Communication and Journalism

Undergraduate Programs

BA in Communication | BA in Mass Communication | BA in Journalism

Minor In Communication  |  Minor in Public Relations

Journalism

The BA in Journalism requires coursework to be completed in one of three sequences—Advertising, Broadcast Journalism, or News Editorial—that prepare students for leadership roles in news, advertising and journalism careers in Maine and nationwide. The Journalism major offers students strong oral and written expression skills, a firm grasp of public affairs, and a broad foundation in the liberal arts regardless of students’ ultimate career goals. The major also prepares students for graduate study in related communication fields, law, humanities and social sciences. Full-time faculty members are established scholars who draw on extensive professional experience and ongoing contacts with journalism organizations. Part-time faculty with careers in news and advertising share their state-of-the-art knowledge with students. The department maintains productive relations with journalism enterprises and associations in the state, and houses the Maine Center for Student Journalism, which supports student journalists and advisors in secondary schools statewide. Through an active internship program students also gain practical experience and professional contacts in the industry before they enter the job market.

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Degree Requirements

(36 credit hours)
(CMJ courses must obtain a C- or better to count)

Complete the Core Requirements and All Requirements for One of the Sequences:

Core Course Requirements for All Sequences

• CMJ 100 Introduction to Mass Communication
• CMJ 211 History of Mass Communication
• CMJ 236 Writing for the Mass Media
• CMJ 375 Mass Media Law and Regulation
• CMJ 489 Seminar-Media Ethics and Issues

Sequences (21 credit hours each):

Advertising Sequence Requirements

• CMJ 250 Introduction to Advertising
• CMJ 355 Advertising Copy and Graphics
• CMJ 356 Advertising Media
• CMJ 380 Advertising, Media & Society
• CMJ 459 Advertising Campaigns
• Electives: Any 2 CMJ 300-400 courses except 492

Broadcast Journalism Sequence Requirements

• CMJ 237 News Writing and Reporting
• CMJ 340 Broadcast Newswriting and Reporting
• CMJ 343 Radio News Practicum
• CMJ 351 Techniques of Video Production
• CMJ 376 Programming & Criticism of Electronic Media
• CMJ 451 Advanced Electronic Reporting & Production
• Either: CMJ 103 Public Communication,
  or CMJ 106 Oral Communication of Literature

News Editorial Sequence Requirements

• CMJ 237 Newswriting and Reporting
• At least 3 of the following 4 courses
  (fourth course may be used to count as an elective)
  • CMJ 330 Copy Editing
  • CMJ 332 Public Affairs Reporting
  • CMJ 434 Editorial & Opinion Writing
  • CMJ 435 Feature Writing
• Electives: Any 3 CMJ 300-400 courses except 492

External Requirements
(for All Undergraduate Majors in Communication, Journalism, and Mass Communication):

1. A total of 9 credits in the areas of Writing and Language, with at least 3 credits in each of the two areas. (take 6 credits from one area; 3 credits from the other).

Writing Area: ENG 205, ENG 206, ENG 212, ENG 301, ENG 317, ENG 417, ENG 418 (CMJ 236 and CMJ 237 may count here if not used to fulfill a major or sequence requirement)

Language Area: French, German, Spanish, American Sign Language, or other language

2. A total of at least 18 credits of coursework concentrated in an area outside of the CMJ Department. This requirement can be fulfilled by completing: (a) a Minor in another department, (b) an Interdisciplinary Curricula, or (c) a concentration of 6 courses (18 credits) taken in another department, with at least 12 of the 18 credit hours taken in coursework above the 100 level. No CMJ or Honors courses can be used to meet any part of this requirement.

Students must achieve a C- or better in each Communication course in order to count that course toward the major. Students may take more than 36 Credit Hours of CMJ courses, but must take at least 72 Credit Hours outside of CMJ. Additional CMJ course work and electives may include those listed on this page and courses such as: CMJ 362 Photographic Reporting and Storytelling CMJ 398 Topics in Mass Communication CMJ 495 Internship CMJ 497 Problems in Communication and other CMJ courses.