Loyola’s multimedia journalism major engages students in the issues shaping today’s media landscape, from the decline of newspapers, the rise of apps, virtual reality, and fake news. As part of Loyola’s mission-based education, students learn to stand on Jesuit values and ethics in an uncertain and ever-changing world.

Multimedia journalism students practice the skills that every journalist must master, including researching, interviewing, reporting, and writing. Students also gain exposure to the latest technology, equipment, and software through Loyola’s Convergence Studio, Owl Lab, and on-site radio station, WLUW.

Courses are offered at Loyola’s Water Tower Campus, located in the heart of downtown Chicago. In addition to Loyola’s on-campus media outlets, such as our student newspaper, The Phoenix, students can gain experience through professional internships at renowned media outlets like the Chicago Tribune, Sun-Times, WLS, and WMAQ, as well as major corporations, nonprofits, and agencies.

Curriculum

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
School of Communication Foundation Courses
COMM 100	SOC Career Prep Seminar	1
COMM 175	Introduction to Communication	3
COMM 200	Digital Communication and Society	3
COMM 215	Ethics & Communication	3
Journalism Foundation Courses
COMM 205	Reporting Basics I: Writing and Interviewing 1	3
COMM 208	Reporting Basics II: Technology for Journalists	3
COMM 145	Video for Journalists	3
Research Methods
COMM 362	Multimedia Journalism Research Methods	3
Values
COMM 279	Critical Issues in Journalism	3
COMM 282	Media Law	3
Intermediate Courses
Select three of the following:		9
COMM 207	Photojournalism
COMM 256	Broadcast Newswriting 1
COMM 259	News Editing
COMM 260	Environmental Journalism 1
COMM 262	Feature & Opinion Writing 1
COMM 263	Editorial Design I: Newspaper & Online
COMM 265	Sports Broadcasting
COMM 275	Web Design and Usability
COMM 311	Health Communication
COMM 372	Special Topics: Multimedia Journalism
Advanced Courses
Select two of the following:		6
COMM 315	Advanced Reporting Topics 1,2
COMM 327	Video Storytelling
COMM 328	Editorial Design II: Magazine & Interactive
COMM 332	Investigative & Public Affairs Reporting
COMM 339	Video Documentary 2
COMM 358	Newscasting and Producing
COMM 373	Digital Storytelling Abroad 2
COMM 398	Directed Study
Internship
COMM 392	Multimedia Journalism Internship 2	3
Total Hours		46

¹

Writing Intensive

²

Satisfies Engaged Learning requirement

Suggested Sequence of Courses

The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework.  An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study.  Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
COMM 145	Video for Journalists	3
COMM 175	Introduction to Communication	3
	Hours	6
Spring
COMM 200	Digital Communication and Society	3
COMM 205	Reporting Basics I: Writing and Interviewing	3
	Hours	6
Second Year
Fall
COMM 208	Reporting Basics II: Technology for Journalists	3
	Hours	3
Spring
COMM 279	Critical Issues in Journalism	3
Major Intermediate Course		3
	Hours	6
Third Year
Fall
COMM 100	SOC Career Prep Seminar	1
COMM 215	Ethics & Communication	3
Major Intermediate Course		3
	Hours	7
Spring
COMM 282	Media Law	3
COMM 362	Multimedia Journalism Research Methods	3
Major Advanced Course		3
	Hours	9
Fourth Year
Fall
COMM 392	Multimedia Journalism Internship	3
Major Advanced Course		3
	Hours	6
Spring
Major Intermediate Course		3
	Hours	3
	Total Hours	46

School of Communication Graduation Requirements

All Undergraduate students in the School of Communication are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test.  More information can be found here.

Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements

All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101.  SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101.  Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101.  You can find more information in the University Requirements area.

Learning Outcomes

Despite all of the changes in the news industry over the last decade, one thing has stayed the same - journalism is an essential part of democracy.

At Loyola University Chicago, we’re committed to ensuring journalism survives and thrives in the future. We teach students the skills every journalist must master, including:

• Researching
• Interviewing
• Reporting
• Writing
• A commitment to ethics and social justice

We know technology has changed the way the public consumes journalism. So we also teach our students the other skills storytellers must excel at, including:

• Shooting and editing photos and video
• Recording and editing audio
• Designing web sites and other types of content
• Promoting content and understanding metrics
• A willingness to explore emerging media