Print and Online Journalism

Major in JournalismPrint and Online Concentration

Requirements: Students majoring in Print and Online Journalism must complete 45 credit hours, distributed as follows:

Core Courses (27 credits):

COM 1500 Survey of Mass Communication (3 credits)
COM 2030 Journalistic Grammar and Style (3 credits)
COM 2100 News Reporting (3 credits)
COM 4250 Reporting Race, Gender, and Culture (3 credits)
COM 5080 History of American Journalism (3 credits)
COM 5250* Professional Issues in Journalism and Mass Media (3 credits)
COM 5500 Journalism and New Media (3 credits)
COM 5710 Law and Ethics of Journalism (3 credits)
COM 6190 Internship (3 credits to fulfill major requirement)

*Senior capstone to be taken in last year of study


Print and Online Concentration Requirements (12 credits):

COM 2280 Digital Photojournalism (3 credits)
COM 3100 Public Affairs Reporting (3 credits)
COM 3210 News Editing (3 credits)
COM 4100 Feature Writing (3 credits)


Elective Courses (6 credits):

COM 2230 Broadcast News Writing and Digital Editing (3 credits)
COM 2250 South End Workshop (3 credits)
COM 3010 Media Analysis and Criticism (3 credits)
COM 3170 Fundamentals of Public Relations (3 credits)
COM 4010 Special Topics in Journalism (3 credits, max 9)
COM 4130 Communication Ethics (3 credits)
COM 4170 Public Relations Writing (3 credits)
COM 4210 Research Methods in Communication (3 credits)
COM 4410 Television Production (4 credits)
COM 4990 Directed Study (1- 3 credits, max 4)
COM 5160 Public Relations Campaigns (3 credits)
COM 5200 Special Topics in Advanced Reporting (3 credits)
COM 5260 Professional Writing Workshop (3 credits)
COM 5300 Layout and Design (3 credits)
COM 5310 Investigative Reporting (3 credits)
COM 5381 TV News Reporting and Digital Editing (3 credits)
COM 5610 Advanced TV Production (3 credits, max 6)
COM 5700 Political and Governmental Reporting (3 credits)
COM 6190 Journalism Internship (1- 3 credits, max 6)
MKT 2300 Marketing Management (3 credits)
MKT 5490 Principles of Advertising (3 credits)
MKT 5510 Advertising Media Planning (3 credits)

Important Reminders: Every course required to complete an undergraduate major in the Department of Communication must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.0) or better. This includes all transfer credit that may be applicable to the major programs. All students pursuing this major must complete the university's general education requirements as well as the Department of Communication foreign language requirement, which includes completion of a foreign language through the second semester. A minimum of 120 total credit hours is required to earn a Bachelor's Degree.

Advising: Careful planning is required to assure timely completion of the program. An advisor should be consulted as soon as you decide to enroll in the Journalism program. All students are expected to follow the published curriculum for their major and to consult regularly with their advisor. Advising appointments can be booked online here.

Special Activities: Course work is only one part of your undergraduate education. Employers pay close attention to the types of activities applicants participated in as students. There are many valuable campus activities to choose from. You are encouraged to participate in such activities as student government, the student newspaper (South End) and the student radio station (WAYN). In addition, the Department of Communication sponsors the Wayne State University chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), The Film and Media Group, as well as the nationally acclaimed forensics and debate teams.