Student with a large camera and equipment walking down the hallway of the Superdome

Multimedia Journalism Concentration


Importance of Journalism

In an ever-changing world, journalism keeps changing with it. The Multimedia Journalism concentration is more than a degree path; it is the continuation of generations of reporters and editors dedicated to truth in information. Students learn everything about news, from broadcast to design to audience and technological innovations.

An Evolving Industry

Defining journalism is not as simple as it once was. Journalism is writing and photography, but it is also storytelling and production. Journalism’s wide range means that journalists must be ready for anything. Writing, editing, production, video, design and website skills are emphasized to ensure that students leave equipped with the skills to thrive in a wide range of industries. Graduates often find work at websites, TV stations, magazine publications, sports organizations and nonprofits.

Curriculum

Courses begin with the foundational skills journalists need before allowing students to choose courses that are tailored to their specific interests. In this way, students will have both a depth and breadth of knowledge on the news industry and its practices.

Student looking behind the camera in a studio seeing anchors broadcasting at a desk

Journalism Core

JMC 101 Media and Society 
JMC 300 Visual Storytelling 
JMC 302 Infomania 
JMC 304 Media Writing 
JMC 608 Media Ethics 
JMC 618 First Amendment 
JMC diversity course 
Journalism Electives (6 hours)

Multimedia Journalism Concentration

JMC 415 Multimedia Reporting
JMC 419 Multimedia Editing
JMC 551,552 or 553 Digital Media
JMC Advanced Media Lab
JMC News and Information Capstone

Journalism core

JMC 101 Media and Society
JMC 104 Words at Work: Writing Essentials
JMC 300 Visual Storytelling
JMC 302 Information Exploration
JMC 304 Media Writing for Audiences
JMC 309 Data Storytelling
JMC 408 Media Law and Ethics
JMC Tech Tool 1
JMC Tech Tool 2
JMC diversity course
JMC Electives (8 hours) 

Multimedia Journalism Concentration

JMC 415 Multimedia Reporting
JMC 419 Multimedia Editing
JMC 551, 552 or 553 Digital Media
JMC Advanced Media Lab
JMC News and Information Capstone

Quick Resources

Careers in the Making

  • A journalism degree in multimedia journalism equips graduates with the skills they need for a wide range of careers. Some jobs that students may land include:

  • Reporter

  • Broadcast Anchor

  • News Analyst

  • Editor

  • Photographer

  • Videographer


Potential Job Outlook

A common misconception is that jobs for journalism graduates are scarce. On the contrary, a graduate with a concentration in Multimedia Journalism will find job growth is robust and opportunities expanding in many journalism fields.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021-22
Job TitleAvg. Annual SalaryJob Growth Outlook
Technical Writers$74,65012% (faster than average)
Writers & Authors$67,1209% (as fast as average)
Film & Video Editors & Camera Operators$61,90029% (much faster than average)
Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians$50,00021% (much faster than average)
News Analysts & Reporters$49,3006% (as fast as average)
Photographers$41,28017% (much faster than average)
Announcers$41,95015% (faster than average)

Journalism Student Organizations

Student wearing a KU National Champions sweatshirt holding up a copy of the National Championship University Daily Kansan

The University Daily Kansan

Students working for the University Daily Kansan get reporting, photography, broadcast, video, editing and management experience they need to not only succeed, but to stand out in the industry.
Student behind the camera in the television studio filming another student sitting at a desk looking at a laptop preparing for a newscast.

KUJH-TV

KUJH-TV students produce a weekly newscast each Wednesday afternoon. They get experience as reporters and broadcasters in front of the camera but also as producers and editors in the control room. Graduates leave prepared to work in television news industry news and other industries as well.
Two professors and two students working on laptops at t table with The Eudora Times sign in the background

Eudora Times

Students working at the Eudora Times can get involved in a variety of beats from City Hall to sports to features to education and get real world experience covering community journalism.

Student holding microphone standing on the basketball court in the Superdome

Sports Media

Many students choose the KU School of Journalism for our wide range of sports media opportunities, from print to broadcast to production or marketing, plus the partnership we have with KU Athletics.

Sports Media Program

Journalism Careers

A journalism degree with a concentration in multimedia journalism opens many doors for our graduates. Here are where some of our alumni are working:

  • Sally Buzbee, executive editor, The Washington Post
  • Francesca Chambers, White House correspondent, USA Today
  • Jenni Carlson, sports columnist at The Oklahoman
  • Rich Clarkson, president at Clarkson Creative, former photographer for Sports Illustrated and National Geographic
  • Rustin Dodd, features writer at The Athletic, New York
  • Steve Doocy, Fox News anchor, New York Times bestselling author
  • Annie Gowen, national correspondent, The Washington Post
  • Brian Hanni, Voice of the Jayhawks
  • Kevin Harlan, sports broadcaster for CBS and TNT
  • Kevin Helliker, former senior editor at Wall Street Journal, awarded 2004 Pulitzer for Explanatory Reporting
  • Marcus Hollinger, senior vice president at Reach Records
  • Bob Holtzman, former ESPN reporter, director of player promotion, Major League Baseball Players Association
  • Bill Kurtis, TV journalist and producer
  • Laura Okmin, NFL sideline reporter
  • Brianne Pfannenstiel, chief politics reporter at The Des Moines Register
  • Barb Rosewicz, former Wall Street Journal reporter, research and information, project manager at Pew Center
  • Jerry Seib, retired Washington Bureau Chief, Wall Street Journal
  • Sarah Smarsh, New York Times bestselling author
  • Craig Welch, National Geographic environment writer