Undergraduate Studies FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions asked by SJMC undergraduates. If you have questions that are not covered here, contact the SJMC Undergraduate Studies Office at (612) 625-0120 or sjmcugs@umn.edu.
When can I apply to get into the major?
Can I graduate in four years with a major in journalism?
What if I'm interested in both the strategic communication and journalism program tracks?
What is a typical class size in the SJMC?
How do I get my major adviser?
Are internships available? Can I get class credit for an internship?
Do I have to complete the CLA second language requirement?
How does the SJMC rank among other schools of journalism and mass communication?
What is the job market like for graduates of the SJMC?
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 faculty 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.
How do I get my major adviser?
All CLA students are assigned a CLA adviser who works with them from the beginning of their freshman year until they graduate. When a student becomes a SJMC premajor, Linda Lindholm, the Undergraduate Studies Coordinator in the SJMC, will advise them. When students are officially admitted to the major, they are assigned a SJMC faculty adviser who matches the student's stated interests as outlined in the major application. Students who want to change advisers at any point during their academic career should contact the SJMC Student Services Center to make the request.
Are internships available? Can I get class credit for an internship?
Yes, internships are available and it is recommended that students participate in an internships if possible. Visit the SJMC online job/internship database to learn about internships that are available to SJMC students.
SJMC majors can earn one credit for an internship by registering for Jour 3996.
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.