Journalism
Grand View journalism professors believe that in order to become professional business communicators, students need to learn practical aspects of journalism as well as build a solid liberal arts background. The Journalism major provides writing, editing, and layout experience from beginning to advanced levels. You'll prepare for careers in newspapers, in-house publications, or public relations.
Check out the online edition of The Grand Views, our campus news paper, produced by students!
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Courses and Requirements
Departmental Courses in the Core:
- Basic Digital Photography
Prerequisites for the Major:
- Mass Communication
- Beginning Desktop Publishing
Departmental Courses Required of All Majors:
- Digital Video & Audio
- Broadcast Production
- Basic Digital Photography
- Reporting
- Communication for the Web
- Advanced Desktop Projects
4 Hours Minimum From:
- Publication Design Essentials
- Feature Writing
- Communication Law
- Advanced Reporting
- Newsletter and Copy Editing
- Multimedia for the Web
- Communication Career Seminar
- Journalism Lab/Reporting OR
- Advanced Journalism Lab
- Public Relations Principles
- Internship OR
- An Upper division COMM Elective
For detailed course descriptions, please go to the catalog HERE.
Career Options
Grand View graduates excel in many areas of the journalism industry. Some of their positions include:
• Graphic Designer, Cityview
• Reporter, The Des Moines Register
• Photographer, The Des Moines Register
• Public Relations, Strategic America
• News Editor, Cedar Rapids Gazette
Internships
Because Grand View is located in Des Moines, the heart of Iowa's media operations, students have frequent contact with professionals in the industry. All communication majors are urged to complete an internship either on or off campus. Past internships connecting Grand View with the Des Moines community include:
• The Des Moines Register
• County and city governments
• Iowa Methodist Medical Center
• Iowa Cubs Association
Beginning their freshman year, students may work on the weekly newspaper, The Grand Views, which is completely student produced. Student internships on The Grand Views provide important experiences in writing, editing, layout, and managing a newspaper. Students learn the basic principles of photography as well. Basic Photography gives immediate access to the computer lab and studio, and students are encouraged to submit photographs for campus publications to develop a professional portfolio. Newsletter projects are another way in which theory and hands-on experience are combined.
Opportunities
Join The Communication Club and get involved! Grand View University's Communication Club allows all students to experience the world of communications through guest speakers, tours of broadcast stations, and student-produced programming. The Communication Club also gives students the opportunity to attend national conventions and take trips to major media markets.
Sponsor: Ms. Becky McDonnell
Cowles, Room 101
263-2836
bmcdonnell@grandview.edu
You will also have the opportunity to be involved in Grand View Radio and GVTV as well.