Journalism and Media Studies Undergraduate Program
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The Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies offers an undergraduate program that includes media industry-relevant coursework, hands-on training, and the professional experience necessary to prepare for careers in video and print journalism, sports media, digital and social media, advertising and public relations, and podcasting.
Available Concentrations
The Audio & Podcasting concentration immerses students in audio production, podcasting, radio broadcasting, and voiceover work. The program offers hands-on experience in digital signal flow, audio editing, microphone technique, and multitrack recording, preparing students for careers in professional audio and multimedia storytelling. Students build a professional portfolio through work with KUNV 91.5 FM, UNLV’s award-winning non-commercial radio station, setting the stage for success in this competitive industry.
The Public Relations & Advertising concentration teaches students to create content, develop strategies, and plan campaigns, with coursework in advertising copywriting, crisis communication, and social media strategies. Graduates find careers in public relations and advertising agencies, corporate communication, digital media, nonprofits, crisis management, and healthcare communication.
The Creative Media concentration develops students' skills in interactive digital media and information design, focusing on innovative media work and emerging technologies. The program aims to explore new media's societal role while teaching students to create professional-level multimedia.
The Digital & Social Media concentration offers students the chance to learn about emerging media technologies and social media through skills-based, theoretical, and hands-on courses. Students explore changes in journalism, mobile media, and public relations, gaining experience in asset creation and the analysis and development of digital and social media campaigns. This program prepares students to navigate the shifting media landscape while preparing for a career in this rapidly growing industry.
The Journalism concentration hones students' writing and reporting skills, preparing them to adapt stories for traditional and emerging media platforms. Emphasizing professional ethics and industry standards, the program trains students to meet various structural and stylistic expectations and to target specific audiences across major journalistic formats. Graduates are equipped to convey complex information clearly and excel in dynamic professional or academic environments.
The Sports Media concentration prepares students for careers in the expanding sports media and communications sector, equipping them with essential skills in sports journalism and digital content creation. Through courses in sports reporting, critical analysis, and strategic communication, and opportunities to cover local sporting events, students hone their reporting, producing, and broadcasting skills. Graduates build a professional network and are ready to excel in the competitive sports media landscape.
The Media Studies Concentration equips students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for leadership in professional communication. Courses in ethics, visual literacy, media criticism, and global media prepare students for diverse careers in media, law, business, and advanced academic degrees. This concentration emphasizes professionalism in a rapidly evolving and diverse workplace.
The Video Production and Journalism concentration equips students with the skills to craft captivating news stories through hands-on experiences in researching, reporting, editing, and production. Emphasizing mobile technology and social media, the program prepares students for the fast-paced digital news landscape. Graduates will navigate critical journalism issues and ethical dilemmas, becoming well-rounded journalists ready to excel in today's multimedia, multi-platform news environment.
“The School of Journalism and Media Studies took my passion, fostered it, and gave me the skills and opportunities I needed to make my dreams a reality. Upon graduation, I immediately began working in media. I am forever grateful and indebted to the wonderful staff and institution.”Sammi Reeves, Class of 2020
Gain Essential Skills for Career Success
Upon graduation, Journalism and Media Studies students will:
- Understand the history, purpose, and responsibilities of media and journalism in a free society.
- Appreciate and value the First Amendment and apply the First Amendment in the current information environment and in historical context.
- Conduct research that displays the ability to gather, evaluate, and verify qualitative and quantitative data.
- Create, write, organize, and distribute content in a variety of media formats.
- Identify and analyze emerging trends in media, technology, and communication.
- Apply professional ethical principles in journalism, media, and communications organizations
- Develop content that respects and reconciles multiple viewpoints, including diverse communities, global perspectives, civil liberties, and social justice
Contact
Dave Nourse
Undergraduate Coordinator
dave.nourse@unlv.edu