New Mexico State University

What you'll study

The curriculum combines ten core journalism courses (30 credits) and a minimum of 15 additional non-core journalism credits, selected so the student completes intermediate, advanced, capstone and media studies categories. Core and elective examples include:

• Core introductory/required courses: JOUR 110 Media Writing I; JOUR 201 Digital Content Creation; JOUR 210 Copyediting; JOUR 105G Media and Society (also satisfies an Area IV Gen Ed requirement).
• Upper-division/core courses: JOUR 300 Introduction to Advertising; JOUR 302 Television Videography & Editing; JOUR 319 Introduction to Photography; JOUR 321 Media Graphic Design; JOUR 374 Introduction to Public Relations; JOUR 493 Media Law (advised in junior/senior year).
• Non-core categories (students must take at least five non-core courses, 15 credits, with at least one from each category):

• Intermediate examples: JOUR 306 Sports Writing and Reporting; JOUR 312 Advertising, Copywriting and Creativity; JOUR 314 Broadcast Reporting; JOUR 320 Photojournalism; JOUR 384 Public Relations Storytelling.
• Advanced examples: JOUR 310 Media Writing II; JOUR 315 News; JOUR 330 TV News Shooting & Editing; JOUR 407 Media Internship; JOUR 408 Media Practicum; JOUR 425 Media Planning and Buying.
• Capstone examples: JOUR 412 Documentary Photojournalism; JOUR 414 Broadcast Reporting Portfolio; JOUR 427 Media Writing III; JOUR 476 Strategic Communication Campaigns; JOUR 490 IMC Campaign.
• Media studies examples: JOUR 350 Media History; JOUR 377 Mass Media Ethics; JOUR 380 Women and the Media; JOUR 457 Social Media Management and Analytics; JOUR 463 Public Relations for Social Impact; JOUR 489 Media Research; JOUR 495 Media Theory; JOUR 499 Independent Study.

General Education components include English composition (ENGL 1110G/1110H and a Level 2 composition course), oral communication, mathematics (MATH 1130G recommended), laboratory science and social/behavioral sciences, humanities, creative and fine arts, and a General Education elective. Viewing a Wider World requirements must also be met.

Entry requirements

Students must satisfy all university degree requirements (General Education and Viewing a Wider World) and reach the 120-credit minimum, including at least 48 credits at the 300/3000+ level. For the journalism major specifically, students must complete all ten introductory/core courses (30 credits) and take JOUR 110 before enrolling in JOUR 310 or JOUR 374. Course entry is subject to prerequisites; JOUR 493 is typically taken in junior or senior year. Developmental courses do not count toward the degree.

Career prospects

The programme provides core skills in media writing, digital content, photography, audio/video production, editing, graphic design and public relations that prepare graduates for roles in newsrooms, broadcast and digital media production, photojournalism, advertising, public relations and social media/communications roles. Many students also pair the major with minors or internships to broaden employability.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Students typically combine university-wide financial aid, departmental scholarships and work-study or internship opportunities to fund study. Completing internships and building a portfolio in practicum or capstone courses can improve competitiveness for paid roles and external funding; consult an academic advisor and the university financial aid office for current scholarship and funding options.