Journalism and Media Studies

The journalism and media studies (JMS) major provides an opportunity to study print, broadcast, 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 democratic society. The major provides undergraduate students with a broad spectrum of courses in the theory and practice of journalism and media, preparing them for professional careers in magazines, the creative industries, television, newspapers, radio, web production, media management, 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 (SC&I) to complement both their studies in the major and their career interests.

Graduates who successfully complete the program will be able to:

• [EXPRESSION]  Write fluently, produce content, and tell stories across evolving media platforms.
• [ANALYSIS]  Demonstrate analytical and critical thinking, formulate research questions and use appropriate methods, evaluate and use appropriate sources, identify and gather relevant data in journalism and media contexts.
• [ETHICS]   Develop a critical understanding of the ethical standards and tensions in journalistic and media practices and institutions and apply this understanding to academic and professional activities.
• [POWER]  Critically analyze issues of diversity, difference, social justice, and power in media in a global context.
• [SYSTEMS]   Explain social, political, cultural and economic dimensions of media technologies, institutions, practices, policies, and regulations.
• [INNOVATION]   Innovate with tools and technologies appropriate for media professions.

Career Opportunities

The program offers a broad spectrum of courses in the theory and practice of journalism and media studies, preparing students for professional careers in print, broadcast, new media, advertising, and public relations and public information services in the government and private sectors. The courses focus on the practice of journalism and mass media and the impact of media on society, new technology and the media, public policy and understanding, and the planning and development of public information systems.

The JMS major also provides strong writing skills and academic preparation for students who are preprofessional for law school, M.B.A. programs, and other advanced degrees.

Admission to the Major

SC&I accepts applications to majors in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Admission to the journalism and media studies major is competitive; meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. General writing ability and communication skills, as evidenced in both the personal essay of the application and success in relevant courses are required. Minimum requirements for admission include

• completion of at least 15 credits at Rutgers, or 15 transfer credits, with a grade-point average of 2.0 or better;
  
• a grade of C or better in the required prerequisite course 04:189:102 Introduction to Media Systems and Processes (or an equivalent transfer course);
  
• a grade of C or better in Expository Writing or an equivalent course or placement; and
  
• completion of the application including a personal statement.
  

Preparation for the Major and School Requirement

Students majoring in journalism and media studies must complete the prerequisite survey requirement of 04:189:102 Introduction to Media Systems and Processes (3 credits) or an equivalent transfer course before admission to the major.

A second major is high advantageous for students preparing for a career in the mass media.  Students are strongly encouraged to pursue a second major, or at least a minor, which must be outside of the School of Communication and Information since double majors within the school are not allowed.

The major demands that students carefully formulate their program of coursework.  Students should consult an adviser for guidance at least once a year.

SC&I Interdisciplinary Requirement (3 credits)

Students must fulfill an interdisciplinary requirement within the school outside of the major prior to their senior year in order to graduate:

   Either
   04:189:101  Introduction to Communication and Information Processes (3) OR
   04:189:103  Information Technology and Informatics (3)

Core Major Requirements

A new curriculum with new requirements applies to JMS majors admitted to begin the program in fall 2015.

Students will be able to select from the following areas of specialization:

Journalism and Emerging Media  Built upon the foundation of traditional media (broadcasting and print), this track will offer students the opportunity to concentrate in newer journalistic pursuits such as online, social media, and citizen journalism.

Media and Society Students in this track will study the impacts and effects of media, politics, social change, diversity, and other topics on the state, country, and world levels. This track will enable students interested in media studies to more intensely focus their efforts in this area.

Creative Media Practice Students who want to focus less explicitly on journalism will learn different forms of media production, practice, and industry analysis. This track will prepare students for careers emphasizing creative, managerial, and entrepreneurial media opportunities, including social media, entertainment media, and strategic communications. Students will learn how to work with newer technologies and apply those skills in the ever-changing media environment. This track will also present the opportunity to analyze the role production plays in the development of media. 

All JMS majors must complete 33 credits:

• 04:567:200  Writing for Media (3 credits)
  
• 04:567:480  Media Ethics (3 credits)
  

• 1 foundation course (3 credits) from their selected track
• 2 courses (6 credits) in expression, analysis, and innovation
• 2 courses (6 credits) in analysis, ethics, power, and systems; at least one of these two courses must be at the 400 level
• 12 credits of electives

Check the program's website for the most up-to-date list of courses.

Students may take any course in the major as an elective, including foundation courses from another track.

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses in order for those courses to count towards the major.

Internships and Other Educational Opportunities

An internship is a highly recommended capstone experience for JMS majors. Students pursue placements in major media outlets throughout the New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia markets.

The department internship coordinator assists students in finding an internship. Students must qualify, receive permission, and then register for the 6-credit internship. To qualify, a student must be a major who completed a minimum of 75 overall credits and five journalism (567) courses, at least three of which must be skills courses; have an overall GPA of 2.5 or better; and have a 2.75 GPA or better in the major.

Course Transfers

A maximum of 6 credits from outside the JMS program may be counted toward the major.  A maximum of 3 transfer credits (or one course) may be applied to the conceptual requirement and a maximum of 3 transfer credits (or one course) may be applied to the skills requirement.

Courses that students have taken at other New Jersey colleges, which are articulated through the NJ Transfer system and recorded on a student's transcript with a JMS course number, will be counted toward the major. However, such courses do count as transfer courses to the major and therefore a maximum of 6 credits may be applied to the major.