Journalism Major, B.A.

If, through writing or imagery, you are compelled to chronicle the stories that define society and culture, that underlie the decisions we make and ultimately affect us all, then you are a journalist at heart. But how do you become a trusted voice amidst the cacophony of unreliable media?

MSU Denver’s bachelor of arts degree in Journalism is your path to a career as a respected journalist. Revering the role of the free press in America, MSU Denver’s Journalism program stresses the journalism code of ethics, which dictates that truth and accuracy, independence, fairness and impartiality, humanity and accountability are paramount. MSU Denver professors teach rigorous courses covering First Amendment case studies and ethical issues that prepare you for careers in both print and electronic newsrooms, public relations firms and corporate communications departments.

At the same time, MSU Denver’s Journalism program has evolved with the ongoing transformation of media. As a Journalism major, you will learn to identify the story or program purpose, create a sound message and use the appropriate medium in which to deliver it. As a Journalism graduate, you will know how to develop accurate, concise, informative narratives no matter the platform or audience.

Through on-the-job training in internships, student media and working with MSU Denver Journalism and Public Relations professors, who have years of experience in markets such as Chicago, San Francisco, Kansas City and elsewhere, you will acquire the resume and skills necessary to earn your spot as a respected member of the media.

Benefits of Earning Your Degree at MSU Denver

An internship where you will practice your craft is an essential part of your MSU Denver Journalism program. Among the media outlets, nonprofit organizations and businesses that offer internships to MSU Denver Journalism and Public Relations students are:

• Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
• Denver Urban Spectrum
• Loveland Daily Reporter Herald
• City of Aurora
• Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Mile High Sports
• Elevation Media Group
• Fox 31 News
• Colorado Avid Golfer Magazine
• Navigant International
• Rocky Mountain PBS
• Active Interest Media

The Journalism program also has a variety of photo and audio equipment for student use including:

• High-end Canon digital cameras and lenses
• Portable audio recorders with microphones
• Photo Mechanic digital photo editing software
• LED portable light kits
• Drones used to capture video
• Adobe Creative Cloud software including Photoshop, Illustrator and Lightroom

MSU Denver, located on the Auraria Campus adjacent to Downtown Denver, is close to the heart of Denver’s major broadcast stations as well as The Denver Post where you will find opportunities for internships and possible future employment.

Career Opportunities for Our Graduates

The 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook lists $61,240 as the annual media salary for writers and authors, including journalists, and $58,020 for public relations specialists.

Among the careers you will be qualified for as an MSU Denver Journalism graduate are:

• Magazine writer/editor
• Media relations
• Corporate communications manager
• News reporter
• Print and electronic layout designer
• Multimedia journalist
• Public relations professional
• Social documentarian
• Broadcast journalist
• Freelance writer
• Public information officer
• Investigative journalist
• Photojournalist
• Social media writer
• Sports journalist

Featured Faculty

Kip Wotkyns

Magazine Professor Kip Wotkyns was a working journalist for 24 years, most of that time in New York City. Previously, he worked for Time Inc. for 14 years. He was a reporter for FORTUNE magazine and a copy editor for TIME magazine. He was also the President of Leman Publications Inc., a magazine publishing company formerly owned by Rodale Press Inc. His undergraduate degree is from Stanford University, and his graduate degrees are from Columbia University. On May 4, 2018, he was promoted to the rank of full Professor, the highest academic level attainable in the profession.

Featured Alumni

Alumni at Work

MSU Denver Journalism graduates are employed at nearly every major media distributor or content provider in Denver including:

• 9News
• 7NEWS
• Fox31
• CBS4
• Rocky Mountain PBS
• The Denver Post
• Boulder Daily Camera

They have also been hired by the City of Denver, Colorado School of Mines, Donor Alliance, Kaiser Permanente and Lockheed Martin, among others.

Journalism graduates have earned postgraduate degrees at:

• University of California Berkeley
• Columbia Graduate School of Journalism
• Northwestern University
• New York University
• University of Colorado Denver
• University of Wisconsin
• University of Tulsa College of Law