Breadcrumb
Careers & Alumni
The Journalism major prepares students for careers in digital media production, news, public relations, radio, media research and analysis and related fields.
Our primary focus is on producing ethical media practitioners while teaching students how to think more critically about the media they consume and produce. Students learn ways to communicate information effectively and tell compelling stories across media technologies. They study the role of the media in society and learn how media industries shape culture and are affected by political and economic systems.
Related Career Fields
The following list is not meant to be all inclusive; many other job alternatives and titles may exist. Some require further education.
- Writer
- Editor
- Reporter
- Communications Director
- Copy Editor
- Photographer
- Social Media Manager
- Radio Show Host
- News Anchor
- Director
- Documentary Producer
- Public Relations Manager
- Advertising Director
- Online Editor
- Web Designer
- Media Entrepreneur
Marketable Skills
Media Production and Storytelling
- Ability to tell non-fiction stories using visual and audio tools and technologies
- Ability to write clearly in styles appropriate for news or public relations, considering audiences and the purpose the content serves
- Ability to gather information from diverse sources
Media Ethics and Laws
- Knowledge of media laws and First Amendment rights and limitations
- Knowledge of ethical principles in media and public relations
Critical Thinking and Evaluation
- Ability to critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy, fairness, and clarity
Career Development
- Understanding of how media professionals produce content and shape the world
- Develop a portfolio of work for use in job searches
Meet our Alumni
Alumni Updates
Mellisa Hannum
Journalism, 2005
Mellisa graduated with a B.A. in Journalism in 2005 and Liberal Studies/Elementary Education in 1999. She volunteered at many libraries including the Arcata Branch of the Humboldt County Public Library system. After working in many library roles in Nevada County, she was hired as the Branch Librarian for Coast Community Library in Mendocino County. Mellisa is now the Library Director for Mendocino County's public libraries. She works to support the Library's mission of enriching lives through free and equitable access to materials and programs centered on education, culture, and entertainment.
Heather Sundblad-Rhoade
Journalism, 2003
Heather Sundblad-Rhoade moved away from journalism and public relations and entered the world of business ownership. She purchased a retail business in August 2022 and has now been the owner and operator of a gift shop - Willow & Ash - in Forest Grove, Oregon, for two years. 2024 has been a year of milestones: She celebrated her 20-year anniversary with her husband and watched her daughter graduate from high school and move on to college to work on completing a degree in welding technology.
Kenneth Norris
Journalism, 1989
With his beautiful wife of 30 years, TJ, Ken is spending his "gap years" between a 40-year career in journalism and retirement serving in the Peace Corps in Thailand. At a rural South Thailand community, Trang Province, he teaches English to the grade equivalents of American Kindergarten to junior high. Additionally, he is helping train Thai teachers to be better English speakers and teachers, to promote a better understanding of Americans in Thailand, and to promote a better understanding of Thailand to Americans, specifically family, friends, and social media followers.