Overview

Campus Life at Indianapolis

The journalism curriculum helps students prepare to be effective communicators regardless of their chosen profession. Careers in newspapers, magazines, broadcast and electronic journalism, public relations, and advertising are as vital as ever. The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree also prepares students for related careers and for graduate studies. For example, strong communication skills are essential for careers in law, business, and public affairs.

The urban setting of the Indianapolis campus enables students and faculty to work closely with public and private agencies, government, business, and industry. Its urban orientation enables the university to be directly involved in metropolitan concerns and aspirations. The state capitol is only a short walk from the school's offices. Internships available from Indianapolis media organizations allow students to enhance their classroom skills with work experiences in a major media market. Classroom experiences are also enriched by part-time instructors who are media professionals.

The IUPUI campus emphasizes computer-based journalism. Students are taught how to use online information (LEXIS® and NEXIS®) in J100 Computer Methods for Journalism class. NEXIS, a massive database that contains the full text of many newspapers, magazines, news services, and government documents, is very useful as background research on story ideas. Students are given free computer access accounts so that they may connect to the world of electronic information and, by e-mail, to their professors. Owning a computer is not necessary, but students who have their own computer in their homes or offices can turn in assignments electronically without coming to campus.

The curriculum integrates words and pictures in story-telling for both traditional and new media.

Two journalists from The Indianapolis Star won the Pulitzer prize for investigative journalism using computer skills learned in IUPUI journalism courses.