication Applications
3 credit hours
Introduces students to the creative use of current industry-standard software used for print, digital, and Web design. Focuses on important aspects of design, typography, color theory, and production for creating more effective visual communication. Students explore their own vision through creative projects. Exposure to diverse industry professionals from around the world expands knowledge of the field. Combined lecture/lab.
VCOM Elective (3-6 hours)
Choose at least one VCOM class:
- VCOM 3920 - Information Web Design 3 credit hours(Prerequisite: VCOM 2950)
VCOM 3920 - Information Web Design
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VCOM 2950. Introduces software, design principles, and technology used for communicating concepts, information, and narratives through websites and digital media. Overview of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues involving websites, digital, and social media. Combined lecture/lab.
- VCOM 3930 - Visual Storytelling for Journalism 3 credit hours(Prerequisite: VCOM 2950)
VCOM 3930 - Visual Storytelling for Journalism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710, VCOM 2010, and VCOM 2950 or permission of instructor. This intermediate course in the Visual Communication concentration delves deep into the creative process. Students produce more insightful and effective visual communication through such projects as ad design, editorial layout, and digital illustration. Typography and advanced software skills allow students to leave the class with a diverse portfolio of work. Combined lecture/lab.
Electives (3-6 hours)
Choose one or two:
JOUR 3650 - Free Expression, Mass Media, and the American Public
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 3650/RIM 3650.) A general introduction to the issues surrounding free expression and its relationship to mass media in contemporary America. Comprehensive analysis of the history, philosophies, cases, and controls associated with freedom of expression.
- JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law 3 credit hours
JOUR 4250 - Mass Media Law
3 credit hours
(Same as EMC 4250.) Prerequisites: JOUR 1020 and JOUR 2710; junior standing. Examination of legal guarantees and restrictions on the flow of information using the case study method. Focus on libel, privacy, obscenity, and the special restrictions placed on advertising, broadcasting, cable TV, and the Internet.
- JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication 3 credit hours
JOUR 4850 - Ethics and Mass Communication
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing. Examination of ethical concerns of media practitioners illuminated by study of selected current ethical issues and an overview of the cultural and philosophical basis of socially responsive mass media.
- VCOM 3920 - Information Web Design 3 credit hours
VCOM 3920 - Information Web Design
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: VCOM 2950. Introduces software, design principles, and technology used for communicating concepts, information, and narratives through websites and digital media. Overview of social, political, copyright, and ethical issues involving websites, digital, and social media. Combined lecture/lab.
- VCOM 3930 - Visual Storytelling for Journalism 3 credit hours
VCOM 3930 - Visual Storytelling for Journalism
3 credit hours
Prerequisites: JOUR 2710, VCOM 2010, and VCOM 2950 or permission of instructor. This intermediate course in the Visual Communication concentration delves deep into the creative process. Students produce more insightful and effective visual communication through such projects as ad design, editorial layout, and digital illustration. Typography and advanced software skills allow students to leave the class with a diverse portfolio of work. Combined lecture/lab.
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