Meet with an Academic Advisor
Meet with your professional academic advisor to explore programs and get your questions answered.
Find your Professional Academic AdvisorStart your possible with us
ApplyLearn more about this program
Request InformationExplore more of our program options
Academic ProgramsAbout This Program
If, through writing or imagery, you are compelled to chronicle the stories that define society and culture, that underlie the decisions we make and ultimately affect us all, then you are a journalist at heart. But how do you become a trusted voice amidst the cacophony of unreliable media?
What Makes us Special
The Journalism Major, B.A. is your path to a career as a respected journalist. Revering the role of the free press in America, MSU Denver’s Journalism program stresses the journalism code of ethics, which dictates that truth and accuracy, independence, fairness and impartiality, humanity and accountability are paramount. MSU Denver professors teach rigorous courses covering First Amendment case studies and ethical issues that prepare you for careers in both print and electronic newsrooms, public relations firms and corporate communications departments.
At the same time, MSU Denver’s Journalism program has evolved with the ongoing transformation of media. As a Journalism major, you will learn to identify the story or program purpose, create a sound message and use the appropriate medium in which to deliver it. As a Journalism graduate, you will know how to develop accurate, concise, informative narratives no matter the platform or audience.
Through on-the-job training in internships, student media and working with MSU Denver Journalism and Public Relations professors, who have years of experience in markets such as Chicago, San Francisco, Kansas City and elsewhere, you will acquire the resume and skills necessary to earn your spot as a respected member of the media.
Benefits of Earning Your Degree at MSU Denver
MSU Denver, located on the Auraria Campus adjacent to Downtown Denver, is close to the heart of Denver’s major broadcast stations as well as The Denver Post where you will find opportunities for internships and possible future employment.
Prolific internships that lead to fulfilling careers
An internship where you will practice your craft is an essential part of your MSU Denver Journalism program. Among the media outlets, nonprofit organizations and businesses that offer internships to MSU Denver Journalism and Public Relations students are:
- Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
- Denver Urban Spectrum
- Loveland Daily Reporter Herald
- City of Aurora
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
- Mile High Sports
- Elevation Media Group
- Fox 31 News
- Colorado Avid Golfer Magazine
- Navigant International
- Rocky Mountain PBS
- Active Interest Media
Access to the latest technology and state-of-the-art facilities
The Journalism program also has a variety of photo and audio equipment for student use including:
- High-end Canon digital cameras and lenses
- Portable audio recorders with microphones
- Photo Mechanic digital photo editing software
- LED portable light kits
- Drones used to capture video
- Adobe Creative Cloud software including Photoshop, Illustrator and Lightroom
Start your journey in...1, 2, 3!
Declare your Program
Our programs offer exciting, hands-on, and career relevant courses that set you up for success. Don't delay, declare today.
Get Started on your Declaration form
Get Rowdy Ready
Follow the semester-by-semester steps outlined in the CLAS Student Success Roadmap to ensure your success at MSU Denver.
Take me to the CLAS Student Success RoadmapCareer Opportunities for Our Graduates
The 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook lists $61,240 as the annual media salary for writers and authors, including journalists, and $58,020 for public relations specialists.
MSU Denver Journalism Graduates have Become
- Broadcast journalists
- Corporate communications managers
- Freelance writers
- Investigative journalists
- Magazine writers/editors
- Media relations
- Multimedia journalists
- News reporters
- Photojournalists
- Print and electronic layout designers
- Public information officers
- Public relations professionals
- Social documentarians
- Social media writers
- Sports journalists
Featured Faculty
Kip Wotkyns
Magazine Professor Kip Wotkyns was a working journalist for 24 years, most of that time in New York City. Previously, he worked for Time Inc. for 14 years. He was a reporter for FORTUNE magazine and a copy editor for TIME magazine. He was also the President of Leman Publications Inc., a magazine publishing company formerly owned by Rodale Press Inc. His undergraduate degree is from Stanford University, and his graduate degrees are from Columbia University. On May 4, 2018, he was promoted to the rank of full Professor, the highest academic level attainable in the profession.
Joe Mahoney
Joe Mahoney is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning and EMMY award-winning multimedia journalist with a decade of teaching experience in the Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Department of Journalism and Media Production as an Affiliate Faculty member. He is now a full-time faculty member with us. Joe helped found a public policy-focused non-profit newsroom, was the national visuals editor for a digital news start-up focusing on underreported communities, and a staff photographer at a major metro daily newspaper and The Associated Press.
Alumni at Work
MSU Denver Journalism graduates not only go on to work in the Denver area and beyond, but they also become competitive candidates for post graduate study and law school at institutions across the country.
MSU Denver Journalism graduates...
- 9News
- 7NEWS
- Boulder Daily Camera
- CBS4
- Denver Post
- Fox31
- Rocky Mountain PBS
- The City of Denver
- Colorado School of Mines
- Donor Alliance
- Kaiser Permanente
- Lockheed Martin
- Columbia Graduate School of Journalism
- New York University
- Northwestern University
- University of California Berkeley
- University of Colorado Denver
- University of Tulsa College of Law
- University of Wisconsin
Why Choose MSU Denver
Hispanic Serving Institution
MSU Denver has 36.7% Hispanic/Latinx students which the highest number of Hispanic/Latinx students among institutions of higher education in the state of Colorado.
Learn more about MSU Denver's Designation
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
MSU Denver is dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion and has been named one of the Top Colleges for Diversity by Insight Into Diversity for 10 consecutive years.
Learn more about DEI at MSU Denver
Transfer Student Leader
50% of MSU Denver students are transfers. As the top transfer destination for Coloradans, our students make an immediate impact on our workforce and community.
Learn more about MSU Denver's ExcellenceContact the Department
Contact us for more information about the Department of Journalism and Media Production and our programs.
Whether you are not finding the information on this web page or you would like to connect with someone, feel free to call or email us.
Email Jane Mader for General QuestionsCampus Location
Central Classroom, Suite 119
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 35
Denver, CO 80217-3362
Virtual Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
In-Person Office Hours
By Appointment
Phone
(303) 615-1717