About this program
BA Journalism
Mercer University’s Journalism major gives you the avenue to investigate our world and document your findings with the stroke of a pen, camera lens, voice recorder, and more. You will dive into the world of journalism and discover the importance of gathering, interpreting, and disseminating truth. You will bring truth to power, and by doing so, you will impact the community in which you live. Your passionate professors will teach you journalism ethics and skills that are needed to create a professional, respectable journalism portfolio. Your work, no matter the topic, helps keep America’s democratic system in place. Upon completion of the degree, you’ll be prepared to:
- Think and write critically
- Expose wrongs by creating truthful journalism pieces
- Implement rigorous research practices while uncovering truth
- Communicate effectively and efficiently
- Seek a career in diverse fields
Designed for motivated students
The Journalism major unapologetically demands passion and relentless pursuit from its students. If you are curious, determined, and ready to shine a light on truth, we want you to be a part of the Journalism program. You will be among 100 of Mercer’s best and brightest students, as we only allow 100 students into the program at a time to ensure quality education. In addition to excellent curriculum and hands-on opportunities, you will form lifelong relationships with classmates and professors, participate in real-world experiences, and graduate with a sharpened skillset that will set you apart from your competition.
#BBD0E0 »Admission requirements
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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About the major
Journalism majors will explore the flow of content across multiple media forms and platforms, including print and broadcast journalism, film, video, radio, television, and web- and mobile-based digital media. The Journalism program, in conjunction with the Center for Collaborative Journalism, focuses on meeting community news and information needs, gaining practical experience with guidance from working experts in the field, and incorporating subject matter expertise into journalistic work.
All Journalism courses with a required lab component are taught in the department’s Digital Media Lab using Apple Macintosh computers. Students who wish to use their own computers should purchase a Macintosh with our recommended software applications.
A Journalism major consists of 38 semester credit hours.
About the Minor
A minor in Journalism consists of 18 semester credit hours.
Departmental honors
To earn departmental honors in Journalism, a Journalism major must meet the following requirements:
- Maintain a minimum overall grade point average of 3.50
- Achieve a grade point average of 3.50 in the Journalism major
- Complete JMS 430 (Engagement Journalism)
- Submit a portfolio of journalistic work by March 15 of the senior year to be juried by journalism professors and working journalists. The portfolio must be judged “outstanding” to receive honors.
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Program delivery
Practice what your professors preach
You will have a number of opportunities to strengthen your education experience when you take part in an internship or Mercer On Mission trip and dive into the Center for Collaborative Journalism. These opportunities will challenge you to put your newfound knowledge to the test and deliver effective journalism pieces.
Participate in our unique media collaborative
Mercer University’s own Center for Collaborative Journalism is a unique community media collaborative combining Mercer’s liberal arts-based Journalism and Media Studies programs with the professional expertise of:
- The (Macon) Telegraph, Georgia’s third-largest daily newspaper;
- Georgia Public Broadcasting, the third-largest public broadcaster in the country based on population reach;
- 13WMAZ, the most-watched television station in Central Georgia.
Mercer and its partners have created one of the largest journalism/community projects in the country and a model for higher education/media collaborations in other cities.
Strengthen your education
Your Journalism professors encourage you to take your educational experience beyond the classroom walls. It’s the best way to gain a glimpse into your future in journalism and find your true passion. An internship with our partners — or any organization of your choosing — will strengthen your skills and give you real-world experiences that will help you in your future career.
Go abroad
Beyond your internship, we offer various study abroad and Mercer On Mission opportunities to practice what you’ve learned at Mercer University and apply it to real-world experiences.
The journalism program sends students every year to document a Mercer On Mission trip and shed light on important issues. When you return from your mission, you will take your findings and create a journalistic piece — either video or print — and show the community the results of your adventure. These experiences will sharpen and grow you as a student and person, improving your intellect on a wide variety of subjects.
Tuition
Please visit the Institute website for more information about tuition fees
Career paths
Upon graduation from Mercer University, you’ll have a professional portfolio to share with your potential employer. Because we’re dedicated to teaching you how to gather, interpret, and distribute information, we’re confident that you can pursue any career of your choosing, as these qualities are essential for all fields. Many of our Journalism students have accepted positions such as:
- Broadcast journalist
- Copywriter
- Editor
- Editorial assistant
- Journalist
- Market researcher
- Multimedia specialist
- Public relations specialist
- Publishing copy editor/proofreader
- Reporter
- Social media specialist
- Sports director
- Web content manager
- Writer
Many of our students have pursued higher-level education after graduating with a Journalism degree. You will be well equipped to pursue higher learning such as law school, medical school, and more. Your Journalism professor will gladly answer your questions and guide you toward the best graduate school for you.
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About this institute
Mercer University
Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business delivers career-focused business education in order to develop innovative leaders who are responsible global citizens. Accredited by the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the school is widely recognized for innovative...
Why study at Mercer University
$35M in annual National Science Foundation research funding
450+ doctoral degrees awarded annually
4,100+ students enrolled in advanced study
Mercer On Mission
The highest expression of our desire to create a better world, Mercer On Mission deploys students and faculty across the globe to meet the most fundamental needs of humanity.
Making a world of difference
We’re on a mission to change the world, one student at a time, and our Bears are leaving their footprints across the globe in the process.
Local and global connections
Our faculty, staff, and students are constantly searching for ways to improve lives and build up neighborhoods.
Supporting the arts
Dedication to the arts means creating an academic atmosphere that supports all paradigms. We are committed to diversity of thought and developing well-rounded students.
Mercer Abroad
Mercerians gain from their study abroad experiences a deeper appreciation for different cultures and languages, a stronger focus on their academic pursuits, and a clearer sense of their own role in a global society.
Community Engagement
Mercer empowers students to become leaders in communities and inspires them to use their talents to positively impact the human condition. If there’s a cause close to your heart, Mercer has the resources to help you put your ideas into action.
Integrating research and service
We're equipping students with the skills required to engage in sophisticated research aimed at solving real problems facing humankind.
Internships
More than 70% of Mercer students participate in at least one internship, putting classroom knowledge into practice and gaining valuable work experience. Mercer's relationships with industry leaders and start-up incubators foster personal connections and networking opportunities.
Contact info
Mercer University
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