School of Journalism and Mass Communication

Undergraduate Overview

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.

Our program prepares students for jobs in reporting and public relations, advertising, marketing, 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 graduates go on to be leaders in their chosen fields.

Learn more about:

World-Class Standing. Hands-On Learning.

A statue of Abraham Lincoln sits in front of Bascom Hall atop Bascom Hill.

Top university

for communication and media studies worldwide

Karyn Riddle, professor of journalism and mass communication, teaches an undergraduate course, Mass Media and Youth, in a classroom at Vilas Hall.

Hands-on learning with award-winning instructors

Graduate receiving a diploma from the chancellor

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.

Katy Culver, an associate professor in journalism and mass communication, facilitates an editorial-planning discussion with journalism students in a magazine-production class in Vilas Communication Hall.

Reporting and Multimedia Journalism

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.

CNN's chief business correspondent Ali Velshi (at right in black shirt) ask questions of UW–Madison students commenting about the state of the American economy as a CNN Express video crew tapes the town hall-style meeting in the courtyard of Grainger Hall at the Wisconsin School of Business.

Undergraduate Program News

SJMC Students and Curb Magazine Win Milwaukee Press Club 2022 Excellence in Journalism Awards

Students took home 24 MPC Excellence in Journalism awards, including 14 Gold awards. Additionally, many alumni took home professional awards for their work.

SJMC Students Win 2023 American Advertising Award

Six SJMC students won a brass American Advertising Award for their Cross Platform Integrated Advertising Campaign from the American Advertising Federation – Madison.

More undergraduate program news

SJMC Students Help Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens Announce Expansion

Students created and ran a public relations campaign for Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens as part of their public relations strategy coursework.