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Journalism

96%
Employment Rate
of surveyed alumni within 9 months of graduation
Talent
SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE
Up to $3,000 for writing
100%
OF INCOMING FIRST-YEARS & TRANSFERS
Receive scholarships or grants

Ask the right questions and communicate information

Communicating in the ever-changing world of news media.

With Mount Mercy’s major or minor in journalism, you’ll learn excellent writing and communication skills, basics in layout and design, law, photography, and editing.

Dedicated faculty who work actively in the fast-paced world of journalism will be your mentors, coaching you in the professional and ethical standards crucial to securing your first beat.

Students in this major develop skills and knowledge that enable them, for example, to: create a multimedia portfolio that demonstrates several competencies; execute key journalism skills, such as writing a complete story package; and translate the essential defining elements of journalism.

My years as an editor on the Mount Mercy Times offered me invaluable experience for my future. I will always use the skills learned in the classroom and by being a part of the newspaper staff.

MADISON JONES '14
EMAIL MARKETING COORDINATOR, MEREDITH CORPORATION
Jenny Valliere '13

Jenny Valliere '13

Public Relations, Communication

After a chance internship lit her passion for radio, Jenny Valliere did everything she could to succeed in the broadcast world—leading to a career as program director at KZIA.

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Christina Capecchi '04

Christina Capecchi '04

English & Communication

Christina Capecchi found opportunities at Mount Mercy that wouldn’t have been available to her at larger university, including an internship that led her to many national publications.

Read more
Music & Creative Talent Scholarships
A music student and teacher conducting

Add up to $3,000 to your financial aid award for music, writing, and art & design!

Learn more

Curriculum

Communication functions with the critical capacity to evaluate real world practice.

Along with in-class practice, journalism students gain valuable interviewing, writing, editing and design layout experience with the university’s award-winning newspaper, the Mount Mercy Times.

Feed your creative writing and editing skills with Mount Mercy’s arts and literary magazine, Paha Review. And students often freelance for the Cedar Rapids Gazette, working with and gaining tips from professional writers and editors, as well as contribute work to Iowa Watch.

What courses will I take?

Journalism Major

Required:
AR 106Photography I3
AR 220Typography & Design3
CO 111Introduction to Communication Studies3
CO 120Introduction to Journalism3
CO 130Basic Media Grammar for Professional Writing2
CO 140Introduction to Mass Media in the United States3
CO 242Media Theory3
CO 360Law and Ethics of Mass Media3
CO 281Newspaper Reporting3
CO 290News Processing for Journalism and Public Relations4
CO 340Newspaper/Magazine Copy Editing and Design3
CO 372Communication Practicum1
CO 380Internship in Communication3
CO 480Seminar in Communication3
Choose One of the Following: 3-4
EN 123
Professional Writing
EN 203
Creative Writing
EN 210
Writing And Analysis Of Literature
EN 321
Topics In Creative Writing
An EN literature course numbered 225-309
Total Hours43-44

NOTE: Students majoring in the Communication Program can pursue an additional major or minor in the Communication Program ONLY if they also earn, at minimum, some other non-communication department minor.

Academic Requirements for the Journalism Major

A grade of C or above (C- does not count) is required in each of the communication department (CO) course requirements.

Journalism Minor
 

Required:
CO 111Introduction to Communication Studies3
CO 120Introduction to Journalism3
CO 130Basic Media Grammar for Professional Writing2
CO 242Media Theory3
CO 360Law and Ethics of Mass Media3
CO 281Newspaper Reporting3
CO 372Communication Practicum1
Total Hours18

Academic Requirements for the Journalism Major

A grade of C or above (C- does not count) is required in each of the communication department (CO) course requirements.

Careers in journalism

Adapting your skills and writing style to work each day.

One strength of the communication program majors is that they prepare the individual for a wide variety of careers

The journalism major prepares students for a career in the news media or related professional writing fields such as corporate communications. It can open the door to working in newspapers, magazines, newsletters and/or specialized media-oriented careers in politics, government or the corporate realm.

This major can also be used in new media, such as writing for web-based e-publications. Journalism is also the degree of choice for students who are interested in a freelance writing career.

How much does it cost?

Mount Mercy offers competitive tuition and generous scholarships.

We also encourage all students to apply for federal, state, and other kinds of financial assistance.

Learn more about:

We make it easy by accepting applications year-round! No deadline, no fee, no pressure.

  1. Create your application
  2. Apply under standard admissions criteria or go "test optional"
  3. Request official transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Mail to:

* Mount Mercy University Admissions
  1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
  Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402

* If you are applying for an accelerated program, please mail to "Accelerated Programs"

For more detailed instructions on how to apply, see our Admissions page.

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