Capstone Courses

The School of Journalism and Mass Communication requires that all JMC majors complete one capstone course prior to graduation. Our capstone courses are hands-on, experiential learning classes that provide an opportunity for students to strengthen their research, writing, storytelling, and media production skills as they produce professional-quality content for clients or publication. Students will develop their professional portfolio and will leave their capstone with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for entry-level jobs or internships in media-related fields.

Learning Goals

Media in the real world

Situated production, work for clients, or products for publication where students pitch or publish with an outside publication or client.

Professional skills

Demonstrate key professional skills at the entry level for the field.

Research and planning

Practice in-depth research and planning for media production.

Revision and feedback

Understand and implement constructive feedback for iterative improvement.

Portfolio

Update a personal website or digital portfolio to showcase professional-quality work.

Capstone_west branch

Strategic communication for local businesses

Iowa Community News

JMC:4105

Public affairs reporting focused on utilizing community-engaged storytelling techniques and covering underrepresented groups. 

Advanced Strategic Storytelling

JMC:4125

Advanced tools for creating great content; tactics for reaching the right audiences with the right message at the right time.

Photo Storytelling

JMC:4300

Builds on photography skills learned in previous coursework, including documentary photography and advanced photography techniques.

Strategic Communication Campaigns

JMC:4315

Development and presentation of public relations campaigns for client organizations through objective-based strategic planning.

Multimedia Production for Publication

JMC:4335

Structured in a workshop-like manner where students create professional quality, commercially viable content to inform, persuade or entertain.

Advanced Graphic Design

JMC:4350

Advanced design, layout, and production with practical and aesthetic considerations; digital techniques and creative projects.

Visual Branding & Design

JMC:4360

Use a variety of design research and visual communication methods to produce public-facing, visual marketing materials for clients.