Journalism

Upon admission to the university, students interested in the journalism major typically begin in the pre-major program in the School of Communication. As pre-majors, students complete introductory course work that prepares them to apply to the major. To be considered for admission to the major, students must complete two pre-major courses, COMM 1100 and COMM 1101, and earn a grade of C- or better in both. Find pre-major information at comm.osu.edu/undergraduate/pre-major/declaring. 

Admission to the journalism major is competitive and based on cumulative grade point average, pre-major course completion and enrollment capacity. Select first-year students at the Columbus campus are offered direct admission to the major program based on their high school academic profile. Eligibility is deter­mined during the Ohio State Undergraduate Admissions application process and eligible students are notified by the School of Communication by April 15.

Journalism students complete 32 credit hours in public affairs journalism. Public Affairs Journalism teaches students how to investigate and disseminate news. Students are required to complete courses in reporting, interviewing, news writing and feature writing, as well as more interactive journalism such as blogging, micro blogging, social media and multimedia. Our multimedia focus prepares students to integrate this training with the multimedia skills necessary for packaging news stories with word, still photo, audio, and video. To emphasize applied learning, students are provided extensive skills training, further reinforced through the completion of a journalism practicum, completion of a minor and completion of a required news-related internship.

The journalism practicum involves contributing to The Lantern, Ohio State's award-winning student media group that includes a newspaper, broadcast production studio, website and app. 

Students are required to select a minor in an approved area such as political science, international studies, criminology or business to provide domain-specific expertise and knowledge in an area related to their journalism interests.

For additional professional experience, students will be required to complete a news-related internship for academic credit. Students can gain valuable, relevant work experience while learning about different work settings and functions of journalists through internships. Students from the School of Communication intern at a wide variety of businesses and organizations, including media outlets like news stations, radio, magazines and newspapers, as well as sports organizations, healthcare establishments, non-profit organizations, public relations and marketing firms, political groups and organizations, local businesses and The Ohio State University.

High-ability journalism students may be interested in the College of Arts and Sciences Honors Program. In this program, students construct an enhanced curriculum of rigorous honors and upper-division courses and course sequences, honors seminars, and a minor or second major. 

Students may also be interested in the Media, Marketing and Communication Scholars program. This program focuses on communication in our society and the critical role of technology in today’s world. Students can explore careers through internships with practicing professionals in fields such as news production, media management, advertising and public relations.

The School of Communication has leading researchers in the areas of health communication, public opinion, political communication, communication technology and mass media effects. Students can get involved in the research programs of faculty and graduate students as undergraduate research assistants.

The following student organizations are associated with the School of Communication and advised by its faculty:

• The Society of Professional Journalists student chapter at Ohio State has existed for more than 100 years. The purpose of this organization is to be a forum for intellectual exchange about issues related to journalism and mass communication. Student chapters seek to foster relationships between professionals and future journalists. 
• The National Association of Black Journalists - Ohio State is a professional organization and advocacy group that seeks to support the experiences and advancement of journalists of color and media professionals globally. This organization is also appropriate for those who have an interest in telling the stories of marginalized communities.
• The Public Relations Student Society of America holds educational programs, visits local and regional public relations firms and media outlets, and provides opportunities for social interaction. 
• Kappa Tau Alpha, an honorary for students planning careers in journalism and mass communication, supports and promotes the academic achievement of its members and sponsors two annual scholarships for journalism and communication students at Ohio State.

• The PRactice is a Public Relations Student Society of America-accredited, student-run public relations firm that provides a professional environment for students to excel and learn skills pertaining to the public relations industry. The firm provides solutions for local and national clients involving social media, event planning, design, marketing and traditional public relations. 

• Black Advertising and Strategic Communication Association is a partnership between students, faculty and professionals intended to develop and prepare students of color for careers in advertising, public relations and marketing.

Students will prepare for a career in public affairs journalism in both traditional and emerging media. Students with a bachelor’s degree in journalism seek employment as multimedia journalists with media organizations, such as news stations, radio, magazines, newspapers and interactive information vendors. The undergraduate degree in journalism is also excellent preparation for further study in mass communication and fields such as law or public policy.