• EKU Department of Communication
  • 317 Combs Building
  • 521 Lancaster Avenue
  • Eastern Kentucky University
  • Richmond, KY 40475
  • 859.622.1871

Journalism

The Journalism program is committed to developing educated professionals. We combine hands-on training in professional skills with a strong emphasis on teaching students to read, think, and communicate clearly, critically, and creatively. From the day students walk into the classroom, they begin reporting and writing stories as well as understanding what journalism means and why it matters. The day students walk out, they're ready to work. The training in reporting, writing, editing, visual communication, and new communications technology, combined with the study of the institutions, processes and effects of mass media in society, prepares our students not just for their first job, but for becoming leaders in the field. Journalism majors also gain experience and training by working on our nationally acclaimed student newspaper, The Eastern Progress.

Careers in Journalism
Our program focuses on print media. Our graduates work in a variety of positions demanding writing, editing, and communication skills. The program prepares students for careers in print journalism, including newspapers, magazines, and Web-based outlets. Other students find the journalism major provides the writing skills and deadline discipline necessary to excel as lawyers, community leaders and public relations professionals.

Philosophy
The Department of Communication combines journalism theory and philosophies and applies them to the practice through technology and practical learning opportunities. Professors are experienced, enthusiastic and passionate about giving students the skills necessary to succeed. Courses emphasize hands-on learning and models of instruction that teach students how to be successful professionals in an ever-changing environment.


Curriculum Guide  

Freshman Year
First Semester
BTO 100
COM 200
Block 1-A -- ENG 101
Block V-A -- Social/Behavioral Sciences
Block II -- Mathematics
Block I-C -- Oral Communication
Total.......................16 Hours

Second Semester
Block I-B -- ENG 102
Block III-A Arts
Block IV-A or B -- Biological/Physical Lab Science
Block VI -- Wellness
Free Electives (3 hours)
Total.......................16 Hours


Sophomore Year
First Semester
JOU 302 (1 hour)
COM 201
Block III-B -- Humanities
Block IV-A or B -- Biological/Physical Lab Science
Block VI -- Wellness
Free Electives (3 hours)
Total.......................15 Hours

Second Semester
Jou 305
Jou 325
Jou/Com Elective (2 hours)
COM 301
Block V-C -- Social/Behavioral Sciences
Block VII -- Breadth of Knowledge
Total.......................17 Hours

Junior Year
First Semester
Jou 310
Jou 401
Jou/Com Elective (1 hour)
Block VIII -- Depth of Knowledge
Minor (3 hours)
Free Electives (3 hours)
University Writing Requirement
Total.....................16 Hours

Second Semester
Com 405
Jou/Com Elective
Block VII -- Depth of Knowledge
Block VIII -- Depth of Knowledge
Minor (3 hours)
Free Electives (2 hours)
Total...................17 Hours

Senior Year
First Semester
Jou 425
Com 491 (1 hour)
Minor (6 hours)
Free Electives (6 hours)
Total.......................16 Hours

Second Semester
COM 415
Minor (6 hours)
Free Electives (6 hours)
Total.......................16 Hours

Eastern Progress

Milestone -- EKU's student yearbook

Society of Professional Journalists

Poynter Online - everything you need to know to be a better journalist