School of Communications > Journalism Program> Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become admitted to the Journalism major?
Why is the first course (JOUR 301) in the major sequence offered only in the Fall semester?
What are the requirements for a Journalism Major once I am accepted?
What does the sequence of courses for the major look like?
Are there other courses that are only offered once a year?
So if I start with JOUR 301 in the Fall but do not take JOUR 302 in the Spring, I'll have to wait until the NEXT Spring semester to follow the sequence?
What happens if I "fall out" of sequence in the 2nd year of my Academic Plan?
Does this mean, for example, if I miss taking JOUR 401 in the Fall, I can still take JOUR 402 in the Spring?
Can I take my Elective course or Internship during the summer, or Media Law or Media Ethics (if they are offered) without changing my Academic Plan?
So I should see my faculty advisor as soon as I am admitted to the major, and keep in touch throughout the year?

Q. How do I become admitted to the Journalism major?
A. You must have sophomore standing prior to the start of Journalism courses; have an overall 3.0 GPA, or consent of the undergraduate program chair for journalism.

Q. Why is the first course (JOUR 301) in the major sequence offered only in the Fall semester?
A. To make the best use of our faculty and resources, and to offer the widest and richest possible curriculum to our students, we have developed a “cohort” system for our majors. This means that students will begin their sequence of courses in the Fall semester and complete them with the same group or “cohort” four semesters later. By keeping students together in “cohort” groups, we can best plan for the most enriching experiences in both required and elective courses.

Q. What are the requirements for a Journalism Major once I am accepted?
A. All journalism majors need to complete the four 6-credit core experiences, which includes JOUR 301, 302, 401 & 402 and JOUR 365 and JOUR 460 plus one 3-credit elective or an Internship (JOUR 485).

Q. What does the sequence of courses for the major look like?
A. Year 1: Fall JOUR 301, Spring JOUR 302 & JOUR 365
Years 2: Fall JOUR 401 & JOUR 460 or an elective, Spring JOUR 402 and an elective or JOUR 460

Q. Are there other courses that are only offered once a year?
A. Yes. JOUR 401 is only offered in the Fall and JOUR 402 and JOUR 365 are only offered in the Spring. You can see why it is important to follow the sequence.

Q. So if I start with JOUR 301 in the Fall but do not take JOUR 302 in the Spring, I’ll have to wait until the NEXT Spring semester to follow the sequence?
A. Yes. That is why working out an Academic Plan with your Journalism faculty adviser, and meeting each semester prior to pre-registration is important.

Q. What happens if I “fall out” of sequence in the 2nd year of my Academic Plan?
A. You will still be able to take any course for which you have successfully completed the prerequisite, but you will have a lower priority in the registration process. Those who are following their Academic Plan will get priority. Other students will be accommodated on a space-available basis.

Q. Does this mean, for example, if I miss taking JOUR 401 in the Fall, I can still take JOUR 402 in the Spring?
A. Yes, you can if there is a seat available in JOUR 402 after those following their Academic Plan are enrolled. You will, of course, have to wait until the following Fall to take JOUR 401, if there is a seat available, to complete your sequence.

Q. Can I take my Elective course or Internship during the summer, or Media Law or Media Ethics (if they are offered) without changing my Academic Plan?
A. Yes, the elective course or internship you select, and how you sequence it, should be worked out with your faculty adviser. It is the sequencing of the 6-credit core courses that will be the foundation of your Academic Plan.

Q. So I should see my faculty advisor as soon as I am admitted to the major, and keep in touch throughout the year?
A. Right!