Visual Journalism Emphasis
The journalism department offers a focus on visual journalism for students interested in photography and visual journalism. In this emphasis students learn about class photography principles as well as cutting edge technology.
As the media moves into the new century students will focus their skills on digital technology and development. This emphasis will allow students to diversify their skills and portfolios and become even more valuable to potential employers.
Please view the curriculum worksheet for information on courses by emphasis.
Photo Studio
Students who are currently enrolled or have completed Media Photography II, or those who have special permission from Professor Gleason may use the photo studio in Sage.
Multimedia Equipment
The department offers multimedia equipment for loan to students, faculty and staff. With the exception of studio equipment, equipment may be loaned out by instructors in accordance with the department’s loan procedure.
“The journalism department has provided me with a well-rounded education. Even though I have pursued a career in photography and graphic design, I know that my knowledge of advertising, public relations and news writing/editing has helped me advance more quickly.” – Katie Dempsey, Merchandising Manager and Photography WeBeFun Inc., Vista, Calif.
Group Projects
- Healthy Living by Margot Bellmer, Sara Jeffers, Amanda Plautz, Elizabeth Koeck and Jenna Schumacher
- UWOFIT by Panhia Lee, Alex Beld, Felicia Kudronowicz and Zach Kaiser
Student Work
- Bree Surges — Bree Surges Photography
- Alex Beld – “Get the Shot”
- Hajra Ahmad – Hajra Ahmad Photography
- Rebekah Peppler – rebekah peppler
- Megan Sheridan – Flickr page
Degree Requirements
Core Courses
Required: 15 credits by completing these courses
- 141 – Intro to Media: News, Public Relations and Advertising
- 221 – Writing for the Media
- 239 – Media Photography I OR 251 – Foundations of Multimedia Storytelling
- 324 – Editing
- 412 – Law of Mass Communication
Visual Journalism Core
Required: 9 credits by completing three courses listed — a course taken as a requirement does not count again toward the 9 credit in the emphasis electives or the 6 credit in the general elective requirements
- 239 – Media Photography I OR 251 – Foundations of Multimedia Storytelling
- 430 – Media Photography II
- 451 – Online Publishing
Visual Journalism Electives
Required: 9 credits by completing three courses from the following — at least 3 credits must be a 400-level course, unless a 400-level course is taken in the emphasis core
- 327 – Reporting OR 351 – Ad Copy, Layout & Production OR 440 – App of New Media
- 331 – Visual Media Design
- 340 – New & Emerging Media
- 343 – Travel & Documentary Photography
General Electives
Required: 6 credits from this list — classes already taken do NOT count again as general electives
| 211 - Principles of Public Relations | 340 - New & Emerging Media | 428 - Advanced Reporting |
| 239 - Media Photography I * | 341 - Media & Society | 430 - Media Photography II* |
| 250 - Principles of Advertising | 343 - Travel & Documentary Photography* | 431 - Reporting of Public Affairs* |
| 251 - Foundations of Multimedia Storytelling | 347 - The Journalist in Literature and Film | 440 - Application of New & Emerging Media |
| 312 - Media Ethics* | 351 - Advertising Copy, Layout & Production | 441 - Interpretive and Persuasive Writing* |
| 315 - Public Relations Techniques | 353 - Advertising Media | 451 - Online Publishing |
| 319 - Case Studies in Public Relations | 371 - History of Journalism in the United States | 454 - Selected Topics in Journalism |
| 325 - Magazine Editing & Production | 380 -Global Media | 455 - Public Relations Campaigns |
| 327 - Reporting | 413 - Feature Writing | 457 - Media Organization & Management |
| 331 - Visual Media Design | 424 - Strategic Campaigns in Advertising | 472 - Research in Strategic Communication |
Non-Journalism Required Courses
All Journalism majors must take:
- Computer Science 125 – Worldwide Website Development
- History 202 – Modern United States History Since 1877
- Political Science 105 – American Government and Policies
- Add ONE from the list below:
- 67-189 PBIS Statistics
- 67-201 Applied Statistics
- 86-203 Elementary Psychological Statistics
- 92-281 Social Statistics
The Internship (427) course will NOT count toward the 39 credits for the journalism major.