Journalism—Visual Journalism, BA

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

What is the study of Journalism?

Journalism is the work of supplying content, primarily news, for the ever-expanding world of mass media. Journalists are responsible for gathering information, analyzing and editing it for a mass audience, and dispensing it using some form of media platform. Increasingly the methods of distribution have become more complex, but the basic mission of a journalist remains the same: to serve the public by finding, defining, writing and editing information.

Today's journalist may be found on traditional publications such as newspapers and magazines, broadcast outlets and specialized publications. He or she may utilize online delivery or other forms of electronic communication. The trained journalist may use her or his skills in the expanding field of public relations, working to serve as a bridge between those with a message to communicate and the journalist who seeks information.

Why Should I Consider this Major?

Journalism majors pursue theoretical and practical communication studies in a liberal arts setting. Students of journalism gain practical experience on Western’s award-winning student media, and majors additionally take field internships with newspapers, magazines, broadcast stations, public relations agencies and other professional organizations.

Courses in the visual journalism sequence prepare students in the concepts, professional practices and course work applications of visual components of news: photojournalism, information graphics, video and audio clips, mapping and typography.

How to Declare:

Pre-major: Available with a 2.5 minimum GPA. Transfer students will be accepted during Transitions or during their first quarter on campus. Freshmen must complete one quarter of classes at WWU to establish a 2.5 GPA before being considered. Students are encouraged to declare a pre-major while completing the requirements for admission to the major. Dates for pre-major advising sessions are posted in the Journalism Department each quarter.

Admissions: For admission to the major, a student must have completed the following requirements:

  • Complete at least 30 college credits with a cumulative 2.50 grade point average
  • Pass JOUR 207 with a B- or better
  • Complete one Journalism staff course with a B- or better Submit a letter of application

Students meeting qualifications but not admitted because of space limitations will be listed as pre-majors and admitted as space allows.

Application deadlines: Deadlines for pre-major/major declaration are posted in the Journalism Department each quarter.

Coursework

  • JOUR 190 - Introduction to Mass Media
  • JOUR 207 - Newswriting
  • JOUR 305 - Photojournalism
  • JOUR 307 - Reporting
  • JOUR 309 - Editing
  • JOUR 346 - Introduction to Visual Journalism
  • JOUR 350 - Mass Media Law
  • JOUR 351 - Mass Media Ethics
  • JOUR 370 - Digital Media in Journalism
  • JOUR 430 - Field Internship
  • JOUR 446 - Advanced Visual Journalism
  • JOUR 480 - Senior Seminar
  • One course from:
    • ART 109 - Visual Dialogue
    • DSGN 211 - Foundations of Visual Communication
  • Three quarters on publication staff:
    • One course from list (a):
      • JOUR 214 - Newspaper Staff
      • JOUR 314 - Newspaper Staff
      • JOUR 414 - Newspaper Staff
      • JOUR 415 - Newspaper Editorship
    • One from list (b):
      • JOUR 321 - Periodical Staff
      • JOUR 421 - Periodical Staff
      • JOUR 422 - Periodical Editorship
    • And one additional from list (a) or (b), or:
      • ENVS 413 - The Planet Staff
  • 12 upper-division credits in another academic area, under departmental advisement

GURs:

These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.

  • BCOM: JOUR 207
  • HUM: ART 109, DSGN 211
  • SSC: JOUR 190

Sample Careers

  • Reporter
  • Editor
  • Customer Service Representative
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Community Relations Director
  • TV News Anchor
  • Speech Writer
  • Advertising Copywriter
  • Copywriter
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Lobbyist
  • Photojournalist
  • Designer
  • Multimedia Producer
  • All careers involving communication

Department

Contact

Department Chair:

Peggy Watt
360-650-2338
CF 253
Peggy.Watt@wwu.edu

Academic Department Manager:

Carol Brach
360-650-3252
CF 255
Carol.Brach@wwu.edu