Undergraduate
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Journalism and Public Relations
As a journalism or public relations student here at IUPUI, you work with faculty and staff who have achieved excellence in their profession. You learn communication skills, research techniques, analytical thinking, technical know-how, teamwork and versatility—exactly the skills that today’s employers are looking for.
You also benefit from our location in downtown Indianapolis, which provides us with a valuable pool of leading media professionals who serve as adjunct instructors and guest speakers. Internships and jobs covering every possible career path—media, sports or health information, nonprofits, government, business and more—are just a short walk or drive away.
Our faculty and staff nurture your passion for writing, interviewing, telling stories and communicating messages, and help put you on the path to a successful career. Learn more at on our website.
Journalism Major (38 credit hours)
- Completion of general education core requirements and baccalaureate competencies as indicated in the School of Liberal Arts section of the IUPUI bulletin that was current when the student began their studies at IUPUI.
- Completion of a total of 38 credit hours, with a minimum grade of C in each course.
- No more than 12 credit hours may transfer in the major.
- Journalism courses more than 10 years old must be revalidated. Students wishing to revalidate courses should contact the department chair.
- Minors and certificates outside of journalism are recommended.
- In fulfilling degree requirements, a particular course may be counted in only one category.
Core (15 Credits) These courses are required of all Journalism and Public Relations students:
- JOUR J110 Foundations of Journalism and Mass communication (3 cr.)
- JOUR J200 Reporting, Writing, and Editing I [P: ENG W131] (3 cr.)
- JOUR J210 Visual Communication (3 cr.)
- JOUR J300 Communications Law [P: Sophomore standing](3 cr.)
- JOUR J410 Media as Social Institutions (Capstone) [P: JOUR J300 & Junior standing or above](3 cr.)
Concentration Core (12 credits)
Select one concentration and complete all four courses in that concentration.
- Journalism Concentration
- JOUR J341 Newspaper Reporting [P: JOUR J200 & JOUR J210] (3 cr.)
- JOUR J351 News Editing (3 cr.) [P: JOUR J200 & JOUR J210]
- JOUR J409 Media Management (3 cr.)
- Select one specialty course from the following:
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- JOUR J343 Broadcast News [P: JOUR J200 & JOUR J210] (3 cr.)
- JOUR J344 Photojournalism Reporting [P: JOUR J200 & JOUR J210] (3 cr.)
- JOUR J463 Graphic Design I [P: JOUR J200 & JOUR J210] (3 cr.)
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- Sports Journalism Concentration
- JOUR J150 Introduction to Sports Journalism (3 cr.)
- JOUR J345 Sports Journalism Writing [P: JOUR J150, JOUR J200 & JOUR J210] (3 cr.)
- JOUR J361 Issues in Sports Journalism [P: JOUR J150] (3 cr.)
- JOUR J409 Media Management (3 cr.)
- Public Relations Concentration
- JOUR J219 Introduction to Public Relations (3 cr.)
- JOUR J390 Public Relations Writing [P: JOUR J200 & JOUR J219] (3 cr.)
- JOUR J340 Public Relations Tactics and Techniques [P: JOUR J219] (3 cr.)
- JOUR J428 Public Relations Planning and Research [ JOUR J340 & JOUR J 390] (3 cr.)
Research Elective (3 credits)
This course should be chosen in consultation with the Journalism and Public Relations academic advisor. Examples include:
- JOUR J414 International Newsgathering Systems (3 cr.)
- JOUR J450 History of Journalism (3 cr.)
- JOUR J475 Race, Gender and the Media (3 cr.)
- JOUR J460 Issues Management and Crisis Communications (3 cr.)
- JOUR J460 Sports, Scandals and Society (3 cr.)
Two journalism electives (6 cr.) from any area: journalism, sports journalism, or public relations as long as you meet the prerequisites for that course.
Career Preparation (1 credit)
- JOUR J400 Careers in Public Relations {Public Relations Concentration} [P: Junior standing or above] (1 cr.)
- JOUR J402 Careers in Journalism {Journalism and Sports Journalism Concentration} [Junior standing or above] (1 cr.)
Media Internship (1 credit)
- JOUR J492 Media Internship [P: By Permission]
Journalism Electives (6 credits)
- Choose any two courses in journalism and public relations as long as you meet the prerequisite for that course.
For more information contact the Journalism and Public Relations Academic Advisor, 317-274-3976 located in Cavanaugh Hall (CA) 401.
