News

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication (B.A.J.M.C.) with a major in News

News web page

Overview

As News majors, students gain knowledge and multimedia skills needed for careers in reporting, editing, management or publishing, in print and online.

Graduates work on publication staffs, in the news and production departments of other news media and agencies, in public information positions and in website editing positions.

Approximately 70 students are enrolled in the major. Average class size is 15 students.

Accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, Drake is among 115 accredited programs worldwide. To earn accreditation, schools meet 9 standards, which address such issues as class size, diversity, student services and curriculum. Accreditation reviews occur every 6 years. Drake’s program has been continuously accredited, most recently in 2011.

Degree Requirements

• Meet all requirements of the Drake Curriculum
• Complete a minimum of 124 total credit hours
• Complete 80 credit hours outside of the SJMC course list; 48 of those hours must be Arts and Science credits
• 40 upper level credits
• Declare an Area of Concentration with SJMC adviser
• Maintain a 2.0 grade point average during the first 30 hours
• Maintain a 2.25 grade point average at Drake after the 30th hour

Students should work with their advisers to ensure selection of courses best-suited to their educational and career objectives.  Please see Graduation Requirements and Regulations sections of the catalog for additional information.

Major Requirements

36 SJMC credits with 8 SJMC elective hours (optional) and one non-journalism course are required to complete the News major.

Required course list and the suggested progression of classes: