Frequently Asked Questions - Undergraduates

How long will it take me to complete the major?
Once students have been admitted to the major, they will have to spend at least three semesters completing the degree requirements. Summer courses are offered sporadically and should not be relied on as one of the three semesters.

I want to graduate sooner – can I take J202 as well as a course in the next level of degree requirements - J335 or J345?
No, J202 is a prerequisite for both of those courses. You will need the training provided in J202 to be able to learn effectively in J335 or J345. Similarly, the training provided in J335 and J345 are necessary for effective learning in the advanced skills, or 400-level, courses.

I want to study advertising and public relations. Which courses should I take?
Advertising and public relations are now taught under the Strategic Communication track. Taking courses like J345 (Strategic Communication) and J445 (Creative Messages for Media) will provide you with solid practical and theoretical training in those fields.

I'm interested in both tracks. Can I take both?
Yes, but students are not allowed to take J335 and J345 in the same semester.

Have the social science requirements changed?
The upper-level requirement has been broadened to include humanities courses. Now, any course with an H, S or Z breadth designation and an I, A or D difficulty designation will fulfill the requirement. This change extends to the history requirement as well. The lower-level social science requirement remains the same – students still need to complete three courses, each from different departments, including one economics or political science course.

Can I study abroad or double major as a Journalism student?
By and large, yes. Many journalism students successfully complete a double major or a study abroad and still graduate in four years. One note: students are not allowed to double major in Journalism and any program offered through the School of Education (such as Art) or the Business School (such as Marketing, with the exception of the Certificate for Non-Business Majors).

Is there a Journalism certificate or minor?
No, not at this time.