Description
The broadcasting major offers courses leading to a wide variety of careers in the broadcasting and telecommunications industry. Building on a solid base of instruction in radio, television, mobile and online journalism, the major has broadened its curriculum in response to advancing technology and new electronic media. Broadcasting offers courses in news gathering and dissemination, sports reporting, videography, data visualization, Web design, sales, management, programming and other specializations including the use of audio and video. Courses are designed to develop both a comprehensive understanding of theoretical principles and professional skills. Most courses involve extensive practical laboratory work in addition to classroom lectures and discussions.
Many of the broadcasting faculty members have extensive industry experience at media organizations such as WBNS-TV (CBS) in Columbus, Ohio, KMTV, Omaha, Nebraska, and Nebraska Educational Television. The faculty continues to be connected to the industry, and its members are actively involved in professional media organizations. Students, likewise, are encouraged to further their professional goals through participation in student organizations such as the Alpha Epsilon Rho national broadcasting society, the Society of Professional Journalists, Northwest Broadcast News Association, Radio, Television News Directors Association, the Radio Television Digital News Association and the American Copy Editors Association.
KRNU and KRNU2 are professionally managed radio stations and are an integral part of the instructional program. With studios in Andersen Hall, KRNU operates year-round and serves an audience of potentially 250,000 persons in the Lincoln area, plus a global audience via the Internet. KRNU2 operates on the Internet only.
Broadcasting faculty assist students in acquiring internships and professional work experience prior to graduation. Broadcasting majors have held more than 100 media-related internships and professional part-time jobs, including internships at CNN in New York working with Anderson Cooper, at ESPN and VH1. Graduates are working for major media organizations throughout the nation.
College Requirements
College Admission
College Admission
The entrance requirements for the College of Journalism and Mass Communications are the same as the admission requirements for the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
These include:
- English (4 units)
- Mathematics (4 units)
- Social studies (3 units)
- Natural sciences (3 units), and
- Foreign language (2 units)
One unit equals one year of high school credit. Students with one deficiency, two deficiencies but not in the same category, or two deficiencies in foreign language who receive a Deferred Admission or Admission by Review, may be considered for admission to the college. Students who are admitted through the Admission by Review process with core course deficiencies will have certain conditions attached to their enrollment at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. These conditions are explained under Admission to the University, Removal of Deficiencies. High school deficiencies must be removed during the first 30 credit hours of enrollment at Nebraska (60 hours for foreign language) or the first calendar year, whichever takes longer.
Admission Deficiencies/Removal of Deficiencies
You must remove entrance deficiencies in geometry and foreign language before you can graduate from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Removing Foreign Language Deficiencies
A student will need to complete the second semester of the first-year language sequence to clear the deficiency and the second semester of the second-year language sequence to complete the college graduation requirement in language.
Removing Geometry Deficiency
A deficiency of one year of geometry can be removed by taking two high school geometry courses by Independent Study or by completing a geometry course from an accredited community college or a four-year institution. Neither of these options will count for college credit.
Admission GPA
Any student transferring into the college must have at least a 2.0 GPA. A student with 12 or more hours of college credit must have at least a 2.0 GPA to be admitted or readmitted to the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Readmission
A student who left the University not in good standing (below a 2.0 grade point average) may be readmitted in the Explore Center. Such a student would be eligible to reenter the College of Journalism and Mass Communications upon attaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA. This student would follow the catalog in effect at the time of the transfer from the Explore Center to the college.
Other Admission Requirements
Students from other Colleges
College of Journalism and Mass Communications courses will be restricted to College of Journalism and Mass Communications majors except where stipulated differently. Students from colleges and departments with a written agreement with the College of Journalism and Mass Communications will be exempt from this policy. Permission may be granted by an associate dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications in special circumstances following the directives provided by the faculty in these matters.
ESL Students
Applicants who speak English as a second language must present a TOEFL score of 70 or higher, which includes a subscore of at least 20 on the writing test. Additionally, broadcasting majors must present a score of at least 45 on the Test of Spoken English.
College Degree Requirements
College General Education Requirements
To graduate with a bachelor of journalism degree, students must complete requirements from the following areas:
- the University ACE requirements
- the requirements for a major offered by the college
- the non-major requirements that are specific to the college
College Non-Major Requirements
The college non-major requirements (NMR) are designed to further the purposes of liberal education by encouraging study in several different areas. Courses satisfying these requirements may impart specialized knowledge or broadly connect the subject matter to other areas of knowledge.
Group 1
The college requires a second set of ACE 1 and ACE 3-9 courses beyond the ACE courses required by the university. The ACE 4 course in group 1 must include a lab.
Group 2
Candidates for the bachelor of journalism degree must abide by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication accrediting guidelines, which require 72 semester hours be completed outside the college in subjects approved by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln as liberal education/liberal arts courses and traditional liberal arts and sciences courses. All ACE courses from outside the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, and all traditional liberal arts courses (departments identified in the degree audit) will apply to Group 2, along with non-vocational ALEC courses, College of Business courses and College of Fine and Performing Arts courses and any from NUTR, HRTM, and TMFD, unless specifically excluded. These 72 hours of liberal education/liberal arts courses are identified as Group 2.
Students graduating with 120 hours can take a maximum of 48 hours in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Students may take additional hours in the college, but those hours will be in addition to the 120 hours required to graduate.
Group 3—Minor outside of the College
CoJMC majors must complete one minor outside the College of Journalism and Mass Communications as stipulated by the department offering the minor. Students may complete more than one minor if they wish.
Generally, CoJMC courses will not count toward a minor unless the course is approved as part of the minor or the department offering the minor approves the substitution. The CoJMC course that was substituted cannot be a required course in the CoJMC major and cannot count toward the total number of hours in the CoJMC major.
Students have the option to complete an inter-college major in the College of Arts and Sciences in lieu of a minor or a dual matriculation with any other University of Nebraska–Lincoln college. Students who dual matriculate must fully complete all degree requirements of both colleges.
Group 4—Languages—Classical and Modern: 0-6 or 10 hours
A student who has completed the fourth-year level of one foreign language in high school is exempt from the languages requirement. All foreign language courses as well as American Sign Language courses will also count in Group 2.
Options for completion of language requirement:
- Regular four-semester sequence: 101, 102, 201, and 202 (5, 5, 3, 3 hours for a total of 16)
- Three-semester sequence: 101, 102, and 210 (5, 5, 6 hours for a total of 16)
- Students who have completed at least two years of one foreign language in high school may satisfy the college’s foreign language requirement by completing 101 and 102 in a different foreign language.
- Students who have not taken four years of the same foreign language in high school but who complete the Modern Language Placement Exam and are placed into 203 (or higher) of that language, are exempt from the foreign language requirement without credit toward the degree.
Students who have taken three years or fewer of a foreign language in high school should contact the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures for recommended placement.
A student who achieves a specified scaled score in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject exam in French, German and Spanish, Levels 1 and 2, may be exempted from the language requirement and may also receive credit for the fourth semester course in the language. Students who want to exercise this option must receive permission from an associate dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
A student who has demonstrated acceptable proficiency in a language other than English is exempt from the foreign language requirement without credit toward the degree (for example, international students who completed high school outside the United States). The student's academic advisor will determine whether a placement exam administered by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures is necessary.
Group 5
At least 30 of the 120 semester hours of credit must be in courses numbered above 299.
Minimum Hours Required for Graduation
A minimum of 120 semester hours of credit is required for graduation from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Grade Rules
C- and D Grades
The college will accept no more than 15 semester hours of grades less than a C from any program outside the University of Nebraska system. No grades less than a C will count toward a CoJMC major. The college will honor minimum grade requirements stipulated by departments offering minors outside the college.
Pass/No Pass
The college will accept up to 24 hours of Pass/No Pass courses toward a bachelor of journalism degree, subject to the following limits:
All courses in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications must be taken for grade only, unless otherwise specified. This applies to both majors and non-majors.
The Pass/No Pass (P/N) option is designed to be used by students seeking to expand their intellectual horizons by taking courses outside the college in areas where they may have minimum preparation without adversely affecting a student’s grade point average.
- Neither a P (pass) nor an N (no pass) contributes to a student’s GPA.
- P (pass) is interpreted to mean a grade of C or better. A student who earns a C- or lower will receive a grade of N.
- P/N is not available to students on academic probation unless the course is offered only that way.
- The 24-hour college limit does not include courses offered on a Pass/No Pass only basis or AP credit. This limit does apply to transfer courses from UNO, UNK, UNMC, and other institutions.
- P/N hours can count toward fulfillment of group requirements up to the 24-credit hour maximum (if the course is eligible as a P/N course).
- Students may change from graded to P/N or vice versa only until half way through the course. In either case, they must speak with an advisor before doing so.
Residency
Students must complete at least 30 of the 120 total hours for their degree at Nebraska. Students must complete at least half of their major course work including 6 hours above 299 in their major, and 15 of the 30 hours required above 299 in residence. Students transferring hours into the advertising and public relations, broadcasting, or journalism majors must meet additional requirements, which are described under Transfer Credit Rules. To encourage participation in international study, the college accepts all prior-approved education abroad credits as hours in residence.
Transfer Credit Rules
The goal of the following policy is to ensure that students from other campuses meet the same standards required of students who take all their courses at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
The college will accept up to 6 hours in journalism and mass communications courses taken at institutions that do not have an accredited journalism and mass communications program. Students must take the remainder of the required hours in their ADPR, BRDC, JOMC or JOUR courses from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. In advertising and public relations, these courses must include one 300- or 400-level ADPR course and ADPR 429 Jacht Student Ad Agency, ADPR 439 Student Competitions or ADPR 489 Advertising and Public Relations Campaigns; and in broadcasting, BRDC 370 Broadcast News Writing and BRDC 472 Advanced Reporting or BRDC 360 Broadcast Writing and BRDC 462 Advanced Production. In journalism, the courses must include JOUR 302 Reporting II and either JOUR 401 Depth Reporting, JOUR 450 News-Net-Nebraska, JOUR 446 Nebraska Mosaic or JOUR 497 Nebraska News Service. Students from ACEJMC-accredited programs may request equivalency reviews of the required courses at those schools. Degree candidates must accumulate 72 credit hours of non-journalism and mass communications classes. These are to be selected from ACE courses outside of journalism and mass communications courses or courses in disciplines listed as Liberal Education/Liberal Arts, which includes non-vocational ALEC courses, College of Business courses and College of Fine and Performing Arts courses.
Credit for courses taken at foreign universities and colleges will be transferred only after evaluation by the appropriate associate dean. This evaluation may include examination of the student over subject matter studied at the foreign institution.
ACE Requirements
All students must fulfill the Achievement-Centered Education (ACE) requirements. Information about the ACE program may be viewed at http://ace.unl.edu.
Catalog Rule
Students who left the university in good standing may be readmitted to the College of Journalism and Mass Communications and they may choose the catalog under which they wish to graduate according to the following guidelines:
- Students must fulfill the requirements stated in the Undergraduate Catalog for the year they enter the College of Journalism and Mass Communications or in any subsequent catalog published while they are enrolled in the college.
- No returning student may use a catalog that is 10 years old or older. In addition, any student seeking graduation credit for a College of Journalism and Mass Communications course taken more than 10 years prior to graduation must demonstrate mastery of the material currently included in that course at the proficiency level satisfactory to the relevant associate dean and one or more faculty members qualified to teach the course in question. Students unable to demonstrate satisfactory mastery of the course material will be required to repeat the original course or a corresponding contemporary course designated by the college’s advisory committee, if the original course is no longer offered.
Learning Outcomes
Majors in broadcasting will be able to:
- Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
- Demonstrate an understanding of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society.
- Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information.
- Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
- Think critically, creatively and independently.
- Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.
- Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
- Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness
- Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.
- Apply current tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work, and to understand the digital world.
Major Requirements
Specific Major Requirements
The broadcasting major is 40 hours with 18-21 of the hours selected to develop an option in either news or production.
News Option
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcasting Major | ||
| JOMC 100 | The First Year Experience | 1 |
| JOMC 101 | Principles of Mass Media | 3 |
| JOMC 130 | Introduction to Design Thinking | 1 |
| JOMC 131 | Visual Communication Core Modules I | 1 |
| JOMC 132 | Visual Communication Core Modules II | 1 |
| JOMC 133 | Visual Communication Advanced Modules | 1 |
| JOMC 134 | Visual Communication Project | 2 |
| JOMC 20 | Professional Development/Sophomore Experience | 0 |
| JOMC 486 | Mass Media Law | 3 |
| JOMC 487 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 16 | |
| News Option | ||
| JOUR 202 | Reporting I | 3 |
| JOUR 304 | Multimedia Journalism | 3 |
| BRDC 370 | Broadcast News Writing | 3 |
| BRDC 371 | News Videography | 3 |
| BRDC 472 | Advanced Reporting | 6 |
| Select 6 hours of electives chosen from advertising and public relations, broadcasting or journalism | 6 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 24 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 40 | |
Production Option
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Broadcasting Major | ||
| JOMC 100 | The First Year Experience | 1 |
| JOMC 101 | Principles of Mass Media | 3 |
| JOMC 130 | Introduction to Design Thinking | 1 |
| JOMC 131 | Visual Communication Core Modules I | 1 |
| JOMC 132 | Visual Communication Core Modules II | 1 |
| JOMC 133 | Visual Communication Advanced Modules | 1 |
| JOMC 134 | Visual Communication Project | 2 |
| JOMC 20 | Professional Development/Sophomore Experience | 0 |
| JOMC 486 | Mass Media Law | 3 |
| JOMC 487 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 16 | |
| Production Option | ||
| BRDC 227 | Principles of Audio Production | 3 |
| BRDC 228 | Television Production | 3 |
| BRDC 359 | Cinematography-Videography | 3 |
| BRDC 360 | Broadcast Writing | 3 |
| BRDC 462 | Advanced Production | 6 |
| Select 6 hours of electives selected from advertising and public relations, broadcasting or journalism | 6 | |
| Credit Hours Subtotal: | 24 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 40 | |
Students may complete additional majors in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications by completing all requirements for each major. However, additional majors in the college will not take the place of a minor or any of the 72 hours required outside the college.
Graduating seniors also must complete JOMC 98 Senior Assessment, which is typically taken in the last semester. However, seniors who have completed all courses for the major may take it two semesters preceding graduation.
Additional Major Requirements
Internship Policy
Students may be able to earn credit for internships under certain circumstances. The complete internship policy can be found at https://journalism.unl.edu/internship-policy.
Credit in Special Experiences
Students may earn up to 6 credit hours toward the degree in some student experiences, including Jacht, photojournalism projects and depth reports. Students may repeat the same course again for additional credit hours, but those credits will not count toward the degree inside or outside the major. Talk with an academic advisor for further information or specific questions.
Requirements for Minor Offered by Department
A broadcasting minor (21 hours) is available only for meteorology majors and environmental studies majors with a meteorology emphasis.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| JOMC 130 | Introduction to Design Thinking | 1 |
| JOMC 131 | Visual Communication Core Modules I | 1 |
| JOMC 132 | Visual Communication Core Modules II | 1 |
| JOMC 133 | Visual Communication Advanced Modules | 1 |
| JOMC 134 | Visual Communication Project | 2 |
| JOUR 202 | Reporting I | 3 |
| BRDC 371 | News Videography | 3 |
| BRDC 370 | Broadcast News Writing | 3 |
| BRDC 472 | Advanced Reporting | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
Description: Topics vary each term. 12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree. BRDC 191/191X may be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; or freshman standing with a minimum of 12 hrs completed, broadcasting major, and 3.0 GPA in major.
Description: Development of the American system of broadcasting and the telecommunication industry.
Prerequisites: JOMC 101
Description: Theory and use of sound, audio production and vocal performance for electronic media applications. Write correctly and clearly for electronic media. Tools and technologies appropriate for electronic media applications using the college's FM radio station and audio production studios. Basic numerical and statistical concepts to understand audience measurement.
BRDC 228 is a production track course.
Description: Concepts, theories, technologies, and techniques needed for planning, scripting, producing, directing, and performing in professional multi-camera remote and in-studio television programs, interview shows, and demonstration shows. Directing, switching, and operating studio equipment.
This course is a prerequisite for: BRDC 360
Prerequisites: Parallel BRDC 227.
Description: Audio production techniques and broadcast performance.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.
Description: Basic audio and studio video production techniques and processes; studio operations, microphones, audio editing, talent selection and use, portable audio equipment, production planning/budgeting, cameras, lighting, new telecommunications technologies.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing.
Description: Basic field video production techniques, processes, and systems; cameras, lenses, mounting equipment, picture composition, videotape editing, audio recording and editing. field lighting, on-camera talent use, multimedia production considerations.
Description: Topics vary each term. 12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree. BRDC 291/291X may be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Description: Concepts, theories, technologies and techniques needed for planning, scripting, shooting, and editing different genres and styles of professional, single?camera video productions, features, music videos, instructional videos, commercials, and drama. Composition, continuity, sequencing, aesthetics, and audiences. Operation of professional video cameras and non?linear editing and graphics software.
Description: Writing scripts and preparing materials for broadcast, cable, and video streaming production processes. Audience composition thorough research of topics, and adaptation to concurrent delivery through multiple mass media technologies. Awareness of diverse audiences and use of statistics.
This course is a prerequisite for: BRDC 375
Description: Clear and correct writing principles. Journalistic research techniques. Use of new tools and technologies to create broadcast news content for KRNU radio and other broadcast outlets.
BRDC 369 is a news track course, and it is a prereq for both JOUR 302 and BRDC 372.
Description: Produce a news story worthy of airing live during Star City News. Produced live newscast aired in Lincoln. What is news. How to make contact with news makers. How to perform interviews. How to write a news story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. How to shoot and edit the video that supports the story.
Prerequisites: BRDC 371 or parallel
Description: Intensive exploration of television and related visual communications technologies in the corporate and organizational environment. Formulation, production and applications of informational and motivational video communications in corporate and non-profit operations.
Description: Topics vary each term. 12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree. BRDC 391/391X may be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Prerequisites: BRDC 228.
Description: Theory of visualization for television. Practical application of directing techniques. Programs analyzed in relation to translation of facts, ideas, emotions and attitudes through television. Program production experience in the studios of the university station, KUON-TV.
Prerequisites: Upper class standing and successful completion of JOMC 130-134
Description: Creating digital motion graphics and animation using compositing and animation software. Covers project creation, techniques, workflow management, and related post-production work.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and major in broadcasting.
Description: Organizational and management procedures as they relate to the telecommunications media.
Prerequisites: Senior standing and major in broadcasting.
Description: Radio and television program philosophies and formats with emphasis on regulations, responsibilities, economics and audience measurement procedures.
Prerequisites: BRDC 228.
Description: Development of cable telecommunications systems and relevant regulatory aspects of cable development. Current and future projections of cable systems management systems-satellites, teletext, interactive, access channels, importation, origination, pay cable.
Prerequisites: Senior standing in broadcasting.
Description: Preparation of instructional television programs. Historical development of television as an instructional medium, learning and communication theory relevant to proper applications of televised instruction.
BRDC 462 is the capstone course in the production track.
Description: Produce multiple long-form, edited television programs to be distributed to a mass audience. Directing a weekly, live, thirty-minute television studio newscast. Advanced operation of studio equipment, graphics software and non-linear editing equipment. Prepare demo materials for a professional portfolio.
Prerequisites: Senior standing in broadcasting or international studies.
Description: Development of programming patterns and controls as well as cultural consideration of national and international systems of broadcasting.
Prerequisites: Permission of department head.
Description: The telephone industry, voice and data communication and networking systems. Explores the development and structure of telecommunications, issues, services, applications, technology and management.
BRDC 472 is a capstone course in the news track.
Description: Produce multiple live weekly newscasts with anchors (news, sports, entertainment, social media) to be distributed to a mass audience. Advanced reporting skills, knowledge of graphics software and non-linear editing equipment. Prepare demo materials for a professional portfolio.
Prerequisites: Senior standing in broadcasting; BRDC 472.
Description: Depth reporting and advanced production techniques necessary for the preparation of a broadcast documentary program.
Prerequisites: Senior standing
Description: Techniques of planning, preparing and writing radio, television and motion picture scripts including announcements, interviews, talk programs, features, editorials, investigative reports and dramatic adaptations.
Description: Improve communications skills by gaining experience performing in front of live camera. Learn how to control nerves, voice, mannerisms. Daily tapings and critiques.
12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree. BRDC 491 may be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Description: Topics vary each term.
Prerequisites: Permission code
Description: Broadcasting-related internships, paid or unpaid, will provide students with an opportunity to enhance their professional skills while contributing meaningful work and expanding their career networks.
Prerequisites: Permission
Description: Independent study; topic and assignments to be arranged between a student and supervising faculty member.
Description: Assists new students in making a successful transition to the University of Nebraska, specifically the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, both academically and personally. Fosters a sense of belonging, promotes engagement in the curricular and co-curricular life of the University, encourages self responsibility, and articulates the benefits of a higher education and the expectations and values of the University. Helps students develop and apply essential study skills, communication skills and explore interests, abilities and values.
This course is a prerequisite for: JOMC 20
Description: Introduction to the mass media as sources of news and entertainment conduits for messages of persuasion. Background and history about print and broadcast media and about public relations. How the media and persuasive messages both affect and are affected by society and content. Open to non-College of Journalism and Mass Communications majors.
Prerequisites: Admitted to College of Journalism and Mass Communications or by permission for students whose home college has a written agreement with the COJMC regarding this course. Co-requirement JOMC 131
This is the first of six credit hours in visual communications required for all COJMC majors. Students can complete JOMC 130, 131, 132, 133 and 134 in two, three or four semesters. The courses cannot be completed in one semester. Students can register for JOMC 130, 131, and 132 simultaneously. Students must register for JOMC 130 and 131 simultaneously.
Description: Live events, online materials and activities in design thinking, storytelling, and how technology works to challenge students to think creatively, strategically and intelligently when producing content.
Prerequisites: Admission to College of Journalism and Mass Communications or by permission for students whose home college has a written agreement with the COJMC regarding this course. Students must register for JOMC 130 simultaneously with JOMC 131.
Students can complete JOMC 130, 131, 132, 133 and 134 in two, three or four semesters. The courses cannot be completed in one semester.
Description: Self-paced modules and weekly critiques introduce students to specific types of content in traditional and digital media, such as video, photography, layout, typography, web design, audio and mobile.
Prerequisites: Admission to College of Journalism and Mass Communications or by permission for students whose home college has a written agreement with the COJMC regarding this course. JOMC 130 and 131 OR simultaneous enrollment in JOMC 130, 131 and 132.
Students can complete JOMC 130, 131, 132, 133 and 134 in two, three or four semesters. The courses cannot be completed in one semester.
Description: Students continue self-paced modules and weekly critiques to learn fundamentals of specific types of content in traditional and digital media, such as video, photography, layout, typography, web design, audio and mobile.
Students can complete JOMC 130, 131, 132, 133 and 134 in two, three or four semesters. The courses cannot be completed in one semester.
Description: Students continue self-paced modules and weekly critiques to achieve more advanced proficiency in specific types of visual communication used in traditional and digital media.
Prerequisites: Permission
Students can complete JOMC 130, 131, 132, 133 and 134 in two, three or four semesters. The courses cannot be completed in one semester.
Description: Produce multimedia group project that communicates information about organization, group, social issue, etc. Use all skills developed in previous modules.
Description: Topics vary each term. 12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree. May be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Description: Role of ethical principles and social responsibility and their importance in society and media today. Analysis of local and global human trafficking issues and advancing knowledge and solutions in areas of awareness, prevention, education, and role of media.
Description: Topics vary each term. 12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree. May be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Description: As a popular and constantly growing form of media, video games have become entrenched within society as art, entertainment, tool, and cause for concern. As with any new medium, video games have brought with them new cultural conversation about their influence on players and society. Examines video games based on scientific evidence in order to understand and address the dominant, current conversations about video games. Topics include game design (e.g., rewards, motivation, narrative), game effects (e.g., violence, immersion, learning, addiction), and behavioral design using the latest social scientific research available. Focus is on understanding and interpretation of primary research articles and designing research projects. Covers current debates and trends concerning video game design, use, and effects.
Description: Examines the flow of news from news organizations and from individuals around the world. Compare the journalistic model of verification with the social media model of speed and transparency stressing critical thinking and analysis. Use worldwide news reports and social media to learn about other people, cultures and world problems. Learn how different theories of the press relate to different regime structures and how those theories shape the news differently, depending on the country from which it originates. Compare and contrast news from different countries, and news from different sources about the same country, whether the source is reports from news organizations or from individuals using social media. Learn research and analysis skills, as well as fundamental information about different countries, cultures and people and about the diversity of life and conditions around the world.
Description: Topics vary each term. 12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree. May be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Description: Current issues in media and politics, domestically and internationally.
Description: The roles and effects of mass media and major works exemplifying the practice of journalism.
This is an eight-week, asynchronous, online course.
Description: Understanding and writing about corporate, economic and business topics as journalists or as public relations professionals.
Description: Multicultural and gender diversity issues within the mass media. Broadcast news, print, and advertising media messages of racial, ethnic, and gender based minorities including African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, and women. Open to non-College of Journalism and Mass Communications majors.
Prerequisites: Permission.
Open to all majors. Articles may be submitted for publication.
Description: Advanced writing about science for the non-expert and/or for the general public. Issues in science communication through reading the best writers in science and journalism. Research and write short articles and longer profiles about science and scientists at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and elsewhere. Polish writing skills for doing work in science classes.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; major in advertising and public relations, broadcasting, or journalism
Description: History of American mass media in cultural and philosophical contexts; the evolution of mass media as a social institution.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; major in ADPR, BRDC, or JOUR
Description: Legal basis for freedom of speech and press. Limitations imposed upon rights by statue, common law and court decisions. Resolving conflicts between those rights and other constitutional rights. Enhancing critical-thinking and writing skills. Roles, rights, and responsibilities of mass media in a free society through analysis of cases.
Prerequisites: Junior standing; major in ADPR, BRDC or JOUR
Required of all students seeking a degree through the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Description: Interrelationships between the American mass media and society, integrating ethics, theories and contemporary issues.
12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree. May be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Description: Topics vary each term.
Prerequisites: Major in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications or major in other colleges whose programs require JOUR 102; passing grade on the "Writing/Usage" proficiency exam.
Description: Basic principles of creating and evaluating clear, engaging expository, descriptive, narrative and persuasive writing for defined audiences and the contribution that tight focus, effective transitions, proper grammar, spelling, usage and punctuation make to effective writing.
This course is a prerequisite for: JOUR 204
Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program or by invitation.
One University Honors Seminar 189H is required of all students in the University Honors Program. JOUR 189H is open to University Honors Program students with any major and will count toward the degree in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Description: Topic varies.
Description: Topics vary each term. Maximum of 12 credit hours of special topics at all levels (191, 291, 391, 491). JOUR 191 may be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing and JOUR 102.
Description: Introduction to techniques for gathering information for use in preparing news and advertising for public media.
12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree. JOUR 291 may be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Description: Topics vary each term.
Work in JOUR 302 will appear on the student news World Wide Web (WWW) site.
Description: Advanced reporting and writing. Skills and techniques necessary to develop more complex stories for all platforms.
Prerequisites: JOUR 202
Description: News reporting using data and analysis. Techniques for analysis and skills for writing complex stories.
Prerequisites: JOUR 302
Description: Feature writing with the objective of improving the ability to produce nonfiction news stories.
Prerequisites: JOUR 302
Description: The importance of good sports reporting through clear writing and its importance to readers; the principles of different types of sports stories; how to think critically about sports media; and how the fundamentals of good reporting and writing apply to sports.
Work in JOUR 386 will appear on the student news World Wide Web (WWW) site. JOUR 386 is 'Letter grade only'.
Description: Theories and principles of editing and designing magazines. Decisions regarding the format and breakdown of the magazine, editing and designing stories, choosing photographs, writing captions and headlines.
Description: Topics vary each term. 12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree. May be repeated up to three times so long as the topics are different.
Prerequisites: JOUR 202
Description: Storytelling with visuals generated from data. Theory and practice of visualization and analysis basics.
Prerequisites: JOUR 202 or by permission
Description: Web development for data-driven storytelling on the Internet. Programming for news media.
Description: Laws, regulations, and practices by which federal, state, and local government enhance or retard access to information about the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Description: Create and present news and information of particular interest to Lincoln's growing refugee communities. The stories students report will be presented on the Nebraska Mosaic website (www.nemosaic.org), and they may also be re-purposed as part of printed newsletters or video projects distributed on DVD.
JOUR 467/867 is open only to students seeking a 7-12 journalism teaching endorsement.
Description: Problems and procedures involved in producing school newspapers, yearbooks, literary magazines, and radio and/or video projects. JOUR 467/867 is open only to students seeking a grade 7 to 12 journalism teaching endorsement.
Prerequisites: JOUR 404
Description: Research and then visit a selected country and produce a multimedia story dealing with an emerging country in which there is need. Spend eight weeks conducting story research on campus then travel to the country either during winter break or in May. Spend three weeks in the country while working on the story then finish writing and editing after returning to Nebraska.
12 hours max special topics hours at all levels (100, 200, 300, 400) per degree
Description: Topics vary each term.
Prerequisites: Permission code
Description: Journalism-related internships, paid or unpaid, will provide students with an opportunity to enhance their professional skills while contributing meaningful work and expanding their career networks.
Contact instructor for application.
Description: The Nebraska News Service functions as a statehouse news bureau for client news organizations throughout the state, generating original spot news and enterprise stories as well as responding to specific story requests from news service clients.
Prerequisites: Good standing in the University Honors Program or by invitation; candidate for degree with distinction or high distinction or highest distinction in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
PLEASE NOTE
This document represents a sample 4-year plan for degree completion with this major. Actual course selection and sequence may vary and should be discussed individually with your college or department academic advisor. Advisors also can help you plan other experiences to enrich your undergraduate education such as internships, education abroad, undergraduate research, learning communities, and service learning and community-based learning.
Broadcasting - News
Critical Milestones
- You must declare a required minor this term.
- A minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA required for Graduation.
- Complete 30 hours in residence at UNL.
- A maximum of 24 hours of Pass grades is allowed.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Broadcasting - Production
Critical Milestones
- You must declare a required minor this term.
- A minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA required for Graduation.
- Complete 30 hours in residence at UNL.
- A maximum of 24 hours of Pass grades is allowed.
- ***Total Credits Applying Toward 120 Total Hours***
Career Information
The following represents a sample of the internships, jobs and graduate school programs that current students and recent graduates have reported.
Transferable Skills
- Ability to think critically
- Ability to gather information from data, documents and human sources
- Ability to write texts clearly and correctly across multiple platforms for multiple audiences
- Ability to use audio and visual communications tools to convey information appropriately with sound, graphics, still and moving images across multiple platforms
- Ability to work constructively and effectively in a team environment
Jobs of Recent Graduates
- Associate Digital Producer, CNN - Washington DC
- Video Production Manager, Lincoln Professional Baseball - Lincoln NE
- Reporter/ Technical Director, The Columbus News Team - Columbus NE
- News Director/Sports Director, Flood Broadcasting - Wayne NE
- News Producer/Reporter, KLKN-TV - Lincoln NE
- Production Assistant, Vision Maker Media - Lincoln NE
- Backpack Journalist, WOWT NBC Omaha - Omaha NE
- Associate Attorney, Baird Holm LLP - Omaha NE
- Videographer, Complete Music - Lincoln NE
- Staff Assistant, United States Senate - Washington DC
Internships
- Husker Vision Student Intern, University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Lincoln NE
- Intern, Omaha World Herald - Omaha NE
- Communication Intern, ACLU of Nebraska - Lincoln NE
- Marketing and Promotions Intern, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Campus Recreation - Lincoln NE
- Hydraulics Intern, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Omaha NE
- Multimedia Intern, Hear Nebraska - Lincoln NE
- Communications Intern, King of King's Church - Lincoln NE
- Intern, HuskerVision - Lincoln NE
- News Intern, KFOR Radio - Lincoln NE
- Sports Production Intern, Nebraska Educational Television (NET) - Lincoln NE