Photojournalism Emphasis

A cardinal looks at himself in a mirror on a car parked in an alley in downtown Joplin, Mo.

Visual messages pervade today's society more intensely than ever. Newspapers, magazines, billboards, television and other sources constantly surround us with images. Photojournalism majors can prepare themselves to become part of that visual communication field.

Career Opportunities
Students in the photojournalism sequence receive theoretical, technical, and practical training in news photography, and publication and Web site design.
Graduates pursue careers in:

• news photography
• picture editing
• publication design (for newspapers, magazines, or public relations organizations)
• Web site design (for newspapers, magazines or any corporation with online capabilities)

Our Program
The photojournalism sequence provides students with theoretical and practical training in photojournalism, picture editing and page design. In addition to the core courses required of all communication majors, students in the photojournalism sequence take the following courses:

Requirements
COMM 276: Photojournalism I (3 hours)
COMM 636: Photojournalism II (3 hours)
COMM 638: Professional Photojournalism/Picture Editing (3 hours)
COMM 642: Documentary Photojournalism/Electronic Imaging (3 hours)

Suggested Electives
COMM 225: Reporting (3 hours)
COMM 340: Publications Practice (3 hours)
COMM 537: Integrated Electronic Communication (3 hours)
COMM 550: News Media Internship (1-3)
COMM 626: Law of Mass Communication (3 hours)

One communication elective course above the 300 level (3 hours)

Often graduates choose to continue their education through graduate school study in journalism and visual communication. Photojournalism students are encouraged to supplement their photography, picture editing and page design skills by taking courses in graphics, reporting and writing.

Course Descriptions for a synopsis of each course.