Journalism Statement

During this time of unrest, the Journalism and Media Studies Department offered a statement in support of journalists and a free press.

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Journalism That Matters

The journalism major is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become socially responsible digital journalists who produce in-depth journalism stories based upon authentic, reliable sources and data. In short, they learn to do Journalism that Matters.

Students learn to gather, synthesize and present news and information using a variety of digital story techniques and platforms. Courses provide hands-on opportunities to develop strong writing, reporting and editing skills as well as an understanding of evidence based data gathering and analysis using appropriate research methodologies. Grounded in the liberal arts, journalism majors also gain familiarity with the law, history and the ethics of the profession.

Experiential Learning

Majors are strongly encouraged to pursue a co-curricular path that includes working for Student Media (, , , and ) beginning their freshman year. In the fall of 2021, the 向日葵视频Wire, our student media umbrella organization, was a top five finalist for the College Media Association's Pinnacle Award for Best College Media Outlet.

As majors gain experience it is expected that they would advance to leadership/mentor positions in Student Media, obtain internships, work for the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service (NNS), and/or obtain an elite position working with an O鈥橞rien Fellow in Public Service Journalism.

In print, online, or on the air鈥� be the difference. Report, write, edit and publish evidence-based stories that can change lives and affect the way people think.

Think digital, be global.

Using state-of-the-art computer, television, radio, editing and graphic platforms, as well as advanced interactive digital equipment, report on the world. Change the world by doing Journalism that Matters.

Promote the people鈥檚 right to know and be informed.

Learn how to mine databases, analyze and interpret data, access public records, and research complex issues and events. Gain practical, real life experience, in contacting authentic, reliable sources and data. Interview thought leaders as well as citizens in the community.

Tell stories that make a difference.

The basis of all journalism is telling a story in a compelling way. Dive deep into a problem and learn how to apply the critical thinking and practical hands-on skills you need to tell the story effectively, and clearly.

Be Safe

Learning to be safe while reporting on stories that matter is a priority of our program. The department offers a series of resources developed with the that will help train students on .

Practice, Practice, Practice.

Whether it is in 鈥渂oot camp鈥� where you polish your grammar and AP Style skills or the more advanced courses where you tweet, blog, shoot, edit, report, write and publish, journalism students prepares you to arrive on the job ready to work in all formats. Our award-winning student media offers employer-impressing, hands-on experience in state-of-the-art digital newsrooms, and television and radio studios.

Jump start your journalism career.

Begin by working for student media (, , , , ) your freshman and sophomore years. Your goal? Leadership/mentor positions in Student Media, internships with news organizations around Milwaukee and the United States, internships with the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service (NNS), and/or securing an elite position working with our O鈥橞rien Fellows in Public Service Journalism.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the Journalism major, the digital journalist should be able to:

• Articulate the norms and values of socially responsible journalism and understand relationships.
• Gather evidence-based and authentic information from reliable interview sources.
• Evaluate the accuracy and reliability of documents, data and other evidence.
• Create accurate and evidence-based news and feature stories.
• Tell compelling stories that interest and engage audiences in complex and important issues, across a variety of digital platforms.

To learn more, see the  or contact Dr. Amanda Keeler, Department Chair of Journalism and Media Studies.