Choose the track in reporting and writing

Track outcomes

Students in the reporting and writing track will be prepared for careers in the news media and any field where excellent writing is required.

• Students will develop skills in research and verification through interviews, documentation, sourcing, and general news literacy.
• They will write at a professional level, demonstrating a firm command of style, clarity, and service to diverse audiences.
• Throughout the track, students will write news and feature stories on topics they care about and will develop design and multimedia skills to be well-rounded journalism professionals.

Build your skills

Hone your reporting and writing skills in small, hands-on classes that focus on key professional areas.

• Choose three writing/storytelling classes. You’ll take either Beat Reporting or Public Affairs Reporting, then two other classes from options like Feature Reporting and Writing, Investigative Reporting and Writing, and Multimedia Narratives.
• Choose one designing/producing class, from options like Graphic Design, Photography, Video Production, and Audio Production.
• In your capstone class, you’ll bring all your skills together to create professional-quality media for a journalistic publication.

Sharpen your skills

Engage in experiential learning and extracurricular opportunities.

• Fulfill your SCRIPT requirement with opportunities like the Washington D.C. Media Law Experience, guided research with SJMC faculty, and the Iowa Stories and Lived Experience (ISLE) workshop.
• Participate in student media, student organizations and internships.