Journalism

About the journalism major

Journalism is a broad field of study that will prepare you to write and to communicate about various people and events that shape lives. Journalists gather information and prepare stories to inform the public about local, state, national, and international events.

Public relations, a concentration of the journalism major, is a field in which professionals create messages and craft communications—such as newsletters, social media, news releases, and crisis communications plans—for organizations.

Whether you aspire to work in traditional media, public relations, or online journalism, this major will prepare you with a keen understanding of the world in which you’ll be working and the skills you’ll need to be a strong, ethical communicator.

Skills and abilities this major develops: interpersonal group relations, decision making, conflict management, marketing, community relations, and health care media messages (IU School of Liberal Arts, 2018).

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Service learning

We believe in our power and responsibility to help others. Each year, our students, faculty, and staff work to improve neighborhoods in Indianapolis and beyond through service learning courses, community-based research and service projects, and partnerships with local organizations. Join us if you want to make a difference.

Career services

The Office of Career Development prepares, supports, and advises students each step of their career paths—like finding internships and building your resume. They serve undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni.

Study abroad

Choose among programs in over 50 countries and nearly 20 languages, including English. Both shorter and longer immersion programs are also available.

Quick facts

Sample coursework

  • Communications law
  • Foundations of journalism
  • Media internship
  • Newspaper reporting
  • Reporting, writing, and editing
  • Visual communications
  • Writing for mass media

Possible careers

  • Advertising executive*
  • Communications manager
  • Corporate fundraising
  • Digital marketing consultant
  • Grant writer
  • Investigative reporter
  • Public relations specialist
  • Social media marketing

*This career requires additional training or education.

Where could I work?

  • Angi
  • Eli Lilly & Company
  • Indianapolis Star
  • IU Health
  • Media and communications
  • NUVO Magazine
  • Salesforce
Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Department of Journalism and Public Relations

Public Relations Society of America

The Media Institute

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools. 

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

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