Undergraduate
Certificate Programs
Journalism
Certificate in Journalism
This undergraduate Certificate is designed for students who are interested in journalism but want to major in another subject at IU Indianapolis. The Certificate offers professional training in journalism and mass communication. In addition to developing skills in writing, reporting, storytelling and editing; visual communication; and new communications technology, students gain research techniques, analytical thinking, technical know-how, teamwork and versatility. These are exactly the skills that today’s employers are looking for.
The Certificate curriculum prepares students to be effective, ethical communicators regardless of the profession they choose. They learn to analyze and explain information to a wide variety of audiences via many kinds of ever-changing media. Students might pursue careers such as reporting, editing, photography or social media management, or decide to seek a job in public relations, government, education, advertising, business, international relations, law, social services or a related field.
Courses provide hands-on experience in “doing” journalism—through classwork, internships or other endeavors, students get to practice what they learn, adding to their skill sets, resumes and portfolios.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Apply the basic principles of journalism such as accuracy, fairness, and public service.
- Discuss the legal and ethical underpinnings of mass media in the U.S.
- Interpret and use the principles of digital, online, and print design.
- Discuss and practice the principles of communicating clearly through print, digital, and visual media.
- Explain the function and impact of journalism and mass communication.
- Classify and separate different audiences for mass communication.
- Design and execute an effective job search in journalism.
- Conduct research for news stories using a variety of sources and evaluate the accuracy of information sources.
The Certificate program in Journalism requires satisfactory completion of the following:
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
- Completion of a total of 25 credit hours, with a minimum grade of C in each course.
- to declare the certificate, complete the School of Liberal Arts online declaration form here.
Core Requirements (16 credits)
- JOUR-J 110: Foundations of Journalism and Mass Communications (3 cr.)
- JOUR-J 200: Reporting, Writing, and Editing I (3 cr.) (P: ENG-W 131)
- JOUR-J 210: Visual Communication (3 cr.)
- JOUR-J 300: Communications Law (3 cr.) (P: Sophomore standing)
- JOUR-J 410: Media as Social Institutions (capstone) (3 cr.) (P: J 300 & Junior standing or above)
- JOUR-J 492: Media Internship (P: By permission) (1 cr.)
Area Core Requirements (9 credits)
- JOUR-J 341: Newspaper Reporting (3 cr.) (P: J 200 & J 210)
- JOUR-J 351: Newspaper Editing (3 cr.) (P: J 200 & 210)
Choose one specialty course from the following:
- JOUR-J 343: Broadcast News (3 cr.) (P: J 200 & J 210)
- JOUR-J 344: Photojournalism Reporting (3 cr.) (P: J 200 & J 210)
- JOUR-J 463: Graphic Design I (3 cr.) (P: J 200 & J 210)
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