Journalism

What is Journalism?

Three students standing on set of Sooner Sports Pad

Journalism professionals deliver news in a concise, informative manner to the general public. They inform, entertain and educate the world with political, social, business, sports and a variety of other news through state-of-the-art facilities at a nationally-ranked program. Students gain hands-on experience on how to write print and online news and features as well as present information through a variety of media. With an emphasis in internships and new media, OU journalism majors confidently enter the workforce after graduation.

Gaylord Hall has more than 100,000 square-feet of high-tech classroom, presentation, studio and computer lab space. Gaylord Hall includes four computer classrooms, two complete digital broadcast studios, 14 video editing bays, classrooms and two state-of-the-art open multimedia labs available for all students.

View Checksheet

Do my interests fit?

Journalism students typically have interests in:

Writing/editing
Reporting
Photography
Public affairs
Research
Multimedia
Collaboration
Fast-paced environment

High school preparation could include journalism, creative writing, broadcast production, photography, digital design or yearbook.

How can OU Journalism help me?

Gaylord College has built an incredible alumni network that exists to help yOU! With graduates in journalism all over the world, alumni look forward to meeting with, donating and awarding internships to Gaylord students. Advisors and faculty encourage and help supplement traditional classroom experience with on-the-job training. With opportunities like career fairs, networking events, premier student organizations, faculty guided trips and tours and study abroad opportunities, there’s no limit to the possibilities with a journalism degree.

Many journalism students choose to participate in Student Media. The Oklahoma Daily, Sooner yearbook and other feature publications are award-winning projects that give students the opportunity to gain experience in the field prior to graduation. Journalism students regularly compete at the national level and receive internships and jobs from top-tier media outlets.

How can I get involved?

There are numerous organizations journalism students can be a part of. Check them out:

Gaylord Ambassadors
Magazine Interest Group
The Oklahoma Daily
OU Nightly
Student Media/Yearbook
National Association of Black Journalists
National Association of Hispanic Journalists
SoonerVision HD

Oklahoma College Broadcasters
Student Film Production Club
Creative Incubator
Gaylord Hall Productions
KXOU Radio
OUTV
Routes Magazine
Routes TV
The Set
Sooner Sports Pad

What courses will I take?

Journalism courses include:

Introduction to Mass Communication
Writing for Mass Media
Multimedia Journalism
Multimedia News Gathering
History of Journalism
Journalism, Ethics & Democracy - Capstone
Mass Communication Law
Gaylord Electives
Minor Classes
JMC Skills Streams – Journalism students have the opportunity to select one of the following streams to complete their degree.
o Broadcast
o Online
o Print

Wait, I can have a minor?

Gaylord students have the opportunity to minor in a non-Gaylord program as part of their program degree sheet. Typically, journalism students minor in:

Full list of available minors.

How can I study abroad?

Journalism students have the chance to study abroad with:

British Media Study Abroad in the United Kingdom
Communicating Culture: Travel writing in Puerto Rico
International Advertising to either Europe or Asia
Summer Program in Communication at Erfurt (SPICE) in Germany
Summer in Washington, D.C.
JMC: Professional Media Program in OU in Arezzo, Italy
Students also have the opportunity for Club Trips in Austin, Dallas, New York City and San Francisco

What kind of career could I pursue?

Newspaper industry
Journalist
Photographer
News reporter/producer
Editorial writer
Broadcast news anchor
Magazine industry
Media and online outlets
Television and radio conglomerates

How much will I make?

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree.

Program Accreditation

The Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication is a founding member of the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The college has had continuous accreditation since 1948. A journalism student graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree with the option of three separate tracks: broadcast, print or online. A Master of Arts and Ph.D. in Journalism are also available.

Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication
Josh Kahoe - Journalism Academic Advisor
Phone: (405) 325-5199
Email: joshkahoe@ou.edu
Website: gaylord.ou.edu