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Journalism

Journalism

Journalism professionals deliver news in a concise, informative manner to the general public. They inform, entertain and educate the world with political, social, business, sports and a variety of other news through state-of-the-art facilities at a nationally-ranked program. Students gain hands-on experience on how to write print and online news and features as well as present information through a variety of media. With an emphasis in internships and new media, OU journalism majors confidently enter the workforce after graduation.

Gaylord Hall has more than 100,000 square-feet of high-tech classroom, presentation, studio and computer lab space. Gaylord Hall includes four computer classrooms, two complete digital broadcast studios, 14 video editing bays, classrooms and two state-of-the-art open multimedia labs available for all students.

Is Journalism for me?

Journalism students typically have interests in:

  • Writing/editing
  • Reporting
  • Photography
  • Public affairs
  • Research
  • Multimedia
  • Collaboration
  • Fast-paced environment

High school preparation could include journalism, creative writing, broadcast production, photography, digital design or yearbook. 

  • Information gathering, processing,
    and dissemination for multimedia platforms
  • Writing
  • Editing
  • Interviewing
  • Still photography
  • Video production
  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • Information synthesis
  • Problem solving
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Team work and collaboration
  • Time and project management

Gaylord College has built an incredible alumni network that exists to help yOU! With graduates in journalism all over the world, alumni look forward to meeting with, donating and awarding internships to Gaylord students. Advisors and faculty encourage and help supplement traditional classroom experience with on-the-job training. With opportunities like career fairs, networking events, premier student organizations, faculty guided trips and tours and study abroad opportunities, there’s no limit to the possibilities with a journalism degree. 

Many journalism students choose to participate in Student Media. The Oklahoma Daily, Sooner yearbook and other feature publications are award-winning projects that give students the opportunity to gain experience in the field prior to graduation. Journalism students regularly compete at the national level and receive internships and jobs from top-tier media outlets.

 


Classes

What courses will I take?

Journalism courses include:

  • Introduction to Mass Communication
  • Writing for Mass Media
  • Multimedia Journalism
  • Multimedia News Gathering
  • History of Journalism
  • Journalism, Ethics & Democracy - Capstone
  • Mass Communication Law
  • Gaylord Electives
  • Minor Classes
  • JMC Skills Streams – Journalism students have the opportunity to select one of the following streams to complete their degree.
    • Broadcast
    • Online
    • Print

Wait, I can have a minor?

Gaylord students have the opportunity to minor in a non-Gaylord program as part of their program degree sheet. Typically, Journalism students minor in:

Full List of Available Minors


Outside the Classroom

How can I get involved?

There are numerous organizations Journalism students can be a part of. Check them out:

  • Gaylord Ambassadors
  • The Oklahoma Daily
  • OU Nightly
  • National Association of Black Journalists
  • National Association of Hispanic Journalists
  • Indigenous Journalists Association
  • SoonerVision HD
  • Lindsey + Asp Agency
  • Society of Professional Journalists
  • Sooner Sports Pad

View more student opportunities and clubs.

How can I study abroad?

Journalism students have the chance to study abroad with:

  • British Media Study Abroad in the United Kingdom
  • Communicating Culture: Travel writing in Puerto Rico 
  • International Advertising to either Europe or Asia
  • Summer Program in Communication at Erfurt (SPICE) in Germany
  • Summer in Washington, D.C.
  • JMC: Professional Media Program in OU in Arezzo, Italy
  • Students also have the opportunity for Club Trips in Austin, Dallas, New York City and San Francisco

Additional Study Abroad Information


Your Future with Journalism

What kind of career could I pursue?

 
  • Creative Director
  • Videographer
  • Broadcast journalist
  • Newspaper industry
  • Journalist
  • Photographer
  • News reporter/producer
  • Editorial writer
  • Broadcast news anchor
  • Magazine industry
  • Media and online outlets
  • Television and radio conglomerates

How much will I make?

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 


Gaylord Journalism Contacts

Jodie Daffer, Advertising Adviser

joshkahoe@ou.edu
(405) 325-5199