Five students are pointing cameras towards a model in the foreground with lights and reflectors all around.

Department of Journalism

Journalism matters. Journalism is a vital skillset in a rapidly changing communications environment. With an emphasis on digital and multimedia storytelling, and by using cutting-edge technology, the department prepares students for important careers in communications and media fields.

Journalism matters. The core skillset of journalism, gathering information and organizing it to tell a story in a compelling fashion, matters more than ever.

While consumption and delivery methods change almost daily for information, journalism exists in more forms than ever before. Broadcast, digital, online, multimedia, print … journalism matters.

For audiences old and young, for audiences interested in a mix of information, for audiences interested in niche or specific information … journalism matters.

Journalism matters because the fact-based approach to information serves the public interest.

In the department, professionally focused classes and hands-on opportunities prepare students for an ever-changing and important industry that marries a tradition of history-as-it- happens with cutting-edge technology and information delivery.

Courses in the major emphasize an ethical approach. Students also may complete a certificate program in the first-of-its-kind John Curley Center for Sports Journalism, which provides a classroom emphasis and special experiences for those interested in sports communications-related professions.

Hands-on opportunities include the award-winning "Centre County Report" newscast, newscasts and talk shows on CommRadio, and coverage of national and international special events. Many examples of work from those endeavors can be found on the CommMedia site, which features student work.

The department emphasizes an ethical approach and a grounding in professional procedures.

Courses, Suggested Academic Plans

Potential Internships & Employers

The primary goal of the Department of Journalism is to help educate students for careers as writers, reporters, editors and photographers.

Careers may be found with magazines, newspapers, online publications, television and radio. Many opportunities also exist with the government, industry and the non-profit sector. Some journalism majors, because of their flexible and valuable skill set, work in a variety of communications and public relations roles.

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Where You'll Find our Alumni

Ben Feller head shot

Ben Feller

Managing Director, Mercury Public Affairs // Former AP White House Correspondent

1992, Journalism

Lisa Salters head shot

Lisa Salters

Reporter, ESPN/ABC

1988, Broadcast Journalism

Ellyn Fisher head shot

Ellyn Fisher

VP of PR and Social Media, The Ad Council

1999, Journalism

Chris Krewson head shot

Chris Krewson

Executive Director, LION Publishers

1998, Journalism

Michael Weinreb head shot

Michael Weinreb

Author: The Kings of New York, Bigger Than the Game // Staff Writer, grantland.com

1994, Journalism

Paul Levine head shot

Paul Levine

Novelist and TV Writer

1969, Journalism

MIke Signora head shot

MIke Signora

VP Football Communications, NFL

1996, Journalism

Rennie Dyball head shot

Rennie Dyball

Author // News Editor, people.com

2002, Journalism

Mike Missanelli head shot

Mike Missanelli

Sports Radio Host, 97.5 The Fanatic, Philadelphia

1977, Journalism

Tom Verducci head shot

Tom Verducci

Reporter, Fox Sports, and Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated

1982, Journalism

Jeffrey Ballou head shot

Jeffrey Ballou

News Editor, Al Jazeera English

1990, Journalism

Lara Spencer head shot

Lara Spencer

Co-Anchor, ABC's Good Morning America

1991, Broadcast-Cable

Patrick Mairs head shot

Patrick Mairs

Editor/Producer, The Associated Press

2001, Journalism

Mike Conti head shot

Mike Conti

Anchor/Reporter, CBS Radio

2003, Journalism

Daniel Victor head shot

Daniel Victor

Reporter, The New York Times

2006, Journalism

Emily Kaplan head shot

Emily Kaplan

Reporter, ESPN

2013, Journalism