Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Journalism


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OVERVIEW OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum number of credits required to graduate: 120

Minimum number of credits required to complete the major: 30

Minimum Cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0.

Minimum Grade requirements for courses to count toward major: A grade of C- or better is required for all other CMJ courses to fulfill a major requirement.

Other GPA requirements to graduate: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (“C”) in the major. 

Required Course(s) for fulfilling Capstone Experience: CMJ 481 or CMJ 484 or CMJ 489

Residency Requirement: 24 credits of CMJ courses must be taken at the University of Maine.

Contact Information: Nathan Stormer, Chair, 430 Dunn Hall, 581-1938
 


The Department of Communication and Journalism offers three different B.A. degrees. These degrees are in: Communication, Journalism, and Media Studies.

The B.A. in Journalism requires coursework that prepares students for leadership roles in journalism careers. The Journalism major offers students strong oral and written expression skills, a firm grasp of public affairs, and a broad foundation in the liberal arts. Full-time faculty members are established scholars who draw on professional experience and ongoing contacts with journalism organizations. An active internship program encourages students to become acquainted with working in media organizations, and thus have demonstrable work experience, professional contacts and an understanding of the industry before they enter the job market.

Majors in Journalism must complete a minimum of thirty (30) credits of specific CMJ courses to fulfill the core course internship experience, capstone and professional course requirements.

Students must also fulfill the external course requirements.

The external coursework must include at least 9 credits in the areas of Writing and Language.

The 9 credits of coursework in the areas of Writing and Language must include at least 3 credits in each of the two areas (6 credits from one area; 3 credits from the other).  The Writing area includes the following courses:  ENG 201, ENG 205,  ENG 206, ENG 301, ENG 315, ENG 317, and ENG 415.  The Language area includes: French, German, Spanish, American Sign Language or other non-English languages.  

The requirements listed on this page are specific to this particular major. Students are also responsible for meeting any graduation requirements set out by their college. Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) should make sure to review those requirements as stated on the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences  page of the catalog.

Requirements for Journalism Majors:


For students transferring equivalent courses from other colleges, the faculty will determine equivalency (if any) of transfer courses in the discipline. Some CMJ courses require the completion of one or more prerequisite courses.

Students must earn a grade of C- or higher in CMJ 236 and pass a writing exam in order to continue in the Journalism major and take courses in the professional course requirement list: CMJ 237, CMJ 332, CMJ 351, CMJ 434, CMJ 435, CMJ 481, CMJ 484 and CMJ 489, as well as CMJ 395.

A grade of C- or higher is required in all CMJ courses submitted to satisfy departmental requirements for the major.

Capstone Requirement: (select 1 course; 3 or 4 credits)


Internship Requirement: (3 credits)


Additional credits:


Students may also take additional credits in department courses beyond the 30 required for the major, but must take at least 72 credit hours outside of CMJ courses.

Required Courses in Suggested Sequence for the B.A. in Journalism


First Year - First Semester


First Year - Second Semester


Second Year - First Semester


Second Year - Second Semester


  • BA Upper Level Requirement Credits: 3
  • CMJ External Requirements Credits: 9
  • Professional Course

Third Year - First Semester


  • BA Upper Level Requirement Credits: 3
  • CMJ Journalism Elective Credits: 3
  • CMJ External Requirements Credits: 3
  • General Education Science or Mathematics/Statistics Credits: 3
  • Professional Course

Third Year - Second Semester


Fourth Year - First Semester


  • CMJ External Requirement Credits: 9
  • **Elective Credits: 6
  • Professional Course

Fourth Year - Second Semester


  • Capstone or Internship
  • **Elective Credits: 9

**Elective Credits


Elective Credits may be used to meet remaining General Education, college, B.A., or department requirements.

Students may also take additional credits in department courses beyond the 30 required for the major, but must take at least 72 credit hours outside of CMJ courses.

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