Journalism Minor

If you’re pursuing a degree in communications, you may be asking yourself, “can you minor in journalism?” Here at University of the Cumberlands, the answer is a definitive, “yes!” A minor in journalism provides you with an introduction to the field of public relations, giving you the opportunity to improve your verbal and writing skills while creating the foundation for a rewarding career. You will learn skills vital to the field of journalism and public relations as you study a wide variety of media-related subjects, including print and online media, media law, design, and advertising.

• Mission and Goals
• Should I Major in Communications or Journalism?
• What can I do with a Communications Degree?
• Minor in Journalism and Public Relations
• More Information on Minor in Journalism

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Bachelor in Public Relations and Journalism program at Cumberlands is to teach students the vital skills they need to succeed as professionals in media-related fields while learning about all aspects of human communication. Students in this journalism degree program gain critical knowledge and hands-on experience in print and online media, media law, design and advertising, giving them the tools necessary to communicate ethically and effectively in the world of journalism and public relations.

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SHOULD I MAJOR IN COMMUNICATIONS OR JOURNALISM?

At University of the Cumberlands, you don’t have to choose! By adding a journalism minor to a bachelor’s degree in communication, you are able to effectively create a custom journalism and communication major. Students pursuing a degree in communication and journalism learn about all aspects of human communication through a diverse series of classes, including Interpersonal Communication, Introduction to Mass Media, Introduction to Public Speaking, Interviewing, Small Group Communication, Communication Criticism, and Communication Theory.

Students who choose to curate a communications journalism major by combining a communications degree with a journalism minor can also enhance their journalistic skills through participation with our campus newspaper, The Patriot. If you prefer to debate, we also have a very active program in intercollegiate Debate and Individual Events, with students competing at the state, regional and national levels. Did we mention our program is currently the top-ranked program in the state of Kentucky?

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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A COMMUNICATIONS DEGREE?

JOURNALISTS – WRITERS, EDITORS, REPORTERS^1,2,3

As a graduate of UC’s communications major, you’ll become effective and ethically responsible communicators, who can design, express, interpret and evaluate messages in a variety of contexts, including social, political, and career settings. 

A bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations can be the foot-in-the-door you need to pursue a career in a number communications career fields – from broadcast media to corporate marketing. If you’re thinking about a career in writing, the growth rate for writers and authors is 9 percent with a median wage of $69,510 annually and editors at $63,350 annually.

Maybe broadcast³ journalism is more to your taste. On television or online, correspondents and reporters make an annual average salary of $48,370.

Another direction you can take is in teaching – training the next generation of journalists as a college or university instructor. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next decade.

Many of our Kentucky communications degree recipients pursue careers in the fields of:

• Writer
• News Director
• Copywriter
• Editor
• Public Relations Specialist
• Communications Specialist
• Writing Instructor
• Mass Communications Professor
• Broadcasting
• Journalism
• Education
• Business

PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST⁴

Maybe you want to help craft the story the public will eventually learn about through their favorite media. Public relations specialists average $62,800 annually. And they’re in demand – a projected 11 percent growth rate for over the next decade.

POSTSECONDARY INSTRUCTOR⁵

Another direction you can take is in teaching – training the next generation of journalists as a college or university instructor. With a median annual salary of $79,640, employment of postsecondary teachers is projected to grow 12 percent over the next decade.

"11 Percent" Projected Growth Rate for Public Relations Specialists by 2030⁴

¹Writers and Authors     
²Editors
³Correspondents and Reporters
⁴Public Relations Specialists
⁵Postsecondary Teachers

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Minor in Journalism and Public Relations

REQUIREMENTS FOR A MINOR IN JOURNALISM -21 semester hours as follows:

• COMM 235 Introduction to Video Production 
• COMM 150 Introduction to Journalism 
• COMM 233 Graphic Design
• COMM 251 Multimedia Journalism
• COMM 233 Graphic Design 
• COMM 356 Writing for Mass Media 
• COMM 339 Communication Law & Ethics
• COMM 491 Internship

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More Information on Minor in Journalism 

TUITION

Costs for programs of study at University of the Cumberlands are competitive and affordable. Click here to view tuition rates and fees. 

ACCREDITATION 

Click here to view University of the Cumberlands' accreditation information. 

Faculty 

There are some amazing faculty that you'll get to work with from day to day. Learn more about the Journalism faculty. 

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Do you thrive best when you are in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment?  If so, fill out the form on this page and find out how UC can help you achieve your dream! Let’s talk about our test-optional college admissions process, scholarship opportunities, and more!