The Media School
Specialization in Photojournalism (Bachelor of Arts in Media)
Students on Summer 2019, Fall 2019, or Spring 2020 requirements MDAS28
Requirements
The specialization requires at least 9 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Advanced Writing. One (1) course:
- MSCH-J 303 Online Journalism
- MSCH-J 315 Feature Writing
- MSCH-J 341 News Reporting
- MSCH-J 342 Magazine Reporting
- MSCH-J 343 Broadcast News
MSCH-J 303 Online Journalism
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores non-linear methods of storytelling and how Web-based tools can enhance journalism written and online work. In addition to building existing skills, students use photography and embedded audio to create story packages for an online magazine.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 303 or MSCH-J 303.
MSCH-J 315 Feature Writing
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251 or MSCH-C 225; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Emphasis placed on developing story ideas, identifying sources, organizing materials, planning, and outlining a story. Also covers techniques for capturing the reader's interest.
MSCH-J 341 News Reporting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Covers techniques of gathering, analyzing, and writing news and features for print and online publication. Provides practice in interviewing, observation, and use of documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills.
MSCH-J 342 Magazine Reporting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Covers techniques of gathering, analyzing, and writing material for specialized and general circulation magazines. Provides practice in interviewing, observation, and use of documentary references that include computer information retrieval and analysis skills.
MSCH-J 343 Broadcast News
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251
- Description
- Basic television newsgathering skills, including generation of strong visual story ideas, shooting and editing with digital equipment and application of broadcast news ethics. Practice in telling stories effectively using video, natural sound, interviews and words. Emphasizes enterprise reporting, interviewing techniques and writing for broadcast.
- Advanced Skills. Two (2) courses:
- MSCH-F 375 Race, Gender, and Representation (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 344 Photojournalism Reporting
- MSCH-J 354 Photojournalism Editing
- MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 402 Depth Photojournalism
- MSCH-J 444 Advanced Photojournalism
- MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-X 478 Field Experience in Media (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
MSCH-F 375 Race, Gender, and Representation
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Construction of race and gender identities across a range of media. Emphasis on the power of sound/image representations to shape and contest ideas about race and gender. Topic varies.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in CMCL-C 412, JOUR-J 375, or MSCH-F 375.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourseSpring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-J 344 Photojournalism Reporting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251
- Notes
- Must have own camera
- Description
- Intermediate photojournalism course focused on advanced camera operation, visual storytelling, and photo editing in a digital media environment. Produce, edit, publish, and critique assignments: portraits, news, features, sports, and multimedia photo essays. Readings and discussions address ethics, law, history, and professional practice.
MSCH-J 354 Photojournalism Editing
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-J 344; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Workshop in the principles of combining visual and verbal material with emphasis on news judgment, fairness, accuracy, editorial balance, and language usage. Practice in cropping, layout, design, writing headlines and captions, and computer editing technology.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 354 or MSCH-J 354.
MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Topical course dealing with changing subjects and material from term to term.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit with different topics in JOUR-J 360 and MSCH-J 360.
MSCH-J 402 Depth Photojournalism
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent from instructor
- Description
- Study and practice in using techniques of photojournalism reporting and editing in collaboration with writers and multimedia specialists. Students learn to pitch, shape and focus story ideas that forge words and pictures into multimedia presentations. Class will plan, report, and edit news stories in depth.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
MSCH-J 444 Advanced Photojournalism
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-J 344
- Description
- Advanced techniques of reporting and interpreting news with photography practice in news, sports, features, photographic essays, color photography, electronic imaging, and studio illustration.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 444 or MSCH-J 444.
MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- At least junior standing; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Topical seminar in journalism dealing with changing subjects and materials from term to term.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit up to 4 times.
MSCH-X 478 Field Experience in Media
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- Application for internship credit approved by the school
- Notes
- Application is available on the Media School website
- Description
- Topical course integrating classroom and field experience. Includes 10-day field experience during or after term offered. Field experience will change based on topic.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated for credit with different topics in JOUR-J 418, MSCH-J 418, and MSCH-X 478.
- Specialization GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the specialization.
- A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the specialization—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Exceptions to specialization requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.