Advising & Support : Journalism & Mass Communication : U of M

Advising & Support

Contacting advisers

SJMC Faculty Mentors

For faculty contact information visit the faculty profiles page.

Online Program Amendment Form
If you are a journalism major who was admitted to the major before April 2009 you may request program plan changes online. Students admitted after April 2009 should submit an updated Major Program Plan and Timeline to Linda Lindholm for review.

SJMC Undergraduate Student Services Staff

Linda Lindholm, Coordinator of Student Services
Maggie Cosgrove, Student Personnel Coordinator

To schedule an appointment please call 612-625-0120.

College Advising Offices
You can find contact information for all of the University of Minnesota advising and counseling offices on One Stop.

As a journalism major, you have advising support within the SJMC, an adviser in your college advising office and access to career counselors in your college. You are responsible for your own academic progress. Work closely with these advisers to achieve your goals.

Here are some guidelines for determining the right resource for your questions:

See SJMC advisers to:

Ask questions about your academic interests, your major or supporting courses, and your program plan.
Change any of the courses listed on your program plan. If you take a journalism course before receiving approval to make the amendment, you may not receive credit for the course.
Find out more information about your field of interest, possible careers, internships, or graduate school.
Discuss extracurricular opportunities available with campus media outlets and other media organizations.
Review course prerequisites, registration, or any other questions about SJMC courses.
Petition for exemptions to an SJMC policy.
Discuss learning abroad options.

See College advisers to:

Discuss degree requirements and graduation. You must meet with your College adviser before your senior year to verify your graduation requirements.
Find out about liberal education and language requirements.
Ask questions about course planning, degree audits, and registration policies or procedures.
Find out about University resources.
Get assistance with academic difficulties or nonacademic issues.
Discuss learning abroad options.
Petition for exemptions to college or university policies or deadlines.

See College career counselors to discuss:

GoldPASS, the U’s online job and internship database.
Resumes and interviewing skills.
Career exploration and job search strategies.
Graduate school applications and entrance exams.

Keep in touch with Murphy Weekly

We encourage undergraduate students to sign up for the SJMC’s student email newsletter, the Murphy Weekly. You will receive a weekly digest email from The Murphy Weekly, the SJMC's news and information blog. The Murphy Weekly blog includes important notices about upcoming events, deadlines, jobs, internships, scholarships and more. You'll also receive e-mail newsflashes about important dates, course information, and upcoming events.

Follow us on Twitter for Newsflash-type announcements, Student Services information, internship opportunities and other SJMC happenings.

FAQ

When can I apply to get into the major?
Students may apply for major status during the second semester of their freshman year if they have earned a C or better grade in (or are currently enrolled in) Jour 1001, and will have completed at least 30 credits by the end of the semester. Students should apply for major status no later than spring semester of their sophomore year. Admission to the major is competitive. Most students who are successful in applying to the major have at least a B average.
Can I graduate in four years with a major in journalism?
Yes. Students who register for full-credit loads (15 semester credits) and who become majors before their junior year are able to graduate in four years.
What if I'm interested in both the strategic communication and journalism program tracks?
Students usually find that they have a stronger interest in one area or the other as they begin taking their professional courses. With SJMC adviser approval, journalism students can include some strategic communication courses in their programs and vice-versa.It is also possible to change from one track to another without having to reapply for the major.
What is a typical class size in the SJMC?
Most professional (skills) courses are limited to 20 students. Context courses that are open to all students have larger enrollments depending on the demand from non-majors. The only large lecture class that majors are required to take is Jour 1001, which usually has about 150 students.
Are internships available? Can I get class credit for an internship?
Yes, internships are available and it is recommended that students participate in multiple internships if possible. SJMC majors can earn one credit in conjunction with an internship by registering for Jour 3996. You can view job and internship opportunities on GoldPASS, the University-wide job and internship database.
Do I have to complete the CLA second language requirement?
Yes. Journalism majors must complete all degree requirements for a B.A. degree from the College of Liberal Arts.
How does the SJMC rank among other schools of journalism and mass communication?
There is no formal ranking for journalism schools.However, the SJMC is accredited by the national accrediting council for journalism schools and is recognized as one of the foremost journalism schools in the nation.
What is the job market like for graduates of the SJMC?
The job market for journalism graduates is always competitive.It is helpful for students to have campus media and internship experience, in addition to their degree, to be as competitive as possible in the job market. Participation in the professional student organizations (Ad Club, PRISM, PRSSA, SPJ) and the SJMC alumni mentoring program are good ways to get the experience and contacts that will help you land your first industry position.