Frequently Asked Questions About Majoring in Journalism
1. What are the benefits of majoring in journalism?
All JMC tracks emphasize hands-on, applied instruction in writing, graphic design and photography. There are numerous opportunities for internships to determine if a particular track fits. Faculty members all have strong professional experience in various fields and give students real world career guidance.
Majors are well prepared for jobs in their fields right after college. In addition, their strong writing and analytical skills prepare them for the graduate degrees that many eventually seek in communication and many other fields. Journalism is an excellent pre-law major.
2. Can I double major in another field?
Absolutely. Journalism matches well with almost every other major because strong writing and computer skills are essential no matter what your field. We encourage students to either double major or minor in a field of special interest. Popular combinations include JMC/marketing, JMC/political science; JMC/English; JMC/fine arts; JMC/foreign languages or JMC/any social science. Some former pre-meds change their major to JMC and discover the opportunities for science communication careers. The possibilities are endless.
3. I can’t decide whether to major in PR or Advertising and Marketing. What’s the difference?
JMC works closely with the Marketing Department in the College of Business Administration. The two departments share many students. Marketing is more quantitative than either PR or Advertising. PR and Advertising offer more writing and graphic design courses than Marketing.
Marketing majors must complete COBA’s core that requires business courses such as accounting, MIS, statistics, etc. JMC majors must complete the College of Arts and Sciences core that includes more philosophy, theology, history and English. JMC majors can complete a Business Certificate (see the Undergraduate Bulletin for details) for a strong business background.
4. Can I minor in Journalism?
JMC offers only a handful of highly specialized minors and this is unlikely to change soon. JMC has become a popular major and classes fill rapidly. Non-majors are welcome to take JMC courses as electives or to take a class or two to decide whether or not to major in Journalism. Good career exploration courses include PR Principles, Advertising Principles, News Reporting, Photojournalism and JMC 215, which introduces students to major computer software programs and is a pre-requisite for upper division computer graphics courses.
5. Can I complete more than one track?
Due to overlapping requirements, many majors complete two or more tracks. Frequent combinations include PR/Advertising, PR/News, Advertising/Digital-New Media and Photojournalism/Digital/New Media. Completing more than one track increases professional flexibility and employability. For more information check out the online curriculum resources.
6. I want to go into broadcasting. Will your program prepare me for this?
Although JMC has no broadcasting track, our News, Photojournalism and Digital/New Media tracks are excellent preparations for careers in broadcasting. All media fields are coming together with reporters being expected to shoot video whether they work for a TV station or a newspaper. Our strong Photojournalism track and emphasis on computer communications prepare all majors for a world in which distinctions between forms of media are disappearing. For more information read about the student media opportunities.
7. How can I work on the Creightonian or Yearbook?
The Creightonian and Yearbook staffs are always accepting applications. For the Creightonian, stop by the editor's office and fill out an application (Hitchcock Communications Arts Rm. 204) or email Dr. Carol Zuegner. If you are interested in being a part of the Yearbook staff email Angie Zegers.
8. How can I learn more about majoring in Journalism?
Make an appointment with any faculty member to discuss your interest. If you have a track in mind, make an appointment the faculty member who supervises that track or contact Dr. Eileen Wirth, Chair. If you like what you hear, register for a course or two before declaring.
- Freshmen can declare the major towards the end of their first year.
- Juniors can declare the major and still expect to graduate in four years; switching as a senior likely will entail some summer classes or an extra semester.
- Freshmen who expect to major in JMC can make advising appointments with JMC faculty in addition to their RSP advisors, especially during spring when they begin selecting JMC courses for the following fall.
9. Why would I major in journalism if I don’t want to work for a newspaper?
As noted, JMC offers tracks in PR, Advertising, Photojournalism, Digital/New Media as well as news. There’s also the interdisciplinary Graphic Design program. All tracks prepare students for a wide variety of interesting careers
10. Do your majors find jobs?
Most JMC majors who want jobs in their fields find them within a few months of graduation although individual experiences vary. Creighton’s overall reputation, strong writing and graphics programs and faculty assistance promote job placement. In addition, JMC alums all over the country are willing to assist recent grads who move to their cities.