Journalism
The Duquesne University Journalism program prepares students to be effective and conscientious civic communicators in the fields of print, broadcast and online journalism. Hands-on professional courses, taught by scholars who also possess substantial experience in the news media, are connected to a strong liberal arts curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and media responsibility. In addition to courses in writing, editing, production and design, the program provides instruction in media history, law, literature and ethics.
Students learn the foundations of journalism practice such as interviewing, investigation, analysis and writing and then learn them to apply what they’ve learned in a variety of mediums. Our graduates work for newspapers, magazines, television stations and cable networks such as MTV, news-oriented Web sites and multimedia companies.
Duquesne University trains its journalism majors to be critical thinkers and fluent communicators and, therefore, much more than mere careerists with a set of work skills. Reflecting the university mission of service to the community, this major operates on the premise that journalism is a sacred public trust and that a journalist’s primary responsibilities are to the truth, the community and the public interest. Our experienced, award-winning faculty have extensive professional experience, hold advanced degrees in various areas of communication and continue to work in the world of public affairs journalism. Their teaching emphasizes the obligations implicit in the First Amendment.
Knowledge, Skills, Ethics
In order to report accurately and meaningfully on the world around them, journalists must have a strong grasp of current events, history, political philosophy, ethics and literature. In order to share their knowledge effectively with the public, they must be know how to do rigorous research — especially into public documents — how to interview effectively, and how to write and edit wisely and well under deadline pressure.
Balance between knowledge and skills is at the heart of our program. Students take courses in media history, ethics, law and other fields of knowledge at the same time they take courses in reporting and writing, editing, photography, publishing and design and broadcast and Web production. Integration of knowledge and methods ensures that students can put their liberal arts education to practical use in the service of the public good.
Ethics is a programmatic cornerstone. Each course incorporates guidelines on ethical behavior by professional standard bearers such as the Society of Professional Journalists, the Poynter Institute, the Radio and Television News Directors Association.
A Tradition of Excellence
We maintain strong bonds with our alumni, an impressive group of award-winning writers, editors and producers who often visit classes, take fledgling students on ride-alongs, help arrange internships and freelance assignments — and help our graduates find jobs worthy of their talents.
A student who chooses to major in Journalism at Duquesne University joins a long and storied tradition and becomes part of an extended family of journalists who work in every facet of the field across the country.
We expect big things from our graduates — and our best students learn to expect big things of themselves.
Departmental Core (12 credits)
JMA 240 - Media and Society (Satisfies the College of Liberal Arts Core Communication Requirement)
JMA 260 - New Media Production
JMA 465W – Media Ethics
JMA 473 - Media Law and Regulation
Journalism Core: Both Print/Broadcast Tracks (3 credits)
JMA 177 – Language for Journalists (0 credits)
JMA 271W – Newswriting 1
Print Track Core: (9 credits)
JMA 371W – Newswriting 2
JMA 375W – Editing for Print
JMA 469 – Feature Writing
OR
JMA 471 – Public Affairs Reporting
Broadcast Track Core: (9 credits)
JMA 341 – Video Production EFP/ENG
JMA 351 – Anchoring, Reporting & Announcing
JMA 367 – Radio Writing and Production
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