Journalism at Lamar University

The student journalist preparing for a career in media, whether print or electronic, will find ample course offerings at Lamar University. From the fundamentals of news theory to the experience gained from practical application, Lamar's communication faculty guide their students to prepare for successful careers. In the Macintosh-equipped media lab students learn cutting-edge computer assisted design and research techniques for use in everything from investigative reporting to broadcast journalism. Courses in newsgathering and journalistic writing prepare students to grapple with issues of ethics and the role of a free press in modern society.

Journalism majors must complete 30 credit hours in the departmental core and 18 hours of journalism studies. These courses include news gathering and reporting, editing & copywriting, photojournalism, advertising practices & principles, and independent academic studies in media under the tutorship of faculty members.

In addition to desktop publishing, majors also participate in practical internships both off-campus with professional journalists, and on-campus with the staff of Lamar University's award-winning student newspaper, the University Press. These internships give students the opportunity to gain "real world" experience and to build portfolios of published material that make a real difference in the job market after graduation. Acquaintances and contacts students make in the regular course of required internships are invaluable to future careers, and the practical experience they receive prepares them for success in the field.