Journalism Strategic Communication Major (B.S.)
Program Overview
The strategic communication track responds to changes in the journalism world in which print and digital media are converging and communication professionals are expected to have skills in a wide variety of traditional, digital and social media. This program gives students the ability to study in-depth the joint role of advertising and public relations in communicating topics and issues to target audiences as part of a solid liberal arts education.
*This program was previously BJ6907 which awarded the Bachelor of Science in Journalism. Pending Board of Trustees approval (anticipated June 2024), the new program code will be BS6917 and will award the Bachelor of Science effective the 2024-25 catalog year.
Program Learning Objectives
The core competencies of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism are aligned with the professional values and competencies formulated by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC). As such, the faculty endorses the adoption of the ACEJMC goals. Journalism graduates should be aware of certain core values and be able to:
- Apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located;
- Demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
- Demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts;
- Present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies;
- Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
- Apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
- Effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
- Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism strives to admit the best academically and professionally qualified freshmen. The school considers the following criteria in granting admission:
· Strength of high school curriculum
· Performance in high school curriculum
· High school class rank (if your class ranks)
· High school grade point average
· ACT and/or SAT scores are NO LONGER required
Students demonstrating notable talent or experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants are encouraged to include in their application essay information about all media-related experience, as well as participation in the school's High School Journalism Workshop, if applicable.
NOTE: Students who attended our High School Journalism Workshop and earned Ohio University credit should indicate on the freshman application that they previously attended Ohio University (they should use the traditional application for incoming freshmen, despite the credit hour earned as a high school students).
Change of Program Policy
Students seeking to change their major to journalism must follow the same requirements as external transfer applicants.
External Transfer Admission
Transfer students are admitted to the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism twice each year. The policy applies to all transfers from other departments at Ohio University, as well as from other colleges and universities. Transfer students will be considered only when they have completed at least 30 semester hours, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. In addition to grades, consideration will be given to journalism courses taken, journalism experience or background in a program offered by the School (professional or college), test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements of intent, and work samples. Official transcripts, letters, and other supporting documents must be attached to the Application for Transfer at the time of its submission.
Transfer applications are accepted – no later than September 25 for transfer in spring semester and February 12 for transfer in fall semester. Application for transfer can be made only once per academic year. Applications must be received by the above dates. Late applications will not be considered. A special faculty committee will conduct evaluations and recommendations. The School's director and associate director will make final decisions.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Students are prepared for careers in advertising and public relations, including social media. Opportunities include work at private firms, nonprofit-sector organizations, and agencies such as advertising, interactive, public relations, branding, direct marketing and promotional agencies. The program also prepares students for graduate programs in mass communication.