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. 

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 

Explore More Career Resources

Adweek Media Job Market - online career resource center with job listings, job search 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 

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 

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 

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