Program Overview
Program Overview
The Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland is a leading institution for journalism education, offering a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. The college is fully accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) and is committed to promoting a strong and independent free press.
Program Objectives
The college's mission is to educate students at the undergraduate, master's, and doctoral levels within a liberal arts context, preparing them for careers in journalism and related fields, as well as careers in academic research and teaching. The undergraduate mission is an uncompromising dedication to the principles of the journalism profession, with training in evolving types of news gathering and delivery.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to research, write, report, and edit relevant news stories acceptable by a professional news outlet.
- Understand the history of journalism, its relationship with diverse groups in society, and its historic special role in a democratic society.
- Understand the ethical guidelines and practices that govern the profession and the legal implications and considerations that inform the profession.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply tools, concepts, and technology appropriate for the profession.
- Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the profession.
- Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts appropriate for the profession.
- Demonstrate knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax and an ability to apply Associated Press style to news stories in a manner acceptable to professional news outlets.
- Demonstrate preparedness for the media job market through resumes and published clips.
Program Requirements
Students are required to earn a minimum of 122 credits. Accredited journalism programs require majors to complete successfully approximately two-thirds of their coursework in areas other than journalism and communication. The Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland adheres to this nationwide policy. In practical terms, this means that of the 122 minimum credits required for graduation, a journalism student must take 42 credits (and may take up to 48) in journalism (numbered 100 or above). Of the remaining 74-80 credits, a minimum of 65 must be earned in liberal-arts designated courses.
Course Requirements
Required courses for all journalism majors include:
- Abstract thinking skills requirement: Select one of the following courses: BIOM301, BMGT230, CCJS200, ECON230, ECON321, EDMS451, GEOG306, GVPT422, INST314, JOUR405, PSYC200, SOCY201, STAT400.
- Language requirement: Select a minimum of 6 credits through one or a combination of the following options: Language, Math/Statistics/Computer Science, Public Speaking.
- History requirement: Select one of the following courses: HIST200, HIST201.
- Behavioral or Social Science requirement: Select one of the following courses: ANTH260, PSYC100, PSYC221, SOCY100, SOCY105.
- Economics requirement: Select one of the following courses: ECON200, ECON201.
- Government and Politics requirement: Select one of the following courses: GVPT170.
- Supporting Area requirement: Select 4 upper-level courses for a minimum of 12 credits in a supporting field.
- Journalism Course Requirements: JOUR152, JOUR200, JOUR201, JOUR320, JOUR352, JOUR396, JOUR402, and a Journalism and Society Course, a Media Research Course, and a Menu 1 - Visual Menu course.
Specializations
The college offers optional specializations in:
- Broadcast Specialization: JOUR347, JOUR360, and an approved capstone.
- Investigative Reporting Specialization: JOUR343, JOUR353, JOUR472, and an approved JOUR seminar course.
- Sports Specialization: A sports skills JOUR course, a sports discussion/seminar JOUR course, a sports capstone course, and a sports experiential course.
Placement in Courses
Enrollment in JOUR201 requires proof of grammar competency through the attainment of at least a "C-" in JOUR181 or a score of 80 or higher on the grammar diagnostic exam, completion of ENGL101 (or another FSAW course) with at least a "C-", and completion of JOUR200 with at least a "C-".
Graduation Plans
Students can find roadmaps for graduation plans in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Additional information on developing a graduation plan can be found in the Student Academic Success-Degree Completion Policy section of the catalog.