Journalism

The Journalism major is designed to prepare students for careers in media, whether working in more traditional outlets with established editorial structures, or as content creators for independent ventures. Students learn to effectively and ethically gather, write, and produce stories for various mediums. The program is designed to provide hands-on skills and experience while also helping students to develop an understanding of the context of events near or distant. Journalism students understand the responsibility of dispatching impactful messages into an environment of instantaneous delivery.

Students majoring in Journalism enjoy a blend of theory and practical application. In addition to experiential learning in the classroom, students have opportunities to gain real time work experience and leadership skills by working at WMCO—a Class A 1.32 KW FM radio station with 60+ years of success, Orbit TV—a television studio operating on the cable access channel in New Concord and on streaming platforms, and the Black & Magenta online newspaper. Students also have the opportunity to work with the Orbit Media broadcast group in covering local events and to take film-making courses, which emphasize the development of the individual voice.

Mission

Our faculty believes that media education is rooted in the liberal arts, and we endeavor to give our students the knowledge, skills, and values for successful careers in journalism.

We want them to tell stories that allow them to better understand themselves, their surroundings, and ultimately the world—a world that they should feel emboldened to change. We envision their engagement in communities as media professionals who are ethical, open-minded, curious, and dedicated to critical thinking and lifelong learning.

Program Learning Goals

Explain the importance of journalism in society, the seminal events that mark its evolution, and a critical understanding of the diverse, globalized media landscape of today.

Demonstrate engagement and competency in writing, reporting, researching, and broadcasting skills in a hands-on production environment, and produce a portfolio showcasing this work.

Collaborate respectfully with others in professional practices and standards, including well-crafted, fact-based storytelling, ethical choice-making in the management of ideas and production of media messages, and sound problem-solving in the exploration of contemporary issues on campus and the surrounding community.