Journalism
Journalists are reporters, watchdogs, storytellers. The Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism teaches students how to cover real stories that make a difference. Whether using a camera, a microphone, a smartphone or a laptop, students become journalists by doing journalism inside and outside the classroom.
Gaining critical skills that equip them for storytelling in all its forms, students will practice their craft in Kent State’s award-winning student media. Working with these outlets, students will learn how to engage audiences where they “live,” on TV, radio, online, social media and in print. Journalism students will produce news and feature content on visual, digital and emerging platforms, and they’ll apply what they’ve learned as part of the required professional internship.
The journalism program is housed in Franklin Hall, situated on the edge of campus near downtown. Students work collaboratively every day in our multimedia student newsroom, television studio, magazine offices, radio station and business office. Students also have access to video editing suites with virtual reality capabilities, sound editing and recording labs and a fully stocked equipment check-out room/training lab.
Concentrations
Students can choose from one of these concentrations:
Broadcast Journalism
Reporting, writing and producing for all platforms, with a focus on video and audio
Emerging Technology
Augmented reality-based storytelling, mobile app development and content, data visualization
Multimedia and Magazine
Reporting, writing and editing for digital and print; includes multimedia and data skill development
Photojournalism
Visual aspects of news reporting and storytelling, with a focus on developing a strong portfolio
National Distinction
Kent State is home to one of only three accredited journalism and mass communication schools in Ohio.
While they are students, journalism majors at Kent State earn some of the highest honors in collegiate journalism. And as alumni, they continue that trend, continually being recognized with Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, Society of Professional Journalists' Mark of Excellence Awards and more. Sixteen of our alumni have earned Pulitzer Prizes, some of whom now teach in our School.
Career Outlook
With a grounding in ethics and an understanding of media’s role in democratic society, students graduate prepared to continue as journalists or apply their skills to other professions that value critical thinking, information gathering and the ability to make sense of it for others.
"(My favorite memory at Kent State is) my experience with TV2 News. I wouldn't be anywhere near the journalist I am today without it. ... The School of Media and Journalism here at Kent is like no other and truly prepared me for the next steps in my career."
Melissa Meyers, '21, Multimedia Journalist, WBTW News (Myrtle Beach, S.C.)
You'll find our alumni working as:
- Opinion Editor, USA Today Network
- Senior Producer, NPR
- Multimedia/Online Reporting for
- Washington Post
- The Athletic
- Forbes.com
- And many other online news sites
- National Projects Designer at GateHouse Media
- Reporting and producing for daily news outlets in the major cities of:
- Las Vegas
- Columbus
- New York City
- Seattle
- Portland
- And more
- Live Content Creator, Major League Baseball
- Editing and production for trade publications covering:
- solar energy
- tourism
- wildlife
- automotive
- landscaping
- Communications managers in:
- higher education
- healthcare
- nonprofits
- government entities
- And more
