Program Information:
This degree offers the foundational writing news for publication course required as the starting point of most four-year journalism programs. In it, students will learn how to write in the journalistic styled favored by most newspapers, magazines and online publications. Students will be introduced to hard news and feature writing, as they gain experience in interviewing and information gathering.
- This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communication.
- Students planning to transfer are recommended to verify senior-institution requirements which vary.
For Program Information Contact:
English and Humanities Department at 217-786-2375 or see a Student Success Coach.
Course Requirements:
Required General Education Courses
Recommended General Education Courses
Please see your Student Success Coach for course planning.
| ECO 110 | Elements of Economics | 3 |
| | | |
| EGL 210 | Survey of American Literature: Colonial Era to Civil War | 3 |
| | OR | |
| EGL 211 | Survey of American Literature: Civil War to Present | 3 |
| | | |
| PHI 201 | Introduction to Logic | 3 |
| | | |
| POS 101 | Introduction to American Politics | 3 |
| | OR | |
| POS 201 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| | | |
| HUM 101 | Introduction to Humanities | 3 |
| | Life Science Selection* | 3-4 |
| | Mathematics Selection | 3 |
| | Physical Science Selection | 3-4 |
| | Social Science Selection | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 28 |
*A minimum of seven (7) credits must be earned in both the life and physical science areas; must be selected from the list of General Education Core Curriculum courses and must include one laboratory course.
Recommended Program Courses
| JRN 101 | Beginning Newswriting | 3 |
| JRN 210 | Principles of News Editing | 3 |
| JRN 222 | Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 9 |
Select one track listed below for degree completion.
Journalism Track Selection (choose 15 credits)
| ART 116 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 124 | Digital Photography I | 3 |
| DGM 110 | Digital Media Product and Management | 3 |
| JRN 205 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
Broadcasting Track Selection (choose 15 credits)
Total Credit Hours: 61