The journalism concentration is designed to give students the skills necessary to collect information and write all types of stories for the print media, including news, features, editorials and commentary. Students attend meetings of city and county boards, interview officials, cover breaking news when possible and learn editing and fact-organization skills to produce copy on deadline. Writing courses emphasize grammar, punctuation, AP style and the use of popular word processing computer programs. Students also use computers to develop skills in electronic publishing, layout and design. The required courses are listed on the journalism checksheet.
Students are required to complete 44 semester hours, including a core of 12 semester hours in communication, 20 semester hours of major courses in journalism, two semester hours of mass communication activity, 12 semester hours from two specialization areas and at least two semester hours of free electives outside the major. A minor is required. Suggested minors include English, political science, history, photography and sociology.
The Appalachian State University chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (Sigma Delta Chi) provides an opportunity for students to become involved in one of the world's largest professional organizations for print journalists. Students involved in SPJ make valuable professional contacts and have access to several professional publications for journalists. Students are also encouraged to enter professional writing and photography contests sponsored by SPJ, the North Carolina Press Club and other professional organizations.
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