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Exploring Journalism and Mass Media Communications - Producing Content in A Modern World
Journalism is constantly changing and it is important for journalists to remain equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the dynamic and ever-evolving field. Through a combination of theoretical and practical coursework, students in this MSU Denver course are taught the fundamental tools required to put together engaging stories that resonate with their audiences.
The Introduction to Journalism and Mass Media course provides students with essential skills and tools that journalists need to succeed. Students will learn about AP and news writing styles and will gain an understanding of what types of stories engage, or fail to engage, their audience.
We also emphasize the vital role of ethics in journalism, focusing on accuracy, fairness, and impartiality.
Students will gain hands-on experience and become proficient in various mass media tools, including writing, editing, photography, and audio recording in order to tell the perfect story. Other aspects of this course will cover the use of technology and social media, teaching students how to leverage these platforms to reach and engage with their audience.
Flexible schedule
Course is 8 weeks long, entirely online, and self-paced.
Career advisement
Receive a personal advising session with an industry leader.
High job demand
You will enhance your resume with critical skills.
Career Pathways in Journalism and Mass Media
Approximate return on investment for each academic pathway
Pathway 1: Enter the workforce quickly. Complete the Introduction to Journalism and Mass Media course and immediately enter the workforce
- Median salary is $32,000 year.
Pathway 2: Continue your academic journey and earn a degree in journalism, which allows you to increase your earning potential. You can find positions as a journalist, content producer, working in news and media production, and more.
- Median salary is $48,370 a year.
Take the course to upskill your resume to advance in your career or discover a new passion.
About Introduction to Journalism and Mass Media
This survey course introduces students from all academic disciplines to the historical development of journalism and mass media and its relationship to contemporary society. Students will explore the functions and impact of newspapers, books, television, radio, magazines, films, public relations and issues such as technology convergence, censorship, economic control, and privacy.
This introduction to journalism and mass media course also emphasizes writing using Associated Press style guidelines, proper composition of a news story, history of Journalism, media ethics, and the basic skills required of journalists. The course introduces students to the ethical and legal considerations for journalists with a special emphasis on libel and sunshine laws. Students are regularly tested on use of Associated Press guidelines, news writing style and ledes.
The course is $395, with a $35 transaction fee per payment. There are no books to purchase.
- Course begins – February 1, 2024
- Last day to register – March 1, 2024
- Course ends – April 1, 2024
Note: due to the course being self-paced, you can register up until March 1 and still complete the course by April 1.
Once you successfully complete the Introduction to Journalism and Mass Media Communications online course, you can immediately enter the workforce with newly learned skills. You will receive a digital badge embedded with the competencies learned. You can include this badge on your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or share it with an employer. Students will also receive a certificate of completion.
Students can also convert the course to three credits and continue to an MSU Denver certificate or degree. See FAQs for more information.
- Write compelling copy that adheres to Associated Press style guidelines.
- Demonstrate the ability to write a simple news story in the inverted-pyramid style.
- Describe the basic considerations for journalists when dealing with libel law.
- Understand the role of the journalist in a democracy, and how sunshine laws guarantee that the public’s business is done in public.
- Learn about the main historic events that shaped what we know today as journalism.
- Understand sourcing, objectivity and fairness, and why those standards are essential to good journalism.
- Demonstrate an understanding of journalism ethics.
Alfredo brings 20 years of journalism and broadcasting experience. As a multiple Emmy winner in news production and a college professor, he has constantly found ways to increase the exposure for MSU Denver and the Media Industry within the community. After his role as the News Director at Telemundo Denver; Alfredo is now an Assistant Professor for the Department of Journalism and Technical Communication at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. He has vast experience in leading a team over multiple news coverages, breaking news, and severe weather special coverages. As a Journalism instructor at MSU, the Tarrant County Community College and the Houston Community College, he is one of the most popular instructors on Campus. His classes are always at capacity and students expressed their gratitude for the hand-on approach of this class methodology. He also serves as a link between the Colleges’ Journalism Programs and the networks in order to encourage participation of the broadcasting students in internship programs.
Enroll now for this self-paced, online introduction to journalism course and begin your career pathway towards becoming a journalist with MSU Denver.
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Email usPhone: 303-615-1234
Office Location:
Jordan Student Success Building
3rd Floor – #330
Auraria Campus
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362