The digital revolution has changed the way we gather, produce and disseminate news, but journalists are more in demand than ever. People always want to know what's going on and need responsible, ethical, accurate journalists to tell them. Our journalism program provides hands-on, multimedia experience in reporting, writing, editing, producing and publishing in state-of-the-art newsrooms and on mobile devices. The curriculum is structured around a core of courses, introducing students to new technologies as they progress through increasingly more complex and topical courses. The core courses aim to prepare students for advanced work on all platforms.

Practicing and studying journalism enhances critical thinking: figuring out what the story is and how to get it quickly, accurately and fairly. Students have the opportunity to learn how to place news in a context that helps readers, listeners, and viewers make sense of the world. Good writing is paramount. Students are taught how to find, report and tell engaging stories that stand out in today's complex world using social media, audio, video and still photography on smartphones and digital cameras.

Students produce the highly-respected Columbia Chronicle, named best college weekly in the nation by the Society of Professional Journalists. They have options of portfolio- building capstone courses in interactive magazines or news and features. Students interested in broadcast journalism produce Newsbeat, a live TV newscast. These students have won highly competitive recognition from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Emmy Awards. Students also can write and produce news for college radio station WCRX 88.1 FM, and host their own talk and music shows. Our college-supported ChicagoTalks hyperlocal covers the neighborhoods of the nation's third-largest city, increasing multi-platform publishing opportunities for our students. Students are also encouraged to take internships.

As a result of successfully completing program requirements, students should be able to:

• write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the media professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
• gather and report information thoroughly and accurately using a wide range of sources;
• design and present audio, images, video and other stories using current tools and technologies;
• create and produce work that can be shared publicly in various media;
• demonstrate and apply an understanding of professional journalistic ethical principles in pursuit of truth, independence, accuracy, fairness and diversity; and
• understand and apply the principles and laws of copyright, freedom of speech and freedom of the press in the United States.