News and Information
The School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers a BS in News and Information, as well as a MSJ, MSJ-IMC, MS/JD, and a PhD. This prepares students for careers in reporting, writing and editing for the media, including newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the Internet. At the capstone level, students apply their learning by working on campus media. If you see yourself as a reporter, writer or editor--online, broadcast or in print--then the News and Information track is for you.
School of Journalism and Mass Communication website
Sample of Related Skills
- Learn the theory and practice of professional communication
- Understand the theoretical foundations underlying persuasive messaging
- Conduct detailed, extensive, and accurate audience analysis
- Employ basic techniques for data gathering, analysis and statistics
- Develop core skills in writing, editing, storytelling, and design
- Apply communication concepts and theories to address everyday dilemmas within the dimensions of ethics, society, law, technology, relationships, and culture
- Demonstrate oral communication skills including public speaking, advanced decision-making, and negotiation and collaboration
Popular Career Paths
Newspaper/Magazine Publishing: Includes all aspects of newspaper production: writing, editing, advertising, producing, distributing.
Book Publishing: Involves all elements of creating, writing, composing, editing, and publishing fiction and non-fiction books.
Electronic Media: Includes careers in such mediums as radio, television, and the internet both in front of and behind the scenes.
Technical Writing: Involves much attention to detail and accuracy through writing in for corporations or textbook book publishers.
Business: Generally requires fluency in business, writing, and marketing and could include careers in marketing, advertising, and public relations.
Explore More Career Paths
- Broadcast Media and Journalism Career Guide - descriptions of career titles in journalism, as well as a list of relevant online resources
- National Association of Broadcasters - insight into the fields of radio and television broadcasting
Jobs to Consider
- Advertising Copywriter
- Anchor/Newscaster
- Announcer
- Blogger
- Bureau Chief
- Columnist
- Copy Editor
- Editor
- Editorial Writer
- Freelance Writer
- Investigative Journalist
- Literary Agent
- Photojournalist
- Producer
- Proofreader
- Public Relations Specialist
- Publisher
- Reporter
- Segment Producer
- Sportscaster
- Technical Writer
- Webmaster
Places to Seek Employment
- Advertising Agencies
- Internet Companies
- Local, State, and Federal Government Agencies
- Magazines
- Marketing Firms
- News/Television Stations
- Newspapers
- Non-Profit Agencies
- Public Relations Firms
- Publishing Agencies
- Radio Stations
Job and Internship Search Resources
- Adweek Media Job Market - online career resource center with job listings, job serach tips, and career ideas for those interested in working in media
- American Society of Magazine Editors - information on professional development opportunities, FAQ's, and internships within the field of magazine editing
- Ed(2010) Whisper Jobs - job and internship listings, as well as salary and contact information for various companies in the publishing and journalism industries.
- Kansas Association of Broadcasters - list of stations as well as jobs and internships in the Kansas area, as well as information on broadcasting legalities
- Kansas Press Association - list of news and information positions available in Kansas and the surrounding area, as well as a Kansas newspaper directory
- KU's School of Journalism Job and Internship Listings - list of jobs and internships for students interested in news and information
- Mediabistro.com - job listings, networking and freelancing resources, and more
- Mediajobs.com - job and internship listings in media
- Newspaper Association of America: Newspaper CareerBank - available jobs the newspaper industry; NAA members account for nearly 90% of the daily circulation in the U.S.
- National Newspaper Association - online career center with job listings and the ability to set up personal job alerts
- Student Freelance - list of freelance opportunities for students only
- Talentzoo - job listings in marketing, advertising, digital, and media
Career Exploration Hub
Employment Strategies
- Identify areas of interest related to your major so you can focus your academics and experiences towards these fields.
- Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent studies, internships, part-time jobsstudent organization involvement, or volunteering
- Register for Hire Jayhawks and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
- Consider joining a professional organization related to your area of interest, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field.
- Practice interviewing on your own or by conducting a mock interview at the University Career Center.
- Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest.
- Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals.
- Complete an independent study to gain advanced research skills.
- Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school.
- Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest.