OVERVIEW OF MAJOR
Do you enjoy writing? Would you like to write about current news events, important social issues, or the exploration of new developments in art, travel, entertainment, science, technology, or business topics? Does investigating and reporting real, behind-the-scenes stories intrigue you? Does the fast moving world of public relations and promotion of the latest products, interesting places or new ideas sound exciting to you? Would you like to use modern techniques and the tools of video communication and television news production to inform people about what is happening around the world? Are you interested in writing or producing information for the Internet? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, then a major in Technical Journalism may be just for you.
The study of journalism and mass communication combines high-level professional training with a broad foundation in the liberal arts. Students complete a 15-credit core in one of four concentrations and 6-9 credits of mass media and society courses. Students may also complete a professionally administered media internship program. Additional practical experience can be gained on the staff of the award-winning Student Media department. You can work for the daily Rocky Mountain Collegian, Campus Television (CTV) or KCSU-FM Radio. Graduating seniors present professional portfolios for assessment by panels of faculty and communication professionals from Denver and elsewhere in Colorado. Because successful communicators require broad knowledge, this flexible program encourages development of a background in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and in-depth study in an area of interest outside journalism. The addition of a minor or double major in a related discipline such as political science, economics, business, speech communication, psychology or a foreign language is possible. The Department of Journalism and Technical Communication is one of a select number of departments recognized nationally by the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
The five concentrations offered are: Computer-Mediated Communication for students interested in Web design and management and other areas where computers play an essential communication role; News-Editorial for those who seek careers as newspaper and general magazine writers, reporters, and editors; Public Relations for training communication specialists in business, government, non-profit organizations, and public relations and advertising agencies; Specialized and Technical Communication for those who wish to write or edit for publications aimed at professional, technical, and other specialized audiences; and Television News and Video Communication for students pursuing television news and video production careers, in corporations, government agencies and institutions, cable television and the news media.
Back to top
CHARACTERISTICS AND SKILLS
* Strong interest in and aptitude for writing
* Strong interest in mass communications
* Interest in a broad liberal arts education
* Ability to meet deadlines
* Ability to work in a team or independently
* Desire to investigate and analyze a variety of topics
* Ability to glean and synthesize information from a variety of sources
* Interest and aptitude for working with sophisticated communications technology
* Ability to pay attention to detail
Back to top
POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS
The Journalism and Technical Communication program emphasizes the role of mass media in society and prepares students for entry-level work in a variety of capacities in private business, government, and education. Depending upon the concentration chosen, students may enter print and broadcast news media, public relations and marketing departments in private businesses and public institutions, publications firms and agencies oriented toward specialized and technical audiences, and a variety of professional positions related to news video and computer-based communication technologies. Participation in internships, volunteer activities, or cooperative education opportunities is highly recommended to enhance your practical training and development. Career occupations include but are not limited to:
* News reporter/editor
* Publication editor
* Media consultant
* Public relations specialist
* Technical writer
* Photo journalist
* Investigative journalist
* Advertising specialist
* Television/Radio broadcaster
* Television camera operator
* Documentary producer
* Special events coordinator
* Technical advertising specialist
* Video producer/editor
* Fundraising specialist
* Public speaker
* Travel writer
* Columnist
* Advertising placement specialist
* Communications officer
* Program director
Back to top
RELATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
* Society of Professional Journalists
* Public Relations Student Society of America
Back to top
MORE INFORMATION
Department of Journalism and Technical Communication
C225 Clark Bldg
1785 Campus Delivery
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1785
970-491-6310
http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/TJ/
* Academic and career advising for majors
Center for Advising and Student Achievement (CASA)
TILT Building
801 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1033
970-491-7095
http://www.casa.colostate.edu
* Academic advising/Major exploration
Career Center
26 Lory Student Center
Lower level, by Student Media
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-5707
http://career.colostate.edu
* Major and career exploration/Job search information
Admissions and Undergraduate Recruitment
Ammons Hall
711 Oval Drive
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO 80523
970-491-6909
http://www.admissions.colostate.edu
* Admission applications/University visits and tours
General Catalog Online
http://www.catalog.colostate.edu/
Back to top
|
