Programs of Study

 

Journalism

The tutorial program of the School of Journalism offers an individualized course of study for exceptional students. It is the aim of this program to provide such students with a superior undergraduate, professional education through the use of tutorials and advanced placement. Maximum opportunity will be afforded for the student to work at his or her own pace.The tutorial program serves as preparation for graduate study or employment in various fields of journalism such as newspaper or broadcast reporting, magazine writing or editing, online journalism, public relations, and advertising. Typically, the tutorial program is designed along a four-year degree track. The first three years focus on journalism tutorials, on core and sequence courses in journalism, and on liberal arts education. The fourth year will be used to broaden and deepen the journalism education, both professionally and academically. Students also will prepare a professional project or thesis during this year.

ELIGIBILITY

Entering first-year applicants are expected to have high school class rank in the top ten percent, and to have a minimum ACT composite score of 30 or a combined SAT score of 1300. Recommendations from two high school teachers are encouraged.

Students already enrolled at Ohio University must have an overall G.P.A. of 3.6 and should have earned fewer than 60 hours. (Students entering after their fifth quarter may require more than a total of four years to earn a bachelor's degree from the college).

JOURNALISM TUTORIAL

There are five components of the tutorial program in journalism:

  1. Seven tutorials on topics in journalism:

    • Three tutorials on core issues: Media Ethics, Communication Theory or History of American Journalism and Media Law (1st and 2nd year)
    • Two advisor-approved specialized tutorials in your journalism sequence (2nd and 3rd year)
    • Two advanced tutorials: one in small-group format (research seminar) to prepare the thesis/professional project, and one on conceptual/theoretical issues, such as Computer Assisted Reporting; Investigative Reporting; Gender, Race and Mass Media; Advanced Media Law; Methods of Qualitative Research; Multimedia Reporting; Science Journalism; Business Journalism; Media Journalism; Political Journalism; Media Metaphors and Rhetoric; and others (4th year)

     

    The director of studies for the tutorial program assigns tutors in accord with the interests of the individual student. The tutor, in consultation with the student, develops an individual plan of instruction.

  2. Professional courses in journalism: Some professional courses such as precision language, news writing, editing, and practicum are experiential by nature. The course provides a set of experiences from which the student learns journalistic techniques. In some instances, the appropriate experiences may be available outside the journalism courses. In such cases the tutorial student is allowed to waive the course or substitute independent study. Some of the experiences, however, are group experiences by nature, so the tutorial student joins other students in the appropriate courses.

  3. Liberal education: Journalism programs generally require the student to develop a broad background in liberal arts. In the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, we expect students to complete two years of a foreign language or a science; two courses each in history, sociology or anthropology, political science, economics, philosophy, and English; and one course in psychology and statistics. Also, students must take two courses in comparative arts, Afro-American studies or women's studies.

  4. Areas of specialization: Students are expected to select an area of specialization outside the School of Journalism. The area of specialization requirement can be met through a planned series of conventional courses or in tutorials (with departmental permission) in English, French, history, philosophy or Spanish.

  5. Internship: Consistent with its policy of combining class work with practical training, the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism offers an internship program to qualified students. Many of these internships are developed by students. The period of internship typically is 10 weeks. Interns are provided with as varied hands-on experience in media-related organizations as possible and may be paid a moderate stipend. Internship facilities are located throughout the nation and abroad.

EVALUATION

The student writes a series of papers as part of each tutorial, and these papers are discussed and evaluated. The Director of Studies also consults with tutors about the progress, strengths and weaknesses of individual students so that subsequent tutorials can address problems and build on strengths. A description of the content of each tutorial is filed by the tutor in the college office at the close of the quarter.

APPLICATIONS

The deadline for applications for admission and scholarships is December 1. Interviews are held in January.

A sample schedule of a four-year course of studies is available by calling the Honors Tutorial College at (740) 593-2723.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information about this program, write or call:
Dr. Bernhard Debatin
Director of Studies
Department of Journalism
Scripps Hall 118
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-9809
debatin@ohio.edu