Journalism Major

Program Overview

The Honors Tutorial College program in Journalism offers exceptional students an individualized and immersive pathway into the study of journalism and mass communication. Through one-on-one and small-group tutorials, students work closely with faculty experts while progressing well beyond the material covered in traditional coursework.

The program blends conceptual and skills-based learning with extensive writing, research, and professional practice. Students gain a deep understanding of media ethics, law, communication theory, and the evolving landscape of news and strategic communication—while advancing their abilities in reporting, storytelling, and analytical thinking.

HTC Journalism students typically follow either the news and information track or the strategic communication track. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the Honors Tutorial College and are exceptionally well prepared for graduate study or careers in journalism, advertising, public relations, media production, and related fields.

Curriculum

Students complete a minimum of 126 credit hours, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and meet all university and HTC requirements.

View Full Curriculum in the Academic Catalog

Honors Tutorials and Thesis

HTC Journalism students complete eight tutorials, including two thesis tutorials. Tutorials may be taken for 1–15 credit hours, though non-thesis tutorials usually carry at least 3 hours and thesis tutorials a minimum of 5 hours. Tutorials include:

• Core tutorials in communication law and media ethics
• Advanced tutorials focusing on specialized skills or conceptual/theoretical topics
• Research tutorials preparing students for the thesis or professional project
• Two senior-year thesis tutorials

The honors thesis may take the form of a scholarly research project or a professional journalism project. Professional projects — such as an investigative reporting package, documentary, PR campaign, or multimedia series — include a 25-page scholarly essay. All theses are guided by a faculty advisor and approved by the Director of Studies and the Dean of the Honors Tutorial College.

Students also complete required journalism core courses, approved electives in their track, an area of specialization outside the school, and a minimum 200-hour internship.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the HTC Journalism program are exceptionally well prepared for professional roles in news and information, strategic communication, public relations, advertising, multimedia storytelling, and other mass communication fields. Alumni also pursue careers in law, business, politics, nonprofit leadership, and other areas that value writing, analytical ability, and media literacy. Many continue on to graduate programs in journalism, communication, law, business, and the social sciences.

Admissions Requirements

This is a selective admission program. Students must demonstrate:

• Exceptional academic performance
• Strong potential for independent study and research
• Submission of additional essays and high school teacher recommendations
• An interview with the director of studies

First-year, transfer, and external applicants are held to the same high standards. More details can be found on the HTC Application Page.