The journalism and media studies major provides an opportunity to study print, broadcast, and electronic journalism, and new media, including law and ethics as well as media theory, with an emphasis on how the media affects individuals, social groups, and political processes in a free and democratic society. The major provides undergraduate students with a broad spectrum of courses in the theory and practice of journalism and mass media, preparing them for professional careers in newspapers, magazines, television, radio, cable television, the news agencies and wire services, publishing, and public information service in the government and private sectors. Journalism and media studies students are encouraged to take electives outside the School of Communication and Information to complement both their studies in the major and their career interests.