The Media School
Concentration in Public Relations (Bachelor of Arts in Journalism)
Students on Summer 2021, Fall 2021, or Spring 2022 requirements JORC09
Requirements
The major requires at least 39 credit hours (plus an outside minor or certificate), including the requirements listed below.
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Core.
- Introduction to Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 101 Media
MSCH-C 101 Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines the role media play in our lives-at work, at school, among family members, friends, and lovers-and analyzes pressing issues in media and society today, such as privacy, globalization, and convergence.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourseSpring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Story Lab I. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 250 Story Lab I
MSCH-C 250 Story Lab I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Intensive, hands-on course introduces storytelling skills, techniques and tools for effective media creation in a digital, multi-platform environment and provides the knowledge and skills needed for success in higher-level, more specialized courses of study across the Media School curriculum, including advertising, digital media, journalism, and public relations.
- Grading
- Students are able to earn credit for only one of the following: MSCH-C 250; JOUR-J 210; MSCH-C 226; MSCH-C 21001
- Story Lab II. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 251 Story Lab II
MSCH-C 251 Story Lab II
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 250
- Description
- Intensive, hands-on course focuses on journalistic techniques for storytelling in a digital environment. Topics include audio and visual collection and editing, broadcast-style writing and voicing, interviewing, newswriting, reporting and verification techniques, social media and story development, principles of data, ethics and law in newsgathering and strategic communications contexts.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-C 251, MSCH-C 225, or MSCH-H 225.
- Media Law. One (1) course:
- MSCH-H 300 Honors Media Law in the Digital Age
- MSCH-J 300 Communications Law
MSCH-H 300 Honors Media Law in the Digital Age
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or better in MSCH-C101 and MSCH-C250; Must be a current MSCH honors student
- Description
- History and philosophy of laws pertaining to media, including free press, free speech, right of privacy, copyright, government regulation, and business law affecting media operations. Stresses responsibilities and freedoms in a democratic media system.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourseSpring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
MSCH-J 300 Communications Law
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 101 or consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores history and philosophy of laws pertaining to free press and free speech. Covers censorship, libel, contempt, obscenity, right of privacy, copyright, government regulations, and laws affecting the Internet and social media. Stresses responsibilities and freedoms in a democratic communications systems.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-H 300 or MSCH-J 300.
- Summer 2025CASE SHcourseSpring 2025CASE SHcourseFall 2024CASE SHcourse
- Statistics. One (1) course:
- CJUS-K 300 Techniques of Data Analysis
- ECON-E 370 Statistical Analysis for Business and Economics
- LAMP-L 316 Junior Seminar: Analytical Problem Solving
- PSY-K 300 Statistical Techniques
- PSY-K 310 Statistical Techniques
- SOC-S 371 Statistics in Sociology
- STAT-S 211 Statistics for Journalists
- STAT-S 300 Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods
- STAT-S 303 Applied Statistical Methods for the Life Sciences
CJUS-K 300 Techniques of Data Analysis
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: To be successful in this course, students should have an understanding of basic algebra.
- Description
- CJUS-K 300 covers the properties of single variables, the measurement of association between pairs of variables, and statistical inference. Additional topics, such as the analyses of qualitative and aggregated data, address specific criminal justice concerns.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
ECON-E 370 Statistical Analysis for Business and Economics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MATH-M 118, MATH-S 118, or MATH-V 118
- Notes
- R: ECON-E 252 or ECON-B 252 and MATH-M 119
- Description
- Lectures emphasize the use of basic probability concepts and statistical theory in the estimation and testing of single parameter and multivariate relationships. In computer labs, using Microsoft Excel, each student calculates descriptive statistics, probabilities, and least squares regression coefficients in situations based on current business and economic events.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
LAMP-L 316 Junior Seminar: Analytical Problem Solving
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Admission to the LAMP honors certificate program
- Description
- A discussion course emphasizing the use of quantitative methods and analytical skills in exploring and solving business-related problems. Topics vary with the instructor and year and include mathematical modeling and operations research, organizational control, and corporate finance.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
PSY-K 300 Statistical Techniques
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One of MATH-M 106, MATH-M 118, MATH-M 119, MATH-M 211, MATH-M 212, MATH-S 211, MATH-S 212, MATH-V 118, or, MATH-V 119
- Description
- Introduction to statistics; nature of statistical data; ordering and manipulation of data; measures of central tendency and dispersion; elementary probability. Concepts of statistical inference and decision: estimation and hypothesis testing. Special topics include regression and correlation, analysis of variance, non-parametric methods.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
PSY-K 310 Statistical Techniques
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- One of MATH-M 106, MATH-M 118, MATH-M 119, MATH-M 211, MATH-M 212, MATH-S 211, MATH-S 212, MATH-V 118, or, MATH-V 119
- Description
- Introduction to probability and statistics; elementary probability theory, conditional probability, independence, random variables, discrete and continuous probability distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion. Covers concepts of statistical inference and decision; estimation and hypothesis testing; Bayesian inference; and statistical decision theory. Special topics include regression and correlation, time series, analysis of variance, non-parametric methods.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
SOC-S 371 Statistics in Sociology
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduces the logic of statistical inference. Students will learn how to use sample data to reach conclusions about a population of interest by calculating confidence intervals and significance tests. Estimating the effects of multiple independent variables using cross-tabulations and/or regression.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
STAT-S 211 Statistics for Journalists
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: Mastery of high school algebra; or MATH-M 014
- Description
- Essential statistical concepts and tools for journalists in the age of data, including probability, graphics, descriptive statistics, prediction, study design, comparison, testing, and estimation. The course has a heavier emphasis on writing and reading media reports than other introductory statistics courses.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
STAT-S 300 Introduction to Applied Statistical Methods
- Credits
- 4
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: Mastery of high school algebra; or MATH-M 014. Lecture and laboratory
- Description
- Introduction to methods for analyzing quantitative data. Graphical and numerical descriptions of data, probability models of data, inference about populations from random samples. Regression and analysis of variance.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
STAT-S 303 Applied Statistical Methods for the Life Sciences
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Notes
- R: Mastery of high school algebra; or MATH-M 014
- Description
- Introduction to methods for analyzing data arising in the life sciences, designed for biology, human biology, and pre-medical students. Graphical and numerical descriptions of data, probability models, fundamental principles of estimation and hypothesis testing, inferences about means, correlation, linear regression.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
- Summer 2025CASE NMcourseSpring 2025CASE NMcourseFall 2024CASE NMcourse
- Media Ethics. One (1) course:
- MSCH-H 410 Honors Media as Social Institutions
- MSCH-J 410 The Media as Ethical and Social Institutions
MSCH-H 410 Honors Media as Social Institutions
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-H 300 or MSCH-J 300; must be a current MSCH honors student
- Description
- Examines functions and impact of mass media in society with primary focus on the United States. Discusses values of media organizations and professional and ethical values of journalists. Includes critical analysis of the relationship between media and society and the effect of political, economic, and cultural factors on media operation.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-H 410, MSCH-J 410, JOUR-H 410 or JOUR-J 410
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
MSCH-J 410 The Media as Ethical and Social Institutions
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251 and MSCH-J 300 and junior or senior standing; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Examines functions and influences of news and public relations professionals in a networked society with primary focus on the United States. Analyzes professional and ethical values of journalists and public relations practicioners working in a digital, participatory media environment. Critical analysis of the relationship of media institutions and society, and the effects of political, economic, and cultural factors on media professionalism.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 410 or MSCH-J 410.
- Summer 2025CASE AHcourseSpring 2025CASE AHcourseFall 2024CASE AHcourse
- Introduction to Media. One (1) course:
- Public Relations Concentration.
- Public Relations Principles. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 208 Principles of Public Relations
MSCH-C 208 Principles of Public Relations
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Introduction to public relations. Examines theory and practice of public relations, how public relations operates in organizations, and its impact on stakeholders and society. Topics include approaches to persuasion, media relations, crisis communication, reputation management, and ethics.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 321, MSCH-C 208, or MSCH-R 321.
- Public Relations Gateway. One (1) course:
- MSCH-R 349 Public Relations Writing
MSCH-R 349 Public Relations Writing
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 208; and C- or higher in one of MSCH-C 225, MSCH-C 250, MSCH-H 225, ENG-W 231, ENG-W 240, ENG-W 270, or BUS-C 204
- Description
- Develops the professional writing skills expected of beginning public relations practitioners, including different approaches to a variety of audiences and media. Focuses on the basics of good writing as well as the art of writing. Provides practice in AP style. Imparts skills needed to work effectively with real-world clients.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-R 349 or JOUR-J 349.
- Public Relations Research. One (1) course:
- MSCH-R 348 Public Relations Planning and Research
MSCH-R 348 Public Relations Planning and Research
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 208, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Theories and principles relevant to public relations research and strategic planning, including development of goals and objectives, client relationships, budgets, and research methods.
- Public Relations Mastery. One (1) course:
- MSCH-R 429 Public Relations Campaigns
- MSCH-R 480 Bateman Competition
MSCH-R 429 Public Relations Campaigns
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-R 348 and MSCH-R 349
- Description
- Covers development and execution of a public relations campaign for a non-profit organization as well as public relations theory and in-depth care study analysis. Provides training and practice in developing and pitching a proposal to meet a client\'s business objectives. Includes media relations and crisis communications training.
MSCH-R 480 Bateman Competition
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 208 and consent of instructor
- Description
- The Bateman Competition is the premiere national competition for public relations students, sponsored by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Requires development, implementation, and evaluation of a real campaign for a national client. Work is evaluated by a panel of PR professionals.
- Grading
- S/F grading.
- Public Relations Electives. Two (2) courses and six (6) credit hours:
- MSCH-A 360 Media Advertising Topics
- MSCH-H 310 Honors Media Topics (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties (approved topics only; see academic advisor)
- MSCH-R 350 PR Strategies for Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Communication
- MSCH-R 360 Public Relations Topics
- MSCH-R 429 Public Relations Campaigns
- MSCH-R 431 Public Relations for Nonprofits
- MSCH-R 450 Public Relations Management
- MSCH-R 455 Social Media Communication Strategies
- MSCH-R 480 Bateman Competition
- MSCH-X 360 The Media School in Los Angeles
- MSCH-X 373 Media Internship in Los Angeles
MSCH-A 360 Media Advertising Topics
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Focuses on emerging trends in media advertising, including related social and political issues, content creation and production, and unique trends and events.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated up to 4 times for credit for a maximum of 8 credit hours.
MSCH-H 310 Honors Media Topics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- Must be a current Ernie Pyle Scholar (EPS), Media Scholar (MS), Media School Academic Honors Scholar, or Hutton Honors College student
- Description
- Covers a variety of topics from various media disciplines, including advertising, game design, journalism, law and public policy, media criticism, media production, and public relations. Develops advanced understanding of media topics and how media systems connect with culture, politics, and society. Evaluates and critically analyzes the underlying assumptions of media.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
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-R 350 PR Strategies for Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Communication
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or above in MSCH-C 208 or SOAD-M 109 or MSCH-C 250 or MSCH-J 326
- Description
- Public relations strategies grounded in research and aligned with brand mission and image are integral to the practice of strategic communication management. This course provides training in the knowledge and skills required to develop effective strategies in brand communication within the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle media space.
MSCH-R 360 Public Relations Topics
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Topical course that focuses on emerging items in public relations and strategic communication, including related social and political issues, content creation and production, and unique trends and events.
- Repeatability
- Students can take for a total of 3 times and earn up to 9 credit hours
MSCH-R 429 Public Relations Campaigns
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-R 348 and MSCH-R 349
- Description
- Covers development and execution of a public relations campaign for a non-profit organization as well as public relations theory and in-depth care study analysis. Provides training and practice in developing and pitching a proposal to meet a client\'s business objectives. Includes media relations and crisis communications training.
MSCH-R 431 Public Relations for Nonprofits
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-R 348, or consent of instructor
- Description
- This seminar focuses on how a non-profit organization creates images and how it shapes its programs and goals to gain public support. Assignments and readings are designed to foster a practical understanding of promotional techniques and campaigns using journalistic and other media.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 431 or MSCH-R 431.
MSCH-R 450 Public Relations Management
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-R 348 or MSCH-R 349, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Focuses on the strategic, financial, and leadership skills necessary to become a manager and leader in the public relations industry. Examines the functions of public relations management, and application of these functions in a variety of industry roles and job settings.
MSCH-R 455 Social Media Communication Strategies
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 101 or MSCH-C 208
- Description
- Examines how social media can be used as an effective component of an organization\'s communication management strategy and when it can potentially hamper effectiveness. Covers the use of monitoring and measurement research tools and metrics to evaluate the effects of communication campaigns on organizational outcomes.
MSCH-R 480 Bateman Competition
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 208 and consent of instructor
- Description
- The Bateman Competition is the premiere national competition for public relations students, sponsored by the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Requires development, implementation, and evaluation of a real campaign for a national client. Work is evaluated by a panel of PR professionals.
- Grading
- S/F grading.
MSCH-X 360 The Media School in Los Angeles
- Credits
- 1–4 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- Must be accepted into the Media School's Semester in Los Angeles program
- Description
- Focuses on topics relevant to the Media School's Semester in Los Angeles program. Explores various aspects of the entertainment and media industries under the instruction of industry professionals.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 15 credit hours.
MSCH-X 373 Media Internship in Los Angeles
- Credits
- 1–6 credit hours
- Prerequisites
- At least sophomore standing; at least 12 credit hours completed in the school; and application for internship credit approved by the school. Application is available on the Media School website
- Description
- Faculty-supervised work in a media field related to student's academic interests. Credits based on at least 45 work hours per credit hour with a maximum of 6 credit hours applied toward any MSCH degree or concentration. Student must write a critical analysis paper and be evaluated by a workplace supervisor.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated up to 6 times for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
- Grading
- S/F grading
- Public Relations Skills Electives. One (1) course:
- MSCH-B 332 Sports Writing and Reporting
- MSCH-B 333 Sportscasting
- MSCH-B 334 Social Media in Sports
- MSCH-B 340 Sports Video Storytelling
- MSCH-B 430 Sports Media Laboratory
- MSCH-B 432 Advanced Sports Writing
- MSCH-J 301 Story Lab III
- MSCH-J 326 Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Media
- MSCH-J 331 Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
- MSCH-J 341 News Reporting
- MSCH-J 342 Magazine Reporting
- MSCH-J 343 Broadcast News
- MSCH-J 344 Photojournalism Reporting
- MSCH-J 351 News Editing
- MSCH-J 352 Magazine Editing
- MSCH-J 353 Advanced Broadcast News
- MSCH-J 354 Photojournalism Editing
- MSCH-J 360 Journalism Specialties
- MSCH-J 362 Journalism Multimedia Storytelling
- MSCH-J 363 Web and Mobile Design
- MSCH-J 365 Graphic Design I
- MSCH-J 400 Converged Newsroom
- MSCH-J 408 Investigative Reporting
- MSCH-J 413 Covering Murder and Mayhem
- MSCH-J 414 Narrative Journalism
- MSCH-J 415 Literary Journalism
- MSCH-J 416 Story Mechanics
- MSCH-J 426 Reporting on Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle
- MSCH-J 431 Advanced Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
- MSCH-J 444 Advanced Photojournalism
- MSCH-J 460 Topics Colloquium
- MSCH-J 464 Infographics
- MSCH-J 465 Graphic Design II
MSCH-B 332 Sports Writing and Reporting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 225, MSCH-H 225, or MSCH-C 251
- Description
- Develops the research, writing, and reporting skills necessary to effectively cover teams, leagues, athletes, and other parts of the sports industry. Provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience writing and researching sports stories.
MSCH-B 333 Sportscasting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 225, MSCH-C 226, MSCH-C 250, MSCH-H 225, or MSCH-J 343
- Description
- Introduces the art and technique of sportscasting. Develops skills in proper breathing, script writing and delivery, extemporaneous on-camera discussion, reporting, anchoring, producing, and filming packages.
MSCH-B 334 Social Media in Sports
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 101 or MSCH-B 330
- Description
- Introduces the theory and practice of social media usage within sports media. Builds skills in content creation and management on the major social networks and explores the implications of audience demographics and communication theory for social media engagement.
MSCH-B 340 Sports Video Storytelling
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-C 225, MSCH-C 226, MSCH-C 250, MSCH-H 225, or MSCH-J 343
- Description
- Introduces the skills needed to produce video packages used in sports journalism, including how to find, set up, film, write, and edit a story. Explores techniques used to tell a story with a visual narrative.
MSCH-B 430 Sports Media Laboratory
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in: (MSCH-C 227 or MSCH-B 330) and (MSCH-B 332, MSCH-B 333, MSCH-B 334, MSCH-B 340, or MSCH-B 350); or consent of instructor
- Description
- Simulates a working sports media newsroom. Focuses on the production of professional-caliber sports media content and building skills in senior-level editing, management, and decision-making that are needed in the process of creating, promoting, and disseminating such content.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
MSCH-B 432 Advanced Sports Writing
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-B 332, MSCH-J 301, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores advanced techniques in sports writing, including research skills, longform approaches to writing, character profiles, and multi-part stories. Requires the production of multiple major stories and submission for publication to sports media outlets.
MSCH-J 301 Story Lab III
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or better in MSCH-C 203 and MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Intended for journalists, content creators, and content managers as they further develop their skills in story conception and design, fluency in verbal and written flair, and information gathering. Provides a bridge from Story Lab II to mastery-level courses in journalism and media.
MSCH-J 326 Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Media
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Examines the world of media related to fashion, beauty, and lifestyle (FBL). Focuses on cultural influence, media history, sustainability, and the future of FBL. Includes analysis of bodies of knowledge associated with past and present expressions of human behaviors, beliefs, and experiences related to FBL.
MSCH-J 331 Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 226 or MSCH-C 250; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Explores podcasting and audio storytelling as mediums of expression and content, through both listening and production. Provides practice in technical skills for audio storytelling and the application of those skills to the processes of finding stories, interviewing guests, and writing scripts.
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.
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 351 News Editing
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 251; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Workshop in fundamentals of editing daily news for both print and online formats. Emphasis on news judgment, fairness, accuracy, editorial balance, grammar, style, language fluency, leadership skills, legal concerns and ethics in the newsroom. Practice in editing copy, writing headlines and cutlines, designing print and online pages, working with multimedia features and making sound, ethical decisions on deadline.
MSCH-J 352 Magazine Editing
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Workshop in fundamentals of editing specialized and general interest publications, individual and team functions are stressed. Attention is given to editorial voice and judgment fairness, accuracy, and language usage. Practice in writing headlines and titles, layout, design, and use of computer editing.
MSCH-J 353 Advanced Broadcast News
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Advanced, accelerated emphasis on enterprising and executing broadcast stories of local and regional relevance. Report, shoot and edit news packages for use in weekly news broadcasts. News judgment, fairness, accuracy and technical skills are emphasized. Introduction to news producing and to creating social media relative to broadcast news.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 353, JOUR-J 384, or MSCH-J 353.
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 362 Journalism Multimedia Storytelling
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 250 or MSCH-C 226; or consent of instructor
- Description
- Provides hands-on experiences in reporting, editing and presenting stories through images, sound, and spoken word. Goes beyond the basics skills to work with advanced cameras and software. Explores the use of emerging technologies for delivering truth to audiences of various types of media.
MSCH-J 363 Web and Mobile Design
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- in MSCH-C 250, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Introduction to the design, creation, and maintenance of websites and mobile platforms. Students learn design standards and how to apply them in the design of messages using multiple media. Course progresses from introductory work on web design to a culminating project employing responsive design.
MSCH-J 365 Graphic Design I
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 250 or MSCH-C 226
- Description
- Instruction in page design, illustration and web design informed by design theory emphasizing critical thinking, creative problem solving, and ethical practice. Uses Adobe programs, HTML, CSS, and other coding to produce original media projects for mass and targeted audiences.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of MSCH-J 365 or MSCH-J 463.
MSCH-J 400 Converged Newsroom
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-J 301
- Description
- Provides experience in a multi-faceted news environment where skills and expertise acquired in previous courses are put to use in the production of quality journalism that is delivered to an audience. Includes news reporting and analysis, evaluation of social media metrics, and interaction with the audience.
MSCH-J 408 Investigative Reporting
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Examines the heritage, tools and techniques of investigative reporting. Part seminar and part practicum, includes critical contemplation of philosophical, ethical, and legal issues; intensive work with public records; an introduction to data journalism; and practical experience producing a collaborative investigative project.
MSCH-J 413 Covering Murder and Mayhem
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Teaches the skills needed to cover police and courthouse beats and to report on floods and other natural catastrophes, including professionalism at crime scenes and in courtrooms, accurate reporting under tight deadlines, and the ability to track down multiple sources of information and understand the content gathered.
MSCH-J 414 Narrative Journalism
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent of instructor.
- Description
- Advanced journalism course focused on the conceptualization, creation, and execution of multiple major stories. Fosters development of professional reporting approaches to enterprise stories and profiles and requires adherence to strict deadlines while effectively developing story ideas, avoiding errors, and creating work ready for professional publication.
MSCH-J 415 Literary Journalism
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent from instructor
- Description
- A study of literary forms and techniques used in journalism. Topics to be considered include formal considerations such as voice and structure, reporting methods and ethical issues. Students will supplement reading with writing experimental pieces of their own.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 415 or MSCH-J 415.
MSCH-J 416 Story Mechanics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-C 251, or consent from instructor
- Description
- Newsroom-style journalism course that focuses on the production of a unique, large-scale enterprise story intended for publication, while also honing the habits, instincts, and confidence journalists need for developing story ideas. Emphasizes the cooperative revision process involved in producing work for professional publications.
MSCH-J 426 Reporting on Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-J 326 or MSCH-J 353, or consent from instructor
- Description
- Focuses on covering fashion trends, fashion designers, and key issues related to fashion. Covers theoretical concepts related to multimedia storytelling, visual communication, business reporting, audience effects, social media analysis, and public relations and applies these concepts through hands-on experiences in multimedia reporting.
MSCH-J 431 Advanced Podcasting and Audio Storytelling
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- MSCH-J 331 or consent of instructor
- Description
- Imparts an understanding of how audio production and editing work in a professional setting. Hones the technical skills required for production. Focuses on improving work quality, developing the speed and efficiency required in professional settings, and learning the critical listening skills needed to edit individually and in collaboration.
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-J 464 Infographics
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-J 365, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Analysis of quantitative data and creation of visual informational graphics for media audiences. Introduction to interactive data visualization through scripting and online tools. Creation of chart packages, data maps and explanatory diagrams for publication to mass and targeted audiences.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 464 or MSCH-J 464.
MSCH-J 465 Graphic Design II
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- C- or higher in MSCH-J 365, or consent of instructor
- Description
- Continues from Graphic Design I, incorporating advanced digital graphic design skills and creative problem solving for a series of media projects using illustration, logo design, creative typography and layout in a variety of media formats including print and interactive design for mobile devices.
- Repeatability
- Credit given for only one of JOUR-J 465 or MSCH-J 465.
- Additional Requirements.
- At least nine (9) credit hours in the concentration must be at the 300–499 level.
- Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the concentration.
- A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the concentration—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Public Relations Principles. One (1) course:
- Second Concentration. One (1) of the following:
- College-approved Certificate or Minor
- Complete a College of Arts and Sciences minor, certificate, or other credential transcripted by the College. If the credential is less than 24 credit hours, electives in MSCH-J or MSCH-R courses must be completed to reach 24 credit hours.
- Students must follow standard policies for declaring these credentials. Completion of the B.A.J. second concentration will not result in automatic transcription of these credentials.
- Credit hours earned from coursework outside the College that are applied to credentials within the B.A.J. second concentration will be included in the 100 College of Arts and Sciences Credit Hours requirement. These credits from outside the College do not count toward the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism major hours limit, however.
- Specializations
- Complete at least one (1) B.A.J. Specialization (see full list below) plus electives to reach 24 credit hours. Students should consult with their Media School academic advisor about this option because there are limits to how many mass communication credit hours may be taken in the major.
- The B.A.J. specializations are included on the transcript.
- Outside Concentration
- Complete one (1) of the options below. All options require the completion of an established minor or certificate.
- Kelley School of Business. In addition to ECON-E 201 Introduction to Microeconomics with a C- or higher, complete either the Minor in Business, Minor in Financial Literacy, Minor in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, or Minor in Marketing.
- School of Education. Complete courses required for high school teacher certification. Interested students should meet with the Director of the High School Journalism Institute for more information.
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. Students may apply an Informatics minor or the Certificate in Informatics towards the completion of the second concentration. To earn the Certificate in Informatics, students must complete all 27 credit hours. To use an Informatics minor, students must complete additional coursework to meet the 24 credit minimum for the second concentration. Consult with your Media School advisor to identify appropriate courses to meet the credit hour minimum. A minimum grade of C in all courses taken for the certificate is required.
- Jacobs School of Music. Of the 24 Jacobs School of Music credits needed, at least 14 credit hours of MUS-K, M, T, or Z courses (excluding MUS-Z 110) are required. Applied music courses must be in private instruction in one instrument. No ensemble work may apply. Alternatively, students may complete the special minor offered through the Jacobs School of Music along with additional approved credit hours to reach the 24 required. For more information, see the Minor for Music Scoring for Visual Media in the "Opportunities" section of this Bulletin.
- School of Public Health. Students interested in using one of the following four SPH minors to complete a B.A.J. second concentration may do so following the stipulations outlined below; however, the College of Arts and Sciences does not recognize the Minor in Kinesiology for inclusion on a student's transcript.
- Minor in Kinesiology (plus additional SPH courses from the minor list to total 24 credit hours)
- Minor in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management (plus additional SPH courses from the minor list or the Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management major list to total 24 credit hours)
- Minor in Sports Marketing and Management (plus additional SPH courses from the minor list or the Sport Marketing and Management major list to total 24 credit hours)
- Minor in Event Planning (plus additional SPH courses from the minor list or the Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management major list to total 24 credit hours)
- School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Students can complete any of the SPEA minors or certificates transcripted by the College (plus additional SPEA courses to total 24 credit hours).
- Complete one (1) of the options below. All options require the completion of an established minor or certificate.
- College-approved Certificate or Minor
- Major GPA, Hours, and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Major GPA. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the major—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
- Major Minimum Grade. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the major.
- Major Upper Division Credit Hours. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed at the 300–499 level.
- Major Residency. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- College Breadth. At least 58 credit hours must be completed in courses from College of Arts and Sciences disciplines outside of the major area.
Major Area Courses
-
Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:
- Any course at the 100–499 level with the
MSCH
prefix—as well as any other subject areas that are deemed functionally equivalent - Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
- Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
- Any course, consistent with the policies herein, that is part of a concentration, track, and/or specialization being pursued as part of this academic program
- Any course at the 100–499 level with the
Exclusions
The following courses cannot be applied toward major requirements or the College Breadth requirement:
This program of study cannot be combined with the following:
- Bachelor of Arts in Media (MEDIABA)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematic Arts (CINEARTBFA)
- Bachelor of Science in Game Design (GAMEDSGNBS)
- Certificate in Journalism (JOURUGACR1)
- Certificate in New Media and Interactive Storytelling (NMISTACRT1)
- Minor in Black Cinema and Media Studies (BLKCNMDMIN)
- Minor in Cinema and Media Studies (CNMDASTMIN)
- Minor in Film Production (FILMPRDMIN)
- Minor in Game Design (GAMEDSNMIN)
- Minor in Global Media (GLVMDIAMIN)
- Minor in Media and Creative Advertising (MDCRADMIN)
- Minor in Media and Diversity (MDIADIVMIN)
- Minor in Media Law and Ethics (MDLWETMIN)
- Minor in Media Persuasion (MDIAPRSMIN)
- Minor in Media, Sex and Gender (MDGNDRMIN)
- Minor in Public Relations (PBLCRELMIN)
- [Name unavailable] (NMISTACRT)
- [Name unavailable] (FAMEDIAMIN)
- [Name unavailable] (SPORTMDMIN)
Exceptions to and substitutions for major requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.
The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree requires at least 120 credit hours, to include the following:
- College of Arts and Sciences Credit Hours. At least 100 credit hours must come from College of Arts and Sciences disciplines.
- Non-Media Coursework. At least 72 credit hours (of the 120) must be in coursework outside the disciplines of journalism, public relations and mass communication.
- Upper Division Courses. At least 42 credit hours (of the 120) must be at the 300–499 level.
- College Residency. Following completion of the 60th credit hour toward degree, at least 36 credit hours of College of Arts and Sciences coursework must be completed through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- College GPA. A College grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.000 is required.
- CASE Requirements. The following College of Arts and Sciences Education (CASE) requirements must be completed:
- CASE Foundations
- CASE Breadth of Inquiry
- CASE Culture Studies
- CASE Critical Approaches: 1 course
- CASE Foreign Language: Proficiency in a single foreign language through the second semester of the second year of college-level coursework
- CASE Intensive Writing: 1 course
- CASE Public Oral Communication: 1 course
- Major. Completion of the major as outlined in the Major Requirements section above.
Most students must also successfully complete the Indiana University Bloomington General Education program.
Subject areas
- Any AAAD course that carries degree credit
- Any AAST course that carries degree credit
- Any ABEH course that carries degree credit
- Any AFRI course that carries degree credit
- Any AMST course that carries degree credit
- Any ANTH course that carries degree credit
- Any ARTH course that carries degree credit
- Any ASCS course that carries degree credit
- Any AST course that carries degree credit
- Any BIOC course that carries degree credit
- Any BIOL course that carries degree credit
- Any BIOT course that carries degree credit
- Any CEUS course that carries degree credit
- Any CHEM course that carries degree credit
- Any CJUS course that carries degree credit
- Any CLAS course that carries degree credit
- Any CLLC course that carries degree credit
- Any CMLT course that carries degree credit
- Any COGS course that carries degree credit
- Any COLL course that carries degree credit
- Any EALC course that carries degree credit
- Any EAS course that carries degree credit
- Any ECON course that carries degree credit
- Any ENG course that carries degree credit
- Any EURO course that carries degree credit
- Any FOLK course that carries degree credit
- Any FRIT course that carries degree credit
- Any GEOG course that carries degree credit
- Any GER course that carries degree credit
- Any GLLC course that carries degree credit
- Any GNDR course that carries degree credit
- Any HHC course that carries degree credit
- Any HISP course that carries degree credit
- Any HIST course that carries degree credit
- Any HON course that carries degree credit
- Any HPSC course that carries degree credit
- Any HUBI course that carries degree credit
- Any IMP course that carries degree credit
- Any INST course that carries degree credit
- Any INTL course that carries degree credit
- Any JSTU course that carries degree credit
- Any LAMP course that carries degree credit
- Any LATS course that carries degree credit
- Any LING course that carries degree credit
- Any LTAM course that carries degree credit
- Any MATH course that carries degree credit
- Any MELC course that carries degree credit
- Any MEST course that carries degree credit
- Any MLS course that carries degree credit
- Any MSCH course that carries degree credit
- Any NEUS course that carries degree credit
- Any OVST course that carries degree credit
- Any PACE course that carries degree credit
- Any PHIL course that carries degree credit
- Any PHYS course that carries degree credit
- Any POLS course that carries degree credit
- Any PSY course that carries degree credit
- Any REEI course that carries degree credit
- Any REL course that carries degree credit
- Any RMI course that carries degree credit
- Any SEAS course that carries degree credit
- Any SGIS course that carries degree credit
- Any SLAV course that carries degree credit
- Any SLHS course that carries degree credit
- Any SLST course that carries degree credit
- Any SOAD course that carries degree credit
- Any SOC course that carries degree credit
- Any STAT course that carries degree credit
- Any THTR course that carries degree credit
Specializations
- Specialization in Audio Journalism
- Specialization in Broadcast Journalism
- Specialization in Digital Journalism
- Specialization in Graphic Communication
- Specialization in News Writing
- Specialization in Photojournalism
- Specialization in PR and Strategic Communication
- Specialization in Sports Journalism
- Specialization in Video Journalism