The New Major: Journalism

The Fall 2010 semester will welcome a highly anticipated new major that has seen exponential growth at universities both domestic and international. With Americans becoming more and more hungry for quality, reliable, fast news in the forms of ever-evolving technology, demand for news reporters, news anchors, and newsroom researchers has more than tripled in the past decade. In the past, students at Fayetteville State University wishing to pursue media careers leaned towards a BA in Communications with a concentration in Speech or Mass Communications, or a BA in English. Soon, students will have the option of a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Journalism. The Communications faculty is expanding its family to include three new professors who will increase the class selections to include new journalism courses. "We are training the next generation of media professionals. We want to make sure they get the best of the best--labs, technology, faculty," said Dr. Todd Frobish, Associate Professor and Area Coordinator in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Fayetteville State University has two main outlets that will allow journalism students to gain valuable career experience and experiment with what different types of media communication fit their personalities and goals. The Voice Newspaper and the student radio station, Bronco Radio, give students the opportunity to get inside the daily functions of news, writing, speaking, and catering to a specific audience. Bronco Radio will be student run. "I want people to look at it as another club or organization that means something. People look at the greeks and SAC (Student Activities Council) and say if you're not in those you aren't doing anything. This can mean a lot to a lot of people," said Bronco Radio Marketing Director, Sophomore Alexis Kondratyk.

Media and journalism careers are highly competitive and often require internships or prior work experience just for entry level positions. Students interested in pursuing the new major should consult with their academic advisor or contact Dr. Todd Frobish at TFROBISH@uncfsu.edu.