Journalism
Use your passion for news, culture, politics, sports, fashion and entertainment to help tell the important stories of our time. The Hubbard School's journalism major prepares students for many careers outside the traditional and emerging media.
Journalism Major
- Curriculum and Courses
- Catalog Requirements
- University Honors Program
- Transfer Student FAQ
- Major & Pre-Major Advising
- Student Stories
- View Student Work
Program Facts
Application Deadlines
Applications to the major are accepted twice each academic year, at the start of fall and spring semesters.
Fall 2026 Application Deadline for Spring Semester Admission:
September 25, 2026 at 1PM Central Time
Admission Requirements
Students are eligible to apply for major status once they have:
- Enrolled in a degree-seeking college
- Completed JOUR 1001 with a grade of “C-” or higher OR have JOUR 1001 in progress at the time of the application (a grade of C- or better will be required for final admission)
- Completed 14 credits graded A-F
Students who plan to complete a degree in a college other than CLA may add a Hubbard School major as a second major or as a second degree.
Journalism Major Handbook
Refer to the Journalism Major Handbook (Google Doc) for all details regarding this major.
Questions? Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 612-625-1338
About the Program
The Journalism major prepares students for careers in news reporting, writing, editing, anchoring, producing and visual storytelling in traditional and emerging media.
What You Will Study
Hubbard School journalism majors develop familiarity with the technology behind today’s media platforms, including digital cameras, podcasting equipment, blogging software, audio slideshows and video production both in-studio and for social media.
Journalism courses include:
News Reporting and Writing, Magazine & Feature Writing, Podcast Production and Storytelling, Sports Reporting, Field Based Community Journalism, Photojournalism, and TV, Radio, and Digital News Reporting
Your Career Path
Alumni who graduate with degrees in journalism have gone on to careers at some of the most distinguished media outlets and organizations in the state and across the nation, including CNN, Minnesota Public Radio, National Public Radio, The Minnesota Star Tribune, Sahan Journal and WCCO, as well as working as independent journalists and creatives using emerging media to find their audiences.
"The Hubbard School's value is not just its proximity to the vibrant Twin Cities news community or outlets in Greater Minnesota. We have become partners with those communities to educate the next generation of journalists. Our courses are embedded in their newsrooms. Our curriculum routinely engages their professionals. Our students' work appears on their sites, and eventually, our students become their reporters and editors."
– Gayle "G.G." Golden, Senior Lecturer, Charnley Professor of Journalism
Journalism Matters
From the classroom to the broadcast booth, from podcasting to pounding the pavement with their press passes in hand, Hubbard's student journalists get real-world skills to track down and tell the stories that matter the most. Whether recording live broadcasts of University Report, shooting sports events and breaking news as photojournalists, or publishing pieces in the East Bank Epitaph, the Minnesota Daily, and in professional outlets across the state through programs like Report for Minnesota, Journalism majors learn the ins and outs of the Fourth Estate and graduate ready to make an impact on the world.
Photo by Henry Creel for the East Bank Epitaph.
Curriculum and Courses
We offer two kinds of courses to provide students a combination of hands-on skills training and academic theory. Learn about these courses below and click on the links to view course profiles which provide more in-depth information about content, expectations, and workload to give you a realistic understanding about what you will experience in the course.
Journalism Major Professional Skills Courses
Journalism and Strategic Communication majors take these courses which:
- Provide hands-on training
- Develop practical skills
- Reserved for Journalism and Strategic Communication majors only
The journalism major prepares students for careers such as news reporting, writing, editing, producing, and photojournalism in new and emerging media. The major offers a variety of professional courses at the beginning, and intermediate and advanced levels that fit these interests. Students should familiarize themselves with the range of skills courses offered and, in consultation with their adviser, plan their programs so that they can move smoothly from beginning courses through the more advanced ones.
All course profiles will open to GoogleDocs.
Preparatory Course
Jour 1001/Jour 1001H: Media in a Changing World
Core Courses
Jour 3004/Jour 3004H: Information for Mass Communication
Jour 3101W: News Reporting and Writing
Jour 4999: Capstone
Professional (Skills) Courses
Jour 3102: Multimedia Production and Storytelling
Jour 3103: Interactive and Data Journalism
Jour 3121: Intermediate News Reporting
Jour 3155: Editing for Print and Digital Audiences
Jour 3173W: Magazine & Feature Writing
Jour 3321: Media Design
Jour 3451: TV, Radio, and Digital News Reporting
Jour 4131: In-Depth Reporting
Jour 4172: Sports Reporting
Jour 4173: Podcast Production and Storytelling
Jour 4174: Magazine Editing & Production
Jour 4175: Brovald-Sim Community Journalism Practicum: Covering Communities
Jour 4196: Field Based Practicum
Jour 4302: Photojournalism
Jour 4303: Advanced Visual Storytelling
Jour 4452: Electronic Newscast Producing
Professional (Skills) Courses By Interest Area
All students in the Journalism major must take JOUR 3101 (News Reporting and Writing), and JOUR 3102 (Multimedia Production and Storytelling)
- Students interested in reporting/writing/editing would then take JOUR 3121 (Intermediate News Reporting) and Interactive and Data Journalism (JOUR 3103). You may also want to take Editing, Design and Audience Engagement (JOUR 3155). For the capstone you could choose JOUR 4131 (In-depth Reporting), JOUR 4196 (Field Based Practicum) and/or Covering Communities (JOUR 4175).
- Students interested in feature writing/editing follow would take JOUR 3173 (Magazine and Feature Writing), and either JOUR 3121 (Intermediate News Reporting) and Interactive and Data Journalism (JOUR 3103), and choose between Editing, Design and Audience Engagement (JOUR 3155) or JOUR 4174 (Magazine Producing). For the capstone you could choose JOUR 4172 (Sports Reporting), JOUR 4175 (Covering Communities) or another capstone course that interests you.
- Students interested in reporting/producing for video or audio news would take from JOUR 3121 (Intermediate News Reporting) and JOUR 3451 (TV, Radio, and Digital News Reporting). For specialized skills, JOUR 4173 (Podcast Production and Storytelling) would be a good choice. For the capstone, students take Newscast Producing (JOUR 4452).
- Students interested in photojournalism student could choose JOUR 3103 (Interactive and Data Journalism) and JOUR 3451 (TV, Radio, and Digital News Reporting) or JOUR 3121 (Intermediate News Reporting), For a specialized skills, students would choose JOUR 4302 (Photojournalism) and for the capstone they would choose Advanced Visual Storytelling (JOUR 4303).
Note: These are merely examples of typical course flows. Media convergence is creating a market for journalists with broader skill sets. As such, you might want to create a more varied program.
Journalism Major Context Courses
All Hubbard School majors take context courses which are:
- Lecture based
- Focused on theory and ideas
- Most courses open to all students
* All context courses are 3 credits.
All course profiles will open to GoogleDocs.
JOUR 1001/JOUR 1001H: Media in a Changing World
JOUR 1501 Digital Games and Society
Meets arts/humanities core and technology & society theme requirements.
This course does not meet any requirements for the Journalism or Strategic Communication majors
JOUR 3005 Media Effects
Meets social sciences core requirement.
JOUR 3006 Visual Communication
JOUR 3007 The Media in American History and Law: Case Studies
Meets historical perspectives core requirement.
JOUR 3201 Principles of Strategic Communication
Prereq Jour major, Strat Comm major, Media & Information major or Media & Information minor or approved BIS/IDIM/ICP program
JOUR 3551 The Business of Digital Media: Innovation, Disruption, and Adaptation
Meets technology and society theme requirement.
JOUR 3553 Mobile Communication
Meets technology and society theme requirement.
JOUR 3614 History of Media Communication
Meets historical perspectives core and technology and society theme requirements.
JOUR 3741 Diversity and Media
Meets race, power and justice in the United States theme requirement.
JOUR 3745 Media and Popular Culture
Meets arts/humanities core and race, power and justice in the United States theme requirements.
JOUR 3751 Digital Media and Culture
Meets arts/humanities core and technology & society theme requirements.
JOUR 3757 Principles of Health Communication Strategy
JOUR 3758 Kids, Media and Information
JOUR 3761 Social Media Management
This course does not meet any requirements for the Journalism or Strategic Communication majors.
JOUR 3762 Social Media Storytelling
This course does not meet any requirements for the Journalism or Strategic Communication majors.
JOUR 3765 Social Media Production in the Media Industries
This course does not meet any requirements for the Journalism or Strategic Communication majors.
JOUR 3771 Media Ethics
Meets civic life and ethics theme requirement.
JOUR 3775 Strategic Communication Law
Meets civic life and ethics theme requirement.
JOUR 4251 Psychology of Advertising
JOUR 4272 Digital Advertising
JOUR 4274W Advertising in Society
JOUR 4501 Communication, Public Opinion, and Social Media
JOUR 4542 Principles in Health Messaging: Media and Mental Health
JOUR 4552 Law of Internet Communication
JOUR 4605W History of Journalism
JOUR 4721 Mass Media and U.S. Society
Meet social sciences core requirement and diversity & social justice in the United States theme.
JOUR 4733V Honors Thesis Seminar
Transfer Student FAQ
Transfer students are a vital part of the Hubbard School, and this page contains frequently asked questions to help students make a successful transition.
What should I do first?
Apply to the College of Liberal Arts and watch the online Pre-major Information session.
How to Apply (Journalism or Strategic Communication)
Declare the Media and Information Major
What are the minimum requirements to apply to the undergraduate program at the University of Minnesota?
The following items are required from all students, including incoming transfer students.
- Completed or enrolled in JOUR 1001, earning a grade of “C-” or higher.
- Completed 14 credits graded A-F.
Note: To be competitive for admission, students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Do I need to wait until I have finished courses at the University of Minnesota to apply to or declare a Hubbard School major?
No. As long as you are enrolled in a degree seeking program, you can apply to or declare a Hubbard major with JOUR 1001 (complete or in progress) and at least 14 credits graded A-F from your transfer institution.
Note: Transfer courses need to be posted to your UMN record prior to Hubbard application review (submit final transcripts to UMN admissions to have coursework posted to your record). Check your APAS to verify transfer courses have been posted.
When should I apply for a journalism or strategic communication major?
This will vary depending on how many credits a student transfers into the U of M. It takes a minimum of four (4) semesters (including the semester you apply) to complete a major. This means some transfer students may need to apply during their first semester on campus. You can apply during your first semester on campus if you have:
- JOUR 1001 completed or in progress
- 14 credits graded A-F completed
Applications deadlines are posted on the website.
What major is best for me?
The Hubbard School offers three majors focused on distinct areas of study within the discipline that connect to different kinds of work, including Journalism, Media and Information, and Strategic Communication: Advertising & Public Relations. Visit the “Explore Our Majors” page to see what major fits your interests and career goals.
What courses should I register for when I attend orientation?
Many transfer students have completed journalism courses at their previous institutions, so this answer will vary from person to person. The following is a general guide of what to register for if you are new to our majors.
- JOUR 1001
- 1-2 context courses
Notes:
JOUR 3004 and JOUR 3201 are reserved for once you are admitted into a Hubbard School major. You will not be able to take these until the semester AFTER you apply and are accepted.
After you are admitted to the U of M, if you have transfer courses you believe will satisfy JOUR 1001 or other JOUR courses, please contact [email protected] before your orientation date.
How do I know if the courses I have already taken will be accepted for my major requirements?
Search for your course on transferology before your orientation date. If your course is not listed, use the UMN's Transfer Credit Evaluation system to petition a transfer course to count toward a major requirement. Contact Hubbard School student services with questions.
"The Hubbard School is special to me because it provides me unique opportunities to grow my journalism skills through actually doing them out in the field, not just sitting in a classroom. I also love the camaraderie I have with my fellow students, sharing sources and experiences together."
– Jo Larson, class of 2026
Student Stories
Hear from Hubbard students about their majors, their favorite courses, the internships they've taken and what it's like being a student at the University of Minnesota.