JMS Specializations

Journalism and Media Studies Specializations

You can focus on specific types of media, gain dedicated skills, and extend the value of your degree by participating in one of the JMS major’s specializations:

  • Global Media
  • Media Production
  • Sports Journalism

Build Expertise

The JMS specializations help you develop expertise in either global media or sports journalism that can set you apart from other job applicants. Each specialization is an 18-credit program that includes theory-based and practice-based courses by leading scholars and industry professionals.

What You Need to Know

  • Specializations are open to Journalism and Media Studies majors.
  • Courses in a JMS specialization also count toward your major.
  • Each specialization requires a total of six courses (18 credits).
  • If you’re using a specialization to fulfill JMS major requirements, at least 6 credits of the 18-credit specialization must be at the 400 level.
  • Once in the Journalism and Media Studies major, you can declare the specialization in one of two ways:
  • There are NO course substitutions permitted unless the Department of Journalism and Media Studies has approved a new course/special topics course for a specialization.
  • On occasion, Special Topics courses are offered that may also be appropriate; check the course subtitle to learn what the course subject will be in a given semester.
  • Courses already taken will count toward the specializations if they are on the approved list.
  • All pre-requisites apply regarding enrolling in a course.

Questions?

Contact JMS Director of Undergraduate Studies Steven Miller for more information about specializations.

Global Media Specialization

The Global Media specialization offers students the opportunity to study the diverse media landscape around the world. To qualify for the specialization, you must be a declared JMS major and complete all requirements. Courses that count toward the Global Media specialization may also count toward the 33-credit major. Not all courses will be offered every semester.

Required Courses:

Specialization Courses (select 3 courses / 9 credits):

Sports Journalism Specialization

The Sports Journalism specialization offers students the opportunity to delve into the complexity of a field that is about much more than scores and statistics. To qualify for the specialization, you must be a declared JMS major and complete all requirements. Courses that count toward the Sports Journalism specialization may also count toward the 33-credit major. Not all courses will be offered every semester.

Required Courses:

Specialization Courses (select 3 courses / 9 credits):

Media Production Specialization

The Media Production specialization offers students hands-on training in multimedia storytelling, preparing them for a wide range of professional paths, including careers in audio and video journalism, podcasting, documentary filmmaking, and digital content creation. With an emphasis on technical and creative skills, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making, the Media Production specialization provides students the opportunity to develop a portfolio of original media content across multiple platforms and professional settings. To qualify for the specialization, you must be a declared JMS major and complete all requirements. Courses that count toward the Media Production specialization may also count toward the 33-credit major. Not all courses will be offered every semester.

Specialization Requirements (18 credits total, as part of the JMS major requirements)

Required Courses (9 credits):

Elective Courses (choose 3 for 9 credits; at least one 400-level elective)