Journalism

Your Future in Journalism

Journalism is an exciting, dynamic career critical to the future of an informed and enlightened society. You can make a difference by pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of North Texas.

Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to work in:

• News and sports reporting, writing, visual journalism (video and still), design and publishing for the Internet, broadcast, newspapers, magazines and books
• Advertising in agencies, for-profit and nonprofit organizations and media
• Public relations in agencies, corporations, government and nonprofit organizations
• Web and desktop publishing
• Teaching in secondary schools

A journalism degree with its emphasis on writing and critical thinking can also provide a solid foundation for graduate studies, law school or other corporate professions.

Our journalism alumni have won a total of eight Pulitzer Prizes, print journalism's top award, and the Cannes Grand Prix for Good, the top international creative advertising award for public awareness and nonprofit organizations.

What we offer

In the Mayborn School of Journalism, we teach you how to communicate and tell stories relevant to society's needs. You're also equipped with the knowledge of current practices, which are constantly evolving as the industry changes.

You can pursue five concentrations depending on your career aspirations. The available concentrations are:

• Advertising
• Photojournalism
• Broadcast and digital journalism
• Public relations
• Digital and print journalism

We also offer a certificate in sports journalism. Information about this certificate is at available our website.

You'll receive extensive hands-on experience through required course work, state-of-the-art technology labs and our student-created media. On the news side, you can work for the North Texas Daily , NTDaily.com , North Texas Daily Radio, Hatch Visuals, Denton Community Television and Mayborn magazine. If you're interested in advertising or public relations, you can be a part of SWOOP, the student- managed advertising and public relations agency, or Gravitas, the student ad team that participates in the National Student Advertising Competition.

Internship opportunities abound because of UNT's location in the nation's fifth largest media market. Internships allow you to earn valuable work experience and possibly academic credit.

Outstanding faculty and student support

Our faculty members are experienced reporters, writers, broadcast journalists, visual journalists, copywriters and advertising/public relations professionals in addition to being well-known scholars. Many have won national awards, including:

• DuPont Columbia Awards – the broadcast equivalent to the Pulitzer Prize
• Peabody Awards – one of the oldest international awards for broadcast media
• Walter Cronkite Awards – for excellence in television and political journalism

You can meet other Journalism majors by participating in the student chapters of professional organizations ranging from the Society of Professional Journalists and the National Press Photographers Association to the Public Relations Student Society of America and Ad Club, which is affiliated with the American Advertising Federation.

A Living-Learning Community brings together Journalism majors who live on campus to enhance academic and social experiences.

The nationally acclaimed Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference annually hosts well-known professionals who offer different insights into the profession. Past keynote speakers have included Joyce Carol Oates, N. Scott Momaday and Paul Theroux.

The Mayborn School of Journalism is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (1435 Jayhawk Blvd.; Lawrence, Kan. 66045-7515; telephone 785-864-3973). Only about one-fourth of the nation's journalism and mass communications programs are accredited by this organization. This distinction means the school meets or exceeds high standards of excellence in journalism education.

What to expect

To become a Journalism major, you'll need to maintain a 2.5 GPA in your journalism courses and have a 2.0 cumulative UNT GPA. The foundational courses, which total 9 credit hours, provide a broad overview of the different aspects of journalism. From there, your courses will be more focused on your individual field of study.

The Career Center, Learning Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting hands-on experience in your major. The Learning Center offers workshops on speed reading, study skills and time management.

Academic advisors will assist you in planning your educational career, learning the skills needed for academic success and understanding how to access the resources and services available to you at UNT.

How to enroll at UNT

High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the distinguished level of achievement under the Texas Foundation, Recommended or Distinguished Achievement high school program or the equivalent.

In your junior year, take the SAT or ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In your senior year, apply for admission at Apply Texas by March 1 and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT.

Transfer students

If you're attending a Texas community college, you should consult our online transfer guides, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor or advisor to review your degree plan. Proper planning will allow you to receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources. Each year, 3,800 students transfer to UNT.