About This Program
Journalism at UMD sets itself apart from other schools in the region with our emphasis on community journalism, small class sizes, and local media connections. Our courses are designed to give you a broad set of skills to pursue careers in journalism and related fields, such as social media, public relations, and marketing.
As one of our students, you’re not just earning a grade; you’re gaining valuable experience. We prepare you with hands-on experiences and pay close attention to writing, reporting, research, and multimedia production. In many courses you have opportunities to publish original work.
We focus on teaching evidence-based and problem-solving skills including writing across platforms, communication, research, and critical thinking—all skills that directly transfer to various professions.
Program Highlights
- Every course in the program is taught by someone who brings professional experience into the classroom. Faculty have worked at community newspapers, local radio and television stations, and start-up internet companies, with work experience in related fields like public relations, marketing, and multimedia production
- Strong focus on studying the role of journalism in a changing world
- Personal connections between you and faculty
- Produce journalistic work that showcases an area of specialization that draws on your creativity and entrepreneurial spirit
- Customizable degree options based on your interests
- Strong alumni network connects to you to jobs and career mentoring
Research & Experiential Learning
- Campus media and publishing beginning the first semester
- Journalism program’s digital-first news outlet, LakeVoiceNews.org, provides opportunities to publish and practice skills used in the professional world
- UMD’s student news organization, The Bark, is a great place to meet other students and make an impact early in your college career. You can participate in weekly meetings, pitch story ideas, cover events, and more
Student Internships
- BusinessNorth
- Duluth Art Institute
- Duluth News Tribune
- Lake County Press
- Lake Superior Magazine
- Perfect Duluth Day
- The North 103.3 FM
- Pine Knot News
- Fox 21 News KQDS-TV
- Northern News (NBC/CBS)
- WDIO-TV (ABC)
- WDSE-TV (PBS)
Potential Careers
- News reporter
- News producer
- Web site or social media content manager
- Photojournalism
- Public relations
- Marketing
- Advertising
- Corporate communication
- Health communication
- Local television news
- Multimedia journalism
- Publishing (newspaper, magazine, book)
- Electronic media
- Graduate and law school
Scholarships
As a student in CAHSS and the Communication department, you have access to scholarships awarded annually. The department specifically awards scholarships at our senior banquet each spring, for which we encourage all eligible students to apply:
- The Larry Oakes Journalism Scholarship
- The Gustaf A. and Mary V. Nordin Memorial Scholarship
- The Steven R. Fox Journalism Scholarship
Get Involved
- The Bark student newspaper
- LakeVoiceNews.org
- Communication Club
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.