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Digital Journalism (BS)

About

Are you curious as to how to become a journalist? Appalachian State University’s Digital Journalism (BS) degree will teach you how to find and gather information from primary sources and then communicate your research to a specific audience through multi-media storytelling. Students also learn how to be a watchdog for the public as a part of the democratic process. Even if you choose not to work in the news industry, the study of journalism teaches critical thinking skills that are valuable in any job setting.

App State's digital journalism program, housed in the Department of Communication, emphasizes practical experience. For example, in introductory reporting classes students attend and report on local events, interview public officials and cover breaking news. In advanced courses, students fine tune their skills in copy editing and learning industry-standard computer software. All types of writing are taught: news, features, editorials, photo essays and video. Students are encouraged to pursue internships, attend department-wide speaking events by alumni and others, and work for the student newspaper.

After Graduation

Employment: Students who graduate this degree are job ready by the industry’s standards. Employers often look for experience over graduate education when students are first starting their careers.  Employers include:

  • National Public Radio
  • CNN
  • Dow Jones Internship
  • Fox 8
  • Sky High News
  • Construction Data Company
  • International Trade Administration
  • High Country Home Magazine
  • Samaritan’s Purse
  • Tampa Bay Times
  • The Daily Progress

Graduate school: Students who choose to pursue a graduate education have attended Syracuse University, Indiana University and UNC-Chapel Hill.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumnus Profile: Moss Brennan '21
    Alumnus Profile: Moss Brennan '21

    In this Q&A session, the former editor-in-chief of Appalachian State University’s student-run newspaper, The Appalachian, shares some of his experiences at the paper and during internships at The Washington Times.

  • Alumna Profile: Lindsay Tigar ’09
    Alumna Profile: Lindsay Tigar ’09

    This New York City blogger and freelancer credits Appalachian for teaching her how to multi-task and meet deadlines.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Gregory Perreault
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Gregory Perreault

    “It’s important that we find ways to preserve local news. The person … most likely to understand the things that concern us and the possibilities that excite us is the journalist who lives in our neighborhood.”

    – Fulbright scholar Dr. Gregory Perreault

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Lynette Holman
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Lynette Holman

    Dr. Lynette Holman brings journalism into a new age by teaching multi-media storytelling, while creating an engaged classroom environment

    Meet more faculty

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Communication Studies (BS)
  • Advertising (BS)
  • Electronic Media/Broadcasting (BS)
  • Public Relations (BS)
  • English (BA) - Creative Writing

Minors

A minor is required. Students are advised to choose their minors in one of two ways:

  • Students who are interested in preparing to report on or broaden their education with an area of expertise often choose a minor accordingly. For example, students who want to report on music may choose a music minor, while a student who wants to cover business may choose to minor in business.
  • Students who are not interested in pursuing an expertise are advised to pick a minor that will further develop a skill set such as writing or multi-media storytelling. Students often choose a minor in: English, a foreign language, Media Studies, Communication, or Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

  • Society of Professional Journalists (Sigma Delta Chi) - Students involved in SPJ make valuable professional contacts and have access to several professional publications for journalists.
  • The Appalachian - This is the university’s newspaper run by students for students. Students can join for experience in the writing, copy editing, leadership, marketing and business sides of the newspaper.
  • The Peel Literature and Arts Review - The student literature and arts review is released at the end of fall, while both an online and print edition are released at the end of spring semester.
  • AppTV - The department’s cable television station gives students experience in television reporting and production.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

The Department of Communication has study abroad opportunities in Poland, Belize and Armenia.

Admission Requirements

A cumulative 2.5 GPA based on earned semester hours at App State is required prior to declaring the Digital Journalism major.

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Why Appalachian?

  • To adapt with the ever-changing world of media, App State’s digital journalism students learn how to collect information and produce multi-media stories.
  • Class guest speakers and department-wide speaking events by alumni and others enhance students’ professional knowledge and networking.
  • This program gives students a multi-faceted skill set useful beyond journalism – they develop critical thinking skills, learn to find information and report it back to their audience.
  • The Department of Communication has an internship coordinator to help students find internship host sites and receive class credit for their work.
  • The department has a strong alumni network that keeps alumni, faculty and current students connected.

Location

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

  • Anchor
  • Audiovisual Production Specialist
  • Author
  • Bureau Reporter
  • Copy Editor
  • Copy Writer
  • Editorial Writer
  • Freelance Writer
  • Journalist Researcher
  • Publicity Manager
  • Reporter
  • Section Editor
  • Technical Writer

View more career opportunities

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Communication

Dr. Scott Welsh
Department Chair
welshsm@appstate.edu
828-262-2607

  • Department of Communication

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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