The School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers a liberal arts approach to professional training in a variety of mass communication careers, offering a Journalism Bachelor of Arts (J.B.A.) or Journalism Bachelor of Science (J.B.S.). Our program prepares students for jobs in reporting and public relations, advertising and marketing communications, political and health communication, and digital and social media, as well as professional positions in sports communication, magazine publishing, video production and multimedia design, among others.
Our home in the College of Letters and Sciences means students also receive excellent training in fundamentals of media law and history, media institutions and influence, and a range of approaches to media research and inquiry, balancing strong social-scientific, humanistic and theoretical instruction with our skills training. Our mission is to produce well-rounded practitioners and citizens who are informed consumers of information, responsible producers of content, and passionate innovators of digital communication technologies. We want reporting students to gain an understanding of the motives and goals of strategic communicators, and for strategic communication students to have strong understanding of the norms and values of reporting.
Ideal Mix of Practice and Theory
Our curriculum’s near-equal mix of practice and theory, underpinned by our top research/graduate program, is unique among the top schools in our field. It has given us a reputation as the brainy, academically high-powered department, where students learn not only how to practice, but what that practice means to society, culture, behavior, health, politics and all areas of civic life. Our curriculum equips students with a deep understanding of the ever-changing landscape of digital media and the modern communication environment.
Before beginning to specialize in either reporting or strategic communication, all students must take gateway classes that introduce them to the field, teach them common practices used by professionals, and acquaint them with information collection and analysis techniques. Students learn to cull and synthesize information, write clearly and effectively, produce compelling media content, analyze data rigorously, and form sound communication strategies. They also receive rigorous and systematic training in theories and practices leading to effective and responsible communications, regardless of whether they are informative or persuasive. At the same time, students enjoy the flexibility of developing specializations such as sports communication, digital marketing, or investigative reporting to prepare for their individualized career path, so that no two graduates of the program are identical.
With a dazzling array of local and campus media opportunities, students have ample opportunity to put their training and thinking into practice. These include dozens of award-winning advertising and public relations firms and multiple local newspapers and local broadcasters, as well as the competing Daily Cardinal and Badger Herald student newspapers, WSUM student radio, no fewer than eight student-run magazines and journals funded by the Wisconsin Union Directorate. Internships are plentiful on our vibrant, research-rich campus and in and around the state Capitol blocks away. And our geographically diverse student population has carried our reputation far beyond the borders of Madison and Wisconsin, making our majors competitive for internships across the world.
The SJMC also has the school’s own award-winning student magazine, Curb, and award-winning student newscast, The Badger Report. There are also opportunities to extend learning beyond the classroom through student clubs and groups. SJMC houses one of the largest student advertising student organizations in the country – Ad Club, where students have the opportunity to work on real campaigns for actual clients through the Ad Club Agency. Other student organizations include chapters of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) — which founded the university’s first student run public relations firm, Bucky PR— and the Association of Women in Communication (AWC), and Association of Women in Sports Media.
The undergraduate major in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers an unequaled blend of skills training, theoretical learning and real-world practice. As a result, our graduates leave as able practitioners, critical thinkers, seasoned problem solvers and innovators. They go on to be leaders in their chosen fields.

Top university
for communication and media studies worldwide

Hands-on learning with award-winning instructors

97%
of our graduates found full-time work in their chosen field
Explore Our Degree Tracks
Strategic Communication
Strategic communication is communication that serves a strategic or persuasive purpose on behalf of a client or organization. Examples include: advertising; public relations; media planning; political communication; issue advocacy.

Reporting
Reporting is communication that informs the public about issues and events of civic importance. Examples include news reporting (print, broadcast and digital); investigative reporting; magazine writing, editing and publishing; creative nonfiction.

Undergraduate Degree Requirements & Information
Degrees granted: Journalism Bachelor of Arts (JBA) or Journalism Bachelor of Science (JBS).
Length of study: Three semesters minimum to complete all degree requirements; summer courses may apply.
Course of study and prerequisites: J201 is required for admission to the J-School, and J202 is a prerequisite for both J335 and J345. Thus, J202 cannot be taken in the same semester as J335 or J345. Students may not take J335/345 while taking a 400-level course.
Tracks within the major: Students may choose either reporting or strategic communications as their major track. Students who choose to double-track must take courses sequentially.
Other degree requirements: Students must complete the standard Letters & Science general education requirements and a breadth requirement within the journalism major. This includes a complement of humanities and social science courses.
Study abroad and double majors: It is possible to complete a double major or study abroad and, with good planning, still graduate in four years. Note: Students may not double major in journalism and any program offered through the School of Education (such as art) or the Business School (such as marketing, with the exception of the certificate for non-business majors).
Journalism certificate or minor: None offered.