School of Journalism
and Communication

Undergraduate Studies

Graduate Studies

Journalism Courses (J)

Faculty

Carol Ann Bassett, associate professor (environmental journalism, magazine, writing about indigenous cultures). B.A., 1977, Arizona State; M.A., 1982, Arizona. (1998)

Thomas H. Bivins, John L. Hulteng Chair in Media Ethics and Responsibility; professor (communication ethics, public relations, publication production). B.A., 1974, M.F.A., 1976, Alaska, Anchorage; Ph.D., 1982, Oregon. (1985)

Mark Blaine, instructor (information gathering, magazine, media writing). B.J., 1993, Missouri, Columbia; M.S., 2000, Oregon. (2003)

Carl R. Bybee, associate professor (communication and democracy, cultural studies, communication studies). B.A., 1973, M.A., 1976, Ph.D., 1978, Wisconsin, Madison. (1982)

Kathryn B. Campbell, assistant professor (civic journalism, communication history, news-editorial). B.S., 1989, California Polytechnic; M.S., 1996, Oregon; Ph.D., 2002, Wisconsin, Madison. (2004)

Patricia A. Curtin, Endowed Chair in Public Relations; professor (international public relations, research methods, culture and identity). A.B., 1977, Earlham College; M.A., 1991, Ph.D., 1996, Georgia. (2006)

Charles F. Frazer, professor (campaign planning, regulation of advertising, social effects of advertising). A.B., 1968, Rutgers; M.A., 1972, Fairfield; Ph.D., 1976, Illinois. (1990)

Timothy W. Gleason, professor (communication ethics, communication law, news-editorial); Edwin L. Artzt Dean. B.A., 1980, State University of New York, Empire State; M.A., 1983, Ph.D., 1986, Washington (Seattle). (1987)

Thomas R. Hagley, instructor (public relations writing, planning and campaigns). B.S.J., 1964, M.S.J., 1968, Ohio. (2004)

Lauren J. Kessler, professor (alternative media, literary nonfiction, magazine). B.S.J., 1971, Northwestern; M.S., 1975, Oregon; Ph.D., 1980, Washington (Seattle). (1980)

David Koranda, instructor (advertising campaigns, media planning, audience research). B.A., 1970, Wilkes; B.S., 1978, Oregon. (2001)

Scott R. Maier, associate professor (investigative journalism, computer-assisted reporting, quantitative methods). B.A., 1977, Oberlin; M.A., 1989, Southern California; Ph.D., 2000, North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (2000)

Gabriela Martinez, assistant professor (electronic media, international communication, Latin American studies). B.A., 1999, M.A., 2000, San Francisco State; Ph.D., 2005, Oregon. (2005)

Ann C. Maxwell, associate professor (advertising strategy and creative development, advertising history and practice). B.A., 1973, M.A., 1975, California State, Fullerton. (1986)

Duncan L. McDonald, professor (journalistic writing, investigative strategies, language and grammar). B.S., 1966, Ohio; M.S., 1972, Oregon. (1975)

Debra L. Merskin, associate professor (communication studies; gender, race, and media; media and society). B.A., 1983, South Florida, Tampa; M.L.A., 1989, South Florida, St. Petersburg; Ph.D., 1993, Syracuse. (1993)

Daniel L. Miller, assistant professor (video production, documentary film and video). B.S., 1983, M.S., 1986, Ph.D., 1994, Oregon. (2001)

Deborah K. Morrison, Carolyn Silva Chambers Distinguished Professor of Advertising (advertising and brand creativity, organizational innovation, social responsibility). B.J., 1978, Sam Houston State; M.A., 1984, Ph.D., 1988, Texas at Austin. (2006)

Julianne H. Newton, associate professor (visual communication, photojournalism, communication ethics). B.A., 1970, Baylor; M.A., 1983, Ph.D., 1991, Texas at Austin. (2000)

Jon Palfreman, KEZI Distinguished Professor of Broadcast Journalism (science, environmental, and medical journalism; long-form documentary). B.S., 1971, University College, London; M.S., 1972, Sussex; Ph.D., 2005, Glamorgan. (2006)

Stephen E. Ponder, associate professor (communication history, news-editorial, political journalism). B.A., 1964, Washington (Seattle); M.A., 1975, George Washington; Ph.D., 1985, Washington (Seattle). (1985)

John T. Russial, associate professor (news-editorial, organizational change, technology studies). B.A., 1973, Lehigh; M.A., 1975, Syracuse; Ph.D., 1989, Temple. (1992)

William E. Ryan II, associate professor (graphic design, photojournalism, visual communication). B.A., 1964, Loras; M.A., 1975, Ed.D., 1991, South Dakota. (1987)

Kim Sheehan, associate professor (advertising, advertising and new media, consumer research and behavior). B.S., 1980, Northwestern; M.B.A., 1993, Boston University; Ph.D., 1998, Tennessee, Knoxville. (1998)

Alan G. Stavitsky, professor (electronic media, broadcast news, public broadcasting); associate dean. B.A., 1978, Wisconsin, Madison; M.A., 1983, Ph.D., 1990, Ohio State. (1990)

H. Leslie Steeves, professor (African studies, gender and communication, public relations); director, graduate studies. B.S., 1971, Vermont; M.S., 1974, Ph.D., 1980, Wisconsin, Madison. (1987)

James R. Upshaw, professor (television news, media and public service). B.A., 1962, San Diego State. (1992)

Janet Wasko, Philip H. Knight Chair of Communication Research; professor (communication studies, political economy of communication). B.A., 1973, M.A., 1974, California State; Ph.D., 1980, Illinois. (1986)

Thomas H. Wheeler, associate professor (ethics of digital image manipulation, magazine writing and editing). B.A., 1969, California, Los Angeles; J.D., 1975, Loyola, Los Angeles. (1991)

Kyu Ho Youm, Jonathan Marshall First Amendment Chair; professor (communication law, international law, news-editorial). B.A., 1980, Konkuk; M.A., 1982, Ph.D., 1985, Southern Illinois; M.S.L., 1998, Yale; M.St., 2006, Oxford. (2002)

Emeriti

Jack D. Ewan, associate professor emeritus. B.S.J., 1948, M.S.J., 1964, Northwestern. (1964)

Arnold Ismach, professor emeritus. B.A., 1951, Oklahoma; M.A., 1970, California, Los Angeles; Ph.D., 1975, Washington (Seattle). (1985)

Kenneth T. Metzler, professor emeritus. B.S., 1956, Oregon; M.S.J., 1967, Northwestern. (1960)

Roy Paul Nelson, professor emeritus. B.S., 1947, M.S., 1955, Oregon. (1955)

Karl J. Nestvold, professor emeritus. B.S., 1954, Wyoming; M.S., 1960, Oregon; Ph.D., 1972, Texas at Austin. (1961)

Deanna M. Robinson, professor emerita. B.A., 1964, M.A., 1972, Ph.D., 1974, Oregon. (1976)

Ronald E. Sherriffs, professor emeritus. B.A., 1955, M.A., 1957, San Jose State; Ph.D., 1964, Southern California. (1965)

William B. Willingham, associate professor emeritus. A.B., 1957, M.A., 1963, Indiana. (1965)

The date in parentheses at the end of each entry is the first year on the University of Oregon faculty.

About the School

The School of Journalism and Communication offers programs leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Undergraduate students major in the following: journalism, journalism: advertising, journalism: communication studies, journalism: electronic media, journalism: magazine, journalism: news-editorial, or journalism: public relations. The school also offers a minor in communication studies. Master’s degree majors are communication and society, journalism, journalism: magazine, and journalism: news-editorial (the school is no longer accepting applications for the master’s degree in journalism: advertising). In addition, candidates for a master’s degree in journalism may specialize in literary nonfiction. The Ph.D. program in communication and society develops scholars and teachers who can critically examine questions of communication and society from many perspectives.

The school, which started as a department in 1912 and became a professional school in 1916, is one of the oldest journalism schools in the United States and one of the most broadly conceived. It is accredited by the national Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

The undergraduate program is based on the premise that the best professional communicator is broadly educated. In accordance with national accrediting standards, students must take at least 116 credits in courses outside the School of Journalism and Communication. Of those, 94 credits must be in courses from the College of Arts and Sciences. A maximum of 64 credits in the 180-credit undergraduate program may be in journalism and communication courses. Students learn about the practice of mass communication and its effects. They study the role of communication media in society, the history of journalism, visual aspects of communication, the ethics of media practices, the economics of the media, new communication technologies, and the legal and social responsibilities of the media.

Majors are encouraged to consider a second major or a minor in a field related to their career goals. Preparation in a second field is a valuable addition to a student’s education and enhances employability.

The school’s faculty members are scholars and researchers who combine academic background with professional experience in their teaching fields. Among them are former copywriters, designers, and advertising-agency executives; newspaper reporters and editors; public-relations executives; broadcast journalists and documentarians; communication researchers; photojournalists; and magazine writers and editors. The faculty exerts its influence beyond the confines of the university campus through scholarly publication, consulting, and textbooks and trade books in such areas as advertising, language skills, ethics, information gathering, media criticism and history, reporting, political communication, public-relations writing, graphic arts, magazine writing, and public broadcasting.

Many students are active in campus affairs, working for the campus daily newspaper, the university’s radio stations, the student-run advertising and public-relations agencies, or alternative publications. The school also encourages them to participate in journalistic organizations such as the Advertising Club, National Association of Black Journalists, National Broadcasting Society, National Press Photographers Association, Public Relations Student Society of America, and Society of Professional Journalists. Internships are available at newspapers, magazines, broadcast stations, advertising agencies, public-relations offices, and video-production firms, and are strongly encouraged.

The school’s George S. Turnbull Portland Center was established in 2005 to offer programs to undergraduates, graduate students, and media professionals in the state’s media center. Current information on Turnbull center programs is available on the school’s website.

Preparation. The best preparation for journalism majors is a broad college-preparatory program with emphasis on language skills, English literature, economics, history, and the political and social sciences. Prospective students also benefit from the study of mathematics, statistics, computer programming, and second languages.

Community college students planning to transfer to the School of Journalism and Communication should concentrate on college-transfer courses, especially in literature, economics, and history, that fulfill university requirements and the school’s general-studies requirements. Almost all professional courses are taken at the School of Journalism and Communication. Advising material is available to community college students upon request.

General Information

The School of Journalism and Communication occupies Eric W. Allen Hall, named in memory of the school’s first dean. Fully equipped laboratories are provided for news writing, editing, advertising, graphic design, electronic media, and digital photography. In 1997 the school opened the Carolyn S. Chambers Electronic Media Center, which provides video and audio production facilities, and the John L. Hulteng Student Services Center, which consolidates academic advising services for journalism and communication students. In 2001 the school opened the Willis L. Winter Presentation Room, a state-of-the-art facility for multimedia presentations. Since fall 2002, seminars, meetings, and special events have been held in the Hall of Achievement, which honors more than fifty distinguished alumni and friends of the school. The Ted M. Natt First Amendment Plaza, the Allen Hall Atrium, and the Marcia Aaron Leonard Student Lounge are filled with course-related activities, student meetings, and special events throughout the year. Up-to-date collections of newspapers and trade publications are maintained in the Willis S. Duniway Journalism Resource Center. The school receives the newspaper services of the Associated Press. The Eric W. Allen Seminar Room, furnished by contributions from friends and alumni, is a center for group meetings and receptions. Knight Library, the main branch of the university’s library system, houses an extensive collection of the literature of journalism and communication.

Scholarships. Scholarships ranging from $300 to $5,000 are offered by the School of Journalism and Communication with the support of endowments and contributions. Applications are available in the Hulteng Student Services Center.

Student Loans. The School of Journalism and Communication may provide emergency loans to journalism majors. For more information, inquire at the dean’s office.

Student Services

Information about admission and degree requirements, advising materials, and sample programs is available in the Hulteng center, 101 Allen Hall. The office of the assistant dean for student services is in 101B Allen Hall.

Diversity and Freedom of Expression

The goal of building greater social, political, cultural, economic, and intellectual diversity among students and members of the faculty and staff as well as in our curriculum, public scholarship, and communities is central to the school’s mission—preparing professional communicators, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens for a global society. The promotion and practice of freedom of expression and intellectual inquiry is an integral part of the school’s long and proud tradition of academic excellence. Discrimination of any kind, disrespect for others, or inequity in educational opportunity are unacceptable. Students and members of the faculty and staff are expected at all times to maintain the School of Journalism and Communication’s high standards of ethical and compassionate conduct.

Code of Conduct

Students enrolled in the School of Journalism and Communication are expected to meet the highest standards of conduct as defined in the school and university codes of conduct and the relevant professional codes of ethics. The school reserves the right to deny admission or graduation of a student found to be in violation of these codes.

Undergraduate Studies [back to top]

The role of the school’s undergraduate program is to provide students with the skills they need to become professional communicators and critical media consumers.

Premajor Admission

New students planning to major in journalism enter the university as premajors and do not need to meet any special admission requirements beyond the general university requirements.

Each premajor is assigned to a journalism adviser who assists in planning programs, answering questions, and tracking progress toward admission as a major and toward graduation. Students should check with an adviser at least once a year to ensure that requirements are being met. The director of undergraduate advising for the school is the assistant dean for student services.

A university student in another major may switch to a journalism premajor by submitting a Request for Addition or Deletion of Major form, available in the Hulteng center. To become a major, a student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.70 for all work at the University of Oregon.

Premajor Program

Core Curriculum. Students must complete the school’s core curriculum: The Mass Media and Society (J 201), Information Gathering (J 202), Writing for the Media (J 203), and Visual Communication for Mass Media (J 204).
Premajors must take the core courses for letter grades and earn grades of C– or better.

Premajors must also take another preparatory course, Grammar for Journalists (J 101), with a grade of mid-C or better as a prerequisite for J 203.

Premajor students may not take most 300- and 400-level journalism courses.

Admission as a Major

For students admitted to the major, the courses needed to satisfy major requirements can be completed within six academic-year terms.

Admission to the School of Journalism and Communication is competitive. The faculty considers applications from premajor students who have

1. Completed 45 or more credits of course work

2. Earned a cumulative GPA of at least 2.70 for work done at the UO

3. Earned a mid-C or better in Grammar for Journalists (J 101)

4. Completed the school’s core curriculum (J 201, 202, 203, 204) with grades of C– or better

A student’s GPA is a major factor in the admissions decision. Students with a GPA of 3.25 or higher are guaranteed admission to the major.

Applicants with a GPA between 2.70 and 3.24 are evaluated and judged competitively by an admissions committee as applications are received. The admissions committee considers the requirements listed above and other materials that applicants submit, including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a portfolio. Students with a GPA below 2.70 may petition the committee for admission. The committee has the option of waiving any of the requirements listed above if evidence of a candidate’s high potential for success in the major is presented and approved.

Transfer Students

Students transferring to the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication enter as premajors. They apply to the University of Oregon Office of Admissions and are accepted as premajors if they meet the university’s general standards for admission. To be admitted to major status, transfer students must meet the school’s requirements for admission as outlined above.

Transfer Credit. The School of Journalism and Communication accepts journalism credits earned at other colleges and universities as follows:

1. Credits earned at schools of journalism accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications are accepted for journalism credit and may fulfill specific course requirements

2. Journalism credits may be accepted from unaccredited journalism programs, but they may not be used to meet specific course requirements. They do count toward the 64-credit limit set by national accrediting standards

3. Regardless of the number of credits transferred, students must take at least 27 credits of journalism in residence to earn a degree from the University of Oregon

4. Students cannot take more than 64 credits in journalism courses out of the 180 total credits required for a bachelor’s degree. They may, however, add credits to the 180-credit total to accommodate extra journalism credits (e.g., take 186 credits to accommodate as many as 70 credits in journalism)

5. The school accepts equivalent courses taught at other colleges to meet the J 201 requirement for application to be a major, and may accept equivalent courses to meet other core requirements if approved by the associate dean

Transfer students who want to discuss the transfer policy may consult the associate dean or assistant dean for student services.

Major Requirements

Majors must meet the UO requirements for the bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. In addition, they must meet the following requirements of the School of Journalism and Communication:

1. Satisfactory completion of at least 49 credits in journalism, of which at least 27 must be taken at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication and at least 24 must be upper division

2. Satisfactory completion of at least 116 credits in academic fields other than journalism

a. At least 94 of those credits from the College of Arts and Sciences

b. A student who graduates with 180 credits must take no more than 64 credits in journalism, including transfer credits

3. Upper-division breadth requirement:

a. Satisfactory completion of two courses chosen from Communication Law (J 385), Communication Economics (J 386), Communication History (J 387), Communication Theory and Criticism (J 388), International Communication (J 396), Mass Media Ethics (J 397)

b. Satisfactory completion of one course selected from Issues in Communication Studies (J 412), Public Media and Culture (J 417), Communication and Democracy (J 418), Advertising and Society (J 446), Third World Development Communication (J 455), International Journalism (J 492), Communication Ethics (J 496), Media Management and Economics (J 497)

4. A cumulative UO GPA of 2.70 or better

5. A cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better in courses taken in the School of Journalism and Communication

6. Satisfactory completion of at least one of the following academic-program specialized areas, including course prerequisites:

Advertising. Creative: Principles of Advertising (J 340), Advertising Campaigns (J 448), and three selected from: Advertising Copy Writing (J 441), Advertising Layout (J 442), Advertising Portfolio (J 447), Advanced Copy Writing (J 450), Advertising Strategy (J 451). Management: Principles of Advertising (J 340); Advertising Campaigns (J 448); and three selected from Advertising Media Planning (J 443), Agency Account Management (J 444), Advertising Research (J 445), Advertising Strategy (J 451)

Communication Studies. Introduction to Communication Studies (J 314), Issues in Communication Studies (J 412), Communication Studies Capstone (J 413), one additional breadth course from 3(a) above, and one additional breadth course from 3(b) above. Students may not use the same J 412 topic or breadth course to satisfy both an area requirement and the upper-division breadth requirement

Electronic Media. Introduction to Electronic Media (J 330), Television Field Production (J 331), Reporting for Electronic Media (J 432), 4 credits of weekend workshops in electronic media (J 408), and one course selected from Documentary Television Production (J 421) or Advanced Television News (J 434)

Magazine. Reporting I (J 361), Magazine Article Writing I (J 371), one course from list A, two courses from either list A or list B. List A: Workshop: Pre-Flux Writing (J 408), Specialized Reporting (J 463), Cyberjournalism (J 465), Magazine Article Writing II (J 472), Magazine Feature Editing II (J 473), Flux Magazine Production (J 475), The Journalistic Interview (J 483). List B: Photojournalism (J 365), Experimental Course: Advanced Photojournalism (J 410), The Magazine Editor (J 474), Magazine Design and Production (J 476)

News-Editorial. Reporting I (J 361), Newspaper Editing (J 461), Reporting II (J 462), and one of the following: Specialized Reporting (J 463), Cyberjournalism (J 465), Advanced News Editing (J 468), The Journalistic Interview (J 483)

Public Relations. Principles of Public Relations (J 350), Public Relations Writing (J 440), Advanced Public Relations Writing (J 452), Public Relations Planning and Problems (J 453), Public Relations Campaigns and Case Studies (J 454)

General-Studies Courses. Because the School of Journalism and Communication believes in a broadly based education for its majors, students must complete the following College of Arts and Sciences courses:

1. 16 credits in literature (see Definitions, Limitations, and Policies below). A maximum of 8 credits in one of the following categories may be used to satisfy this requirement

a. Literature courses taught in a second language that are taken as part of a student’s program of study in that language

b. Courses treating film as literature, which must have a significant reading and writing component

2. 8 credits in history

3. 8 credits in economics

4. 8 credits of course work in each of three subject codes in the College of Arts and Sciences that have not been used to satisfy requirements 1 through 3 above. Eligible subject codes are listed in the current Survival Guide available in the Hulteng center or from a student’s adviser

Courses numbered 196, 198, 199, 399–406, or 408–410 may not be used to fulfill these ­requirements.

Foreign-language courses used to fulfill the university’s bachelor of arts requirement and writing courses used to fulfill the university composition requirement may not be used to fulfill the general-studies courses requirement.

Definitions, Limitations, and Policies

Literature. Courses include

1. Courses taught by the Department of English and the Comparative Literature Program

2. Literature courses taught in English translation by foreign-language departments or the Department of Classics or courses that are cross-listed for major credit by these departments in the class schedule

3. Introduction to the Humanities I,II,III (HUM 101, 102, 103)

Internship. A major may earn no more than 4 credits in Internship (J 404).

Grades. Majors and premajors must take all school courses for letter grades unless a course is only offered pass/no pass (P/N). Grammar for Journalists (J 101) may be taken P/N.

Minor in Communication Studies

The School of Journalism and Communication offers a minor in communication studies, which gives students an overview of the role of communication in society. The minor requires 24 credits, of which 15 must be upper division.

Students who want to minor in communication studies should declare the minor in the school’s Hulteng center. Students may submit petitions to apply other journalism courses to the minor.

Required Course (4 credits)

The Mass Media and Society (J 201)

Elective Courses (20 credits)

Choose from the following courses: Women, Minorities, and Media (J 320), Principles of Advertising (J 340), Principles of Public Relations (J 350), Communication Law (J 385), Communication Economics (J 386), Communication History (J 387), Communication Theory and Criticism (J 388), International Communication (J 396), Mass Media Ethics (J 397), Issues in Communication Studies (J 412), Survey of the Documentary (J 416), Public Media and Culture (J 417), Communication and Democracy (J 418), Advertising and Society (J 446), Third World Development Communication (J 455), International Journalism (J 492), Media Management and Economics (J 497)

All courses for the minor must be passed with grades of P or C– or better.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

Students who already have a bachelor’s degree and want to earn a second bachelor’s degree in the School of Journalism and Communication may apply for premajor status through the university’s Office of Admissions. Upon fulfilling the requirements for application for admission, they may apply for major status. Students must complete all of the school’s requirements for graduation including the school’s arts-and-sciences requirement and university requirements for the B.A. or B.S. Credits, including transfer credits, earned for the first bachelor’s degree may count toward meeting the requirements as long as they conform to the transfer-credit policy outlined previously.

Graduate Studies [back to top]

The master of arts (M.A.) and master of science (M.S.) programs at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication seek to expose students to a wide range of ideas concerning the structure, function, and role of mass communication in society. The goals are to educate students to be mass media leaders and decision-makers who actively contribute to improving the quality of the media and to prepare students for doctoral studies.

The Ph.D. degree program in communication and society trains candidates to do research on a broad array of interdisciplinary questions related to communication and society. The school features course work that explores the cultural, economic, and political aspects of communication and society. Four overlapping areas of faculty and program strength are media institutions; ethics, law, and policy; international communication; and communication and diversity. The program emphasizes an appreciation of quantitative and qualitative methodologies and offers faculty expertise in content analysis, survey methodology, historical and legal methods, discourse analysis, ethnography, and oral history. Faculty members in departments and schools outside the School of Journalism and Communication have complementary areas of conceptual and methodological expertise to assist in guiding doctoral research.

Requests for information and graduate applications, as well as completed application materials, should be sent to the graduate secretary at the School of Journalism and Communication.

Financial Assistance

The school provides a number of graduate scholarships and graduate teaching fellowships. Scholarships range from $500 to $3,000. Fellowships include a complete tuition waiver and a stipend for the academic year. Graduate teaching fellows assist faculty members with teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.

Admission materials and applications for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial assistance must be submitted by the deadlines stated under Admission Requirements. Applicants may apply for both a scholarship and a fellowship.

International Students

A firm mastery of English, including American mass-communication idiom, is necessary for success at the graduate level. International students who lack such mastery are required to attend courses at the American English Institute on campus before participating in the graduate program. Though these courses do not carry graduate credit, they qualify to meet students’ visa requirements. The best time to enroll in the institute’s courses is the summer session preceding the first term in the graduate program.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the graduate program is granted for fall term only. Application materials are the same for the master’s and the doctoral programs. Applicants to the master’s program must have received a B.S. or B.A. or equivalent by fall enrollment; applicants eligible to attend the doctoral program must have received an M.A. or M.S. or equivalent. To be considered for admission, an applicant must submit the following:

1. Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate work was completed. The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission is 3.00. In exceptional cases, an applicant with a lower GPA may be admitted conditionally

2. Official Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores no more than five years old. The minimum combined verbal and quantitative score for admission is 1100. In exceptional cases an applicant with a lower score may be admitted conditionally

3. A 750- to 1,000-word essay describing the applicant’s academic and career goals

4. An up-to-date résumé

5. A portfolio, string book, clips, tapes, or other evidence of relevant professional work or evidence of scholarly writing and research. Doctoral applicants may include a copy of a master’s thesis

6. Three letters of recommendation, two from academic sources

7. International students must also submit documentation for

a. Either a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 600 or better or a Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) score of 85 or better

b. A score on the Test of Spoken English (TSE). A minimum score is not required for the TSE

Application deadlines are January 1 for doctoral applicants and February 1 for master’s degree applicants.

Students without the appropriate professional or academic background in the mass media may be conditionally admitted into the program. These students are required to take no more than four undergraduate courses to prepare them for graduate work. Some of these courses may be taken at the same time as the graduate curriculum; others are prerequisites for certain graduate courses. Courses are determined for each student at the time of admission.

Advising. An adviser is appointed for each graduate student in the school by the director of graduate studies.

Course programs for graduate students are planned individually in consultation with advisers. Graduate students should meet with their advisers at least once a term.

Evaluation of Progress. All graduate students’ programs are examined by the school’s graduate affairs committee during progress toward the degree.

Requirements for Graduation

A graduate student in the School of Journalism and Communication cannot elect the pass/no pass (P/N) option for a graduate course offered by the school unless that course is offered P/N only.

Master’s Degree Programs

Communication and Society Major

This major emphasizes communication theory and research, possibly preparatory to work for a Ph.D. degree. An undergraduate education in journalism and communication or professional experience is required for admission. Candidates for this M.A. or M.S. degree must earn at least 46 graduate credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. Courses that do not carry graduate credit are not considered in determining the graduate GPA.

The course of study concludes with either a thesis or a professional project. Students typically take five or six terms to complete the program. Specific requirements follow.

1. Three core courses taken in the first year of graduate study: Mass Communication and Society (J 611), Mass Communication Theories (J 613), Introduction to the Faculty (J 625)

2. Two methodology courses, at least one of which is Qualitative Research Methods (J 641) or Quantitative Research Methods (J 642)

3. Three additional 600-level courses in the School of Journalism and Communication. Except for Seminar (J 607), J 601–610 do not satisfy this requirement

4. At least 6, but no more than 15, graduate credits outside the School of Journalism and Communication. The courses chosen must be part of a consistent, related, educationally enhancing plan that has been approved by the student’s adviser prior to enrollment

5. A graduate thesis (9 credits in J 503) or professional project (6 credits in J 609) approved and supervised by a faculty committee. A written proposal, approved by the adviser and committee, is required before work is begun on either a thesis or project. A student should register for Thesis (J 503) or Terminal Project (J 609) during the terms in which the research and writing take place

Professional Majors

These majors are designed for students who have little or no academic or professional background in communication media and who want to acquire professional skills with a specific focus. Participants earn either an M.A. or an M.S. degree with a major in journalism, journalism: magazine, or journalism: news-editorial. The School of Journalism and Communication is no longer accepting applications for the master’s degree in journalism: advertising.

Magazine and News-Editorial Course Work (46 credits)

1. Preparatory courses, taken only during summer session (no graduate credit is earned except for J 561): Workshops: Reporting and Information Strategies, Visual Studies in Journalism (J 408); Newspaper Editing (J 561); independent readings in mass media and society approved by adviser

2. Core courses: Introduction to the Faculty (J 625); Mass Communication and Society (J 611); Communication Ethics (J 596) or other conceptual (vs. skills) course approved by adviser

3. Experimental Courses: Journalistic Writing I,II (J 610), and two other advanced-skills courses approved by adviser

4. Elective graduate courses approved by adviser; may include courses outside of the School of Journalism and Communication

5. Terminal Project (J 609)

Literary Nonfiction Option

Candidates for a master’s degree in journalism may specialize in literary nonfiction. Students electing this option must earn 46 graduate credits and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher. Courses that do not carry graduate credit are not considered in determining the graduate GPA.

Students typically take six terms to complete the program. Specific requirements follow.

Electives—minimum of 7 credits

University courses offered outside the School of Journalism and Communication selected in consultation with the student’s adviser.

Terminal Project—minimum of 6 credits

Students register for Terminal Project (J 609) during the terms in which research and writing for the project occur. Culmination of the literary nonfiction program requires writing that is noteworthy for its substance and its artistic quality. The student chooses a faculty member to supervise the research and writing of the terminal project. The topic must be approved by the adviser before work begins; a faculty committee oversees the project.

Candidates for the M.A. degree, but not the M.S. degree, must be proficient in a second language. Proficiency can be demonstrated either by completing, within the past seven years, the second year of the language at the college level or by passing an examination demonstrating equivalent competence.

During the term in which the thesis or project is completed, the student schedules an oral examination with his or her thesis or project committee.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree in communication and society typically take about 80 graduate-level credits of course work beyond the master’s degree; the exact number of credits depends on the student’s graduate-study experience. The program concludes with a dissertation. Specific requirements follow.

Core Sequence. Within the first three terms of study, the student must complete the core sequence of courses: Introduction to the Faculty (J 625), Proseminar I (J 640), Qualitative Research Methods (J 641), Quantitative Research Methods (J 642), Proseminar II (J 643).

Outside Field. In close consultation with an academic adviser and the school’s graduate studies director, each student designs an integrated outside-field component for his or her program. Because the program stresses the interconnection of communication with other disciplines, the 18-credit outside field may involve more than one outside department.

Methodological Tool Requirement. Two methods courses, in addition to Qualitative Research Methods (J 641) and Quantitative Research Methods (J 642), taken within or outside the school.

Additional Seminars in Communication. At least three 600-level courses in the School of Journalism and Communication. Except for Seminar (J 607), J 601–610 do not count toward this requirement.

University Teaching. Ph.D. candidates must complete Teaching and the Professional Life (J 619). Appropriate teaching experiences are arranged following completion of the course.

Comprehensive Examination. After course work is complete, the student, the graduate studies director, and the student’s comprehensive examination committee schedule an examination that requires a synthesis of what the student has learned. The student must pass the comprehensive examination before advancing to candidacy and beginning work on the dissertation.

Dissertation. A dissertation (18 credits in J 603) is the final step in the doctoral program. It is a professionally central experience in the design, conduct, and dissemination of original research. It is written after the student’s proposed dissertation topic is approved.

Graduate Certificate in Communication Ethics

The certificate program is designed to provide students with the ability to teach ethical decision-making strategies, both theoretical and applied, covering message construction and the multiple delivery systems associated with modern mass media—print, broadcast, electronic, and digital.

Students should be able to fulfill the additional program requirements within two years, typically in conjunction with their primary graduate emphasis. A number of the courses taken as part of the primary graduate degree may also count toward the certificate.

Although the communication ethics graduate certificate may be of particular interest to journalism students, any student who is unconditionally admitted to the Graduate School may earn one as an enhancement to the graduate degree.

Journalism Courses (J) [back to top]

The following acronyms are used to abbreviate undergraduate majors in course descriptions: JAD (journalism: advertising), JEM (journalism: electronic media), JMAG (journalism: magazine), JNE (journalism: news-editorial), JPR (journalism: public relations).

101 Grammar for Journalists (3) Intensive review of grammar, word use, spelling, and principles of clear, concise writing. Introduction to the journalistic style. Blaine, McDonald.

196 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–2R)

198 Colloquium: [Topic] (1–2R)

199 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)

201 The Mass Media and Society (4) The various media of mass communication and their effects on society. Campbell, Martinez, Merskin, Stavitsky, Upshaw.

202 Information Gathering (4) Survey of methods and strategies for acquiring information of use to the various mass media. Examination of records, databases, sources, and interview methods. Prereq: premajor status. Blaine, Campbell, McDonald.

203 Writing for the Media (4) Introduction to the process and practice of writing for various mass media channels. Discussion of rights and responsibilities of the public communicator. Prereq: J 101 with a grade of mid-C or better; completion of WR 121 and WR 122 or WR 123. Blaine, Campbell, Maier, McDonald, Russial, Wheeler.

204 Visual Communication for Mass Media (4) Theory and application of visual communication in newspapers, magazines, video, advertising, and public relations. Prereq: premajor status. Newton, Ryan.

314 Introduction to Communication Studies (4) Presents a historical overview of the field and an in-depth discussion of the primary theoretical approaches to media studies. Prereq: J 201. Bybee, Merskin, Wasko.

320 Women, Minorities, and Media (4) Inequities in mass media with regard to gender, race, and ethnicity. Ramifications and possible mechanisms of change. Martinez, Merskin, Steeves.

330 Introduction to Electronic Media (4) Introduction to aesthetic and technical elements, as well as professional issues, involved in communication through video and audio. JEM majors only. Martinez, Palfreman, Upshaw.

331 Television Field Production (4) Introduction to techniques of single-camera field video production. JEM majors only. Prereq: J 330. Martinez, Miller.

333 Writing for Multimedia (4) Introduction to the process and practice of writing for multimedia, including print, audio-video, computer-assisted presentation, web-based applications, and striking the balance between word and image. Prereq: multimedia minor standing.

340 Principles of Advertising (4) Role of advertising in the distribution of goods and services; the advertising agency; the campaign; research and testing; the selection of media: print, electronic, outdoor advertising, direct mailing. Frazer, Morrison, Sheehan.

350 Principles of Public Relations (4) Theory and practice, mass media as publicity channels, the public-relations practitioner, departments and agencies. Curtin.

361 Reporting I (4) Basic training in news gathering. Extensive writing under time pressure, including a variety of assignments: straight news, features, interviews, speeches. JMAG, JNE majors only. Campbell, Maier.

365 Photojournalism (4) Introduction to black-and-white photographic techniques with emphasis on the structure, law, and ethics of photojournalism. Laboratory intensive and portfolio oriented. Majors only. Newton, Ryan.

371 Magazine Article Writing I (4) Writing magazine feature articles; study of the problems of marketing magazine manuscripts. JMAG majors only. Prereq: J 361. Bassett, Blaine, Wheeler.

385 Communication Law (4) Legal aspects of the mass media: constitutional freedom of expression, news gathering, access to public records and proceedings, libel, privacy, copyright, advertising, electronic media regulation, and antitrust. Prereq: J 201 and sophomore standing. Gleason, Youm.

386 Communication Economics (4) Survey and analysis of economic relationships that exist in our communication system and how that system is integrated into the domestic and international economy. Prereq: J 201 and sophomore standing. Wasko.

387 Communication History (4) The changing structure and character of the mass media in the United States. Prereq: J 201 and sophomore standing. Campbell, Ponder, Stavitsky.

388 Communication Theory and Criticism (4) Survey of contemporary social, scientific, and humanistic theories of mediated communication. Theories of the media and their relationship to society. Prereq: J 201 and sophomore standing. Bybee, Merskin.

396 International Communication (4) National and cultural differences in media and information systems, global news and information flows, implications of rapid technological change, and communication and information policies. Prereq: J 201 and sophomore standing. Curtin, Martinez, Stavitsky, Steeves, Youm.

397 Mass Media Ethics (4) Ethical problems in mass media: privacy, violence, pornography, truth telling, objectivity, media codes, public interest, media accountability. Prereq: J 201 and sophomore standing. Bivins.

399 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)

401 Research: [Topic] (1–9R)

403 Thesis (1–9R)

404 Internship: [Topic] (1–4R) R for maximum of 4 credits.

405 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–9R)

406 Special Problems: [Topic] (1–9R)

407/507 Seminar: [Topic] (1–4R)

408/508 Workshop: [Topic] (1–4R)

409 Practicum: [Topic] (1–4R)

410/510 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–4R)

412/512 Issues in Communication Studies: [Topic] (4R) Uses a variety of theories and methods to examine specific aspects of media content, processes, and audiences. Majors only. R once when topic changes. Bybee, Curtin, Merskin, Wasko.

413 Communication Studies Capstone (4) Draws on skills and knowledge learned in other communications studies and related courses to demonstrate competence in broad areas of research. Prereq: completion of requirements for the communication studies specialization. Bybee, Merskin, Wasko.

416/516 Survey of the Documentary (4) Historical and critical survey of the documentary as a form of artistic expression and an instrument of social commentary. Majors or communication studies minors only. Martinez, Miller.

417/517 Public Media and Culture (4) Comparative analysis of the structure, mission, and content of public and commercial media. Majors or communication studies minors only. Stavitsky.

418/518 Communication and Democracy (4) The role of communication in democratic theory. Special emphasis on the implications of the changes in communication systems and technology for contemporary democratic practice. Majors or communication studies minors only. Bybee.

419/519 Editing Theory and Production (4) Introduction to advanced video-editing styles using digital, nonlinear systems. Prereq: J 330.

421/521 Documentary Television Production (4) Workshop in preparation, shooting, and postproduction of the short television documentary. JEM majors only. Prereq: J 331, 432/532. Miller, Palfreman.

432/532 Reporting for Electronic Media (4) Training in gathering, production, and presentation of news for the electronic media. JEM majors only. Prereq: J 331. Palfreman, Stavitsky, Upshaw.

434/534 Advanced Television News (4) News gathering and production for television. Students produce live programming for local cable systems. JEM majors only. Prereq: J 432/532. Palfreman, Upshaw.

440/540 Public Relations Writing (4) Provides instruction and writing practice designed to develop the professional-level skills expected of public relations practitioners. JPR majors only. Prereq: J 350. Curtin, Hagley, McDonald.

441/541 Advertising Copy Writing (4) Theory and practice in writing advertising copy. Study of style and structure with emphasis on strategy formulation. JAD majors only. Prereq: J 340. Frazer, Koranda, Maxwell, Morrison.

442/542 Advertising Layout (4) Graphic design for advertising. Work with type and illustrations. Consideration given to all media. JAD majors only. Prereq: J 340. Newton, Ryan.

443/543 Advertising Media Planning (4) Objectives and strategy for determining effective methods of reaching a designated target audience. Use of media measurement tools. JAD majors only. Prereq: J 340. Frazer, Koranda, Sheehan.

444/544 Agency Account Management (4) The role of the account executive in the advertising agency examined through case studies. JAD majors only. Prereq: J 340. Koranda, Sheehan.

445/545 Advertising Research (4) Application of quantitative and qualitative research techniques to develop advertising objectives. Assessment and utilization of primary and secondary sources. JAD majors only. Prereq: J 340. Koranda, Sheehan.

446/546 Advertising and Society (4) The role of advertising as an institution in society. Majors or communication studies minors only. Prereq: junior standing. Frazer, Koranda, Morrison, Sheehan.

447/547 Advertising Portfolio (4) Capstone experience in conceptualizing and executing the creative aspects of advertising campaigns. JAD majors only. Prereq: J 441/541, 442/542. Maxwell, Morrison, Ryan.

448/548 Advertising Campaigns (4) Seniors and graduate students produce a comprehensive campaign involving every aspect of advertising, ranging from market research through creative and media strategy formulation to execution. JAD majors only. Prereq: three from J 441/541, 442/542, 443/543, 444/544, 445/545, 447/547, 450/550, 451/551. Frazer, Koranda, Maxwell, Morrison, Sheehan.

449/549 Advanced Advertising Campaigns (5) Team experience of creating a professional-level advertising plan. Students participate in a national competition. JAD majors only. Prereq: instructor’s consent. Koranda.

450/550 Advanced Copy Writing (4) Advanced work in theory and practice of writing advertising copy. Emphasis on clarification and identification of writer’s voice. JAD majors only. Prereq: J 441/541. Koranda, Maxwell, Morrison.

451/551 Advertising Strategy (4) Advanced study of strategic and conceptual thinking, and account planning in advertising. Focuses on effective communication strategies. JAD majors only. Prereq: J 340. Koranda, Maxwell.

452/552 Advanced Public Relations Writing (4) Extends basic public relations writing to specific writing contexts and challenges facing professionals in public relations and corporate and marketing communication through highly specialized assignments. JPR majors only. Prereq: J 440/540. Curtin, McDonald.

453/553 Public Relations Planning and Problems (4) Use of research, decision processes, and program design in the solution of public relations problems for profit and nonprofit institutions. Ethics of public relations. JPR majors only. Prereq: J 350, 440. Curtin, Hagley.

454/554 Public Relations Campaigns and Case Studies (4) Emphasizes research and evaluation methods. Addresses the management of public relations and communication functions in organizations. Professional portfolios prepared and presented. JPR majors only. Prereq: J 453/553. Curtin, Hagley.

455/555 Third World Development Communication (4) The role of communication in third world development projects. Diffusion, social marketing, and alternative approaches. Majors or communication studies minors only. Prereq: junior standing. Martinez, Steeves.

461/561 Newspaper Editing (4) Copy editing and headline writing for newspapers; emphasis on grammar and style. Problems in evaluation, display, makeup, and processing of written and pictorial news matter under time pressure. JNE majors only. Prereq: J 361 or equivalent. Campbell, Russial.

462/562 Reporting II (4) Advanced reporting on public affairs and community news. JNE majors only. Prereq: J 361. Campbell, Maier, Ponder.

463/563 Specialized Reporting: [Topic] (1–4R) Reporting of special topics, including the environment, business and economics, politics, health and medicine, science, the arts, and precision journalism. JMAG, JNE majors only. Prereq: J 361 or 432/532. Bassett, Maier, Wheeler.

464/564 Newspaper Design (4) Conceptual and technical training in the design and layout of newspapers in various formats. Prereq: J 361. Campbell, Russial.

465/565 Cyberjournalism (4) Critically examines components of online journalism; explores various aspects of web publishing. Participants collaborate in creating a class website. JMAG, JNE majors only. Prereq: J 432/532 or 461/561. Russial.

468/568 Advanced News Editing (4) Advanced training in news editing under newsroom conditions. Discussion of issues in editing, headline writing, and news judgment. Includes work with web-based journalism. Focus on teamwork. JNE majors only. Prereq: J 461/561. Russial.

472/572 Magazine Article Writing II (4) Writing and marketing magazine articles. Individual conferences. JMAG majors only. Prereq: J 371. Bassett, Kessler, Wheeler.

473/573 Magazine Feature Editing (4) Principles and problems of magazine editing. Focuses on professionally written manuscripts. Copyediting, caption and head writing, content selection. JMAG majors only. Prereq: J 371. Bassett, Blaine, Kessler, Wheeler.

474/574 The Magazine Editor (4) Comprehensive examination of nonediting aspects of the magazine editor’s role: issue planning, ethics, marketing, production, circulation, and graphics. JMAG majors only. Prereq: J 371. Bassett, Blaine, Kessler, Wheeler.

475/575 Flux Magazine Production (1–5R) Planning and production of Flux magazine. Students make and carry out assignments, write and edit stories, take photos, sell advertising, design and layout magazine. Prereq: major status, instructor’s consent. R for a maximum of 12 credits. Blaine.

476/576 Magazine Design and Production (4) Role of the magazine editor in working with art directors. Issues in designing covers, pages, and spreads for magazines. Prereq: instructor’s consent. Newton, Ryan.

483/583 The Journalistic Interview (4) Gathering information through asking questions. Literature and research findings on techniques of listening, nonverbal communication, and psychological dynamics of the interview relationship in journalistic situations. JMAG, JNE majors only. Prereq: J 361. Blaine, Kessler, Maier.

492/592 International Journalism (4) Mass communication media throughout the world: historical background; conflicting theories of control; international news services and foreign correspondence; problems in developing nations. Majors or communication studies minors only. Prereq: J 201, junior standing. Martinez, Steeves, Upshaw.

496/596 Communication Ethics: [Topic] (4R) Analyses of ethical issues confronting the communications industry using moral philosophy, rhetorical theory, political philosophy, case studies, and theories of persuasion and communication. R once for a maximum of 8 credits. Majors or communication studies minors only. Prereq: J 201, junior standing. Bivins, Newton, Wheeler.

497/597 Media Management and Economics (4) Issues for media managers and media workers, including leadership, organizational change, new technology, media convergence, and economic strategy. Emphasis is management and social responsibility. Majors or communication studies minors only. Prereq: J 201, junior standing. Russial.

503 Thesis (1–9R)

601 Research: [Topic] (1–6R) R for maximum of 16 credits.

602 Supervised College Teaching (1–5R) R for maximum of 5 credits.

603 Dissertation (1–16R) R for maximum of 18 credits.

604 Internship: [Topic] (1–4R) R for maximum of 4 credits.

605 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–6R) R for maximum of 16 credits.

606 Special Problems: [Topic] (1–6R) R for maximum of 16 credits.

607 Seminar: [Topic] (1–5R)

608 Workshop: [Topic] (1–6R) R for maximum of 16 credits.

609 Terminal Project (1–6R) R for maximum of 6 credits.

610 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–5R) Current topics include Gender, Race, and Media; International Communication.

611 Mass Communication and Society (4) Review of the literature of mass communication. Introduction to graduate study in journalism and communication. Curtin, Maier, Merskin.

613 Mass Communication Theories (4) Survey of major theoretical approaches to the study of journalism and mass communication. Curtin, Stavitsky.

619 Teaching and the Professional Life (4) Explores teaching strategies, curriculum development, and other aspects of academic professional life in journalism and communication. Ponder, McDonald.

620 Public Relations Planning Theory (4) Public relations management including systems theory and various formulas for program planning and evaluation. Curtin.

625 Introduction to the Faculty (1) Introduces new graduate students to faculty expertise in the areas of research, creative or professional work, and teaching in the School of Journalism and Communication.

631 Literature of Literary Journalism (4) Explores philosophical, historical, literary, and moral issues related to the genre of literary journalism, or creative nonfiction. Prereq: acceptance in the literary nonfiction program. Bassett, Kessler.

633 Writing About . . . : [Topic] (3R) Advanced, intensive, three-day writing workshops led by notable writers of literary nonfiction. Kessler. R thrice for maximum of 12 credits.

635, 636 Literary Nonfiction I,II (6,6) Concentrates on student writing of nonfiction in a workshop setting. Prereq: instructor’s consent. Kessler.

638 Writing the Nonfiction Book (4) Explores the book-publishing industry. Focuses on conceptualizing a book-length work of literary nonfiction. Prereq: J 631. Kessler.

640 Proseminar I (5) Overview of theories used to study mediated communication, mass communication, and communication technologies; theory application to media processes; discussion of enduring issues in the field. Prereq: doctoral standing. Steeves, Wasko.

641 Qualitative Research Methods (4) Introduces qualitative research methods including traditional historical inquiry, oral history, ethnography, and participant observation. Prereq: J 640. Newton, Ponder, Steeves.

642 Quantitative Research Methods (4) Introduces and analyzes quantitative research methods in terms of design, measurement, inference, and validity. Focuses on conceptualization in communication research. Prereq: J 640. Curtin, Maier, Russial, Sheehan.

643 Proseminar II (5) Seminar participants demonstrate competence in broad families of social research by drawing on skills and knowledge obtained in J 640–642. Prereq: J 640, 641, 642. Steeves, Wasko.

644 Philosophy of Communication (4) Explores the philosophical foundations of communication in the United States—including political philosophies that range from Milton to McLuhan. Bivins.

646 Political Economy of Communication (4) Introduction to the political economy of communication. Includes such issues as ownership and control patterns; the role of the state; labor; intellectual property rights; and international markets. Wasko.

648 Cultural Approaches to Communication (4) Examination of communication and mediated communication as cultural processes in the production and reproduction of social systems. Bybee.

651 Comparative Communication Policies (4) Examines the evolution of national communication policies and infrastructures within their national and global contexts. Stavitsky, Youm.

652 Communication and Politics: [Topic] (4R) Examines communication and mediated communication in formal political settings as well as the general exercise of political power throughout society. R twice when topic changes for maximum of 12 credits. Bybee, Ponder.

660 Advanced Research Methods: [Topic] (4R) Explores specific qualitative or quantitative communication research methods. Topics may include discourse analysis, oral history, historical methods, legal methods, content analysis, and survey methods. Prereq: J 641 or 642 depending on topic. R when topic changes.