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Specializations
Choose Your Beat
Like the careers it prepares you for, our Journalism program is fast-paced. We’ll give you all the tools to take into the ever-changing media and advertising landscape. Each student will learn about the integral components that make up and connect news, sports media, photojournalism, new media, advertising and public relations.
Our five specializations help you define your career goals as you manage multiple projects, deadlines, and real-life field work. We'll help you find internships and relevant volunteer activities, and we'll encourage you to turn work experience into college credit.
Advertising
Competition is stiff out there. Companies are looking for an edge. You can be that edge. By learning the principles of advertising and marketing, you’ll leave SIU with the ability to develop a brand, analyze the market and create a plan that stands out from the crowd. This degree has diverse applications across many different industries.
Journalism and Mass Communications
There is a great demand for good writers. Many organizations look for those who have a foundation in journalism but who also understand how to appeal to an audience. This specialization gives you a strong foundation in journalistic storytelling, combined with advertising and public relations. You will then build upon this base to specialize in the area the best fits your career goals. This degree gives you the flexibility to write for news organizations or to be a strategic communications storyteller for any type of business or non-profit organization, based upon your selected minor or experience.
News-Editorial
The best journalists today are the curious storytellers; those who have a drive to uncover the answers people need to make the decisions about issues that affect them. You will learn to identify potential stories and be given a variety of investigative tools and techniques needed to tell those stories from our seasoned journalists. You will have opportunities to practice while you are learning in our student news organizations to deliver multi-platform stories with audio and visuals, reaching audiences where they are: online via social media, podcasts, news magazines, packaged with print, television and streaming. We are developing reliable, ethical journalists who can accurately tell stories that help our society and democracy thrive.
Photojournalism
In an era when time is valuable and attention spans can be short, one great picture can capture an entire story. Students will learn the technical photography and video skills required to stand out in a competitive field. They will learn how to take compelling images of decisive, emotional moments. Students will also learn about the shifting business of photojournalism, from in-house work to freelancing, and how to pursue a successful career in a changing media landscape.
Sports Media
The world of sports is filled with dramatic, engaging and emotional stories. We train students to tell those stories in a compelling way as producers and reporters. We also teach students sports production, promotion and marketing to make those stories come alive. To work in sports media today means being able to to write, shoot video, take photos, design, market and analyze. You will learn all you need to know to walk into any sports organization and be the ultimate team player.
Sports Media Curricular Guides (PDF)
Reporting Track | Promotion Track
