Journalism

Journalism
Journalism student recording a broadcast

Journalism: Presenting Effective Stories 

Does a story thoroughly and inspiringly told excite and impress you? Do you value information that gets at the heart and the truth of an issue? Begin your journey in the bright world of broadcast media with the only stand-alone, four-year journalism degree program within the University of New Hampshire system. (And, one of the few in New England!) 

ksc tv news

Find Your Potential

This KSC department is the real deal. Our journalism students have won more than 350 international, national, regional, and statewide awards from such organizations as the Society for Collegiate Journalists, Society of Professional Journalists, Society of Environmental Journalists, and the New Hampshire Press Association.

Our journalism faculty are just as active in the field and recognize Constitution Day annually in collaboration with the American Democracy Project to provide election-oriented panels and other events. If you’re looking for an education you will take an active role in every step of the way, this program is waiting for you. 
 

Journalism

  • Multimedia Journalist
  • Assignment Editor
  • Writer
  • Content Creator
  • Podcast Producer
  • Livestream Producer
  • Photojournalist
  • Videographer
  • Video Editor

  • Media and Broadcasting: This classic sector encompasses newspapers, radio, and television. Journalists are employed here as producers, reporters, editors, and creators of digital content. Despite shifts in the digital landscape, there is a consistent need for experts in storytelling and information dissemination.
  • Public Relations and Corporate Communications: Alumni frequently transition into roles where they manage brand messaging, draft press releases, and foster media partnerships. Their proficiency in narrative construction makes them ideal for developing strategic corporate communications.
  • Digital and Social Media: As online platforms multiply, the demand for multimedia journalists, social media managers, and content strategists continues to rise. Success in this fast-paced sector relies on the journalistic core values of audience engagement and factual accuracy.
  • Nonprofit and Advocacy: These organizations hire graduates to oversee outreach programs, generate educational content, and manage media relations to bolster public support.

Government and Public Affairs: Journalistic expertise is applied to community outreach, public communication, and policy clarification, emphasizing the need for ethical and transparent messaging.

  • Digital Content Creators: With a projected growth rate of 13%, these roles focus on strengthening a brand's social media presence and online engagement. Success in this area requires the adaptability and creativity often fostered in journalism or communications programs.
  • Multimedia Journalists: This field is projected to grow by 11% due to the high demand for adaptable content creators on digital channels. These roles involve integrating audio, video, and text to reach varied audiences and typically require a bachelor’s degree.
  • Technical Writers: This sector is expected to expand by 10% as the tech industry seeks professionals who can produce precise, accessible documentation. A background in technical communication or journalism is standard for these positions.
  • Public Relations Specialists: Employment is anticipated to increase by 9%, largely due to a corporate focus on crisis management and brand integrity. A degree in journalism or public relations is generally required.

  • Hands-on Learning: The curriculum is highly experiential, with practical application in courses such as JRN 130, 155, 280, 281, 283, 290, 382, and 490.
  • Internship Requirements: Every student must complete an internship. We prioritize meaningful placements that offer real-world experience tailored to the student’s specific career objectives.
    • Notable Placements: Our students and alumni have gained experience at organizations such as WMUR, ESPN, NHPR, CBS (Gamespot), The Keene Sentinel, Fox 13, and SB Nation, among others.
  • Placement Success: According to NACE "First Destinations" data for 2024–2025, journalism and communication graduates saw career outcome rates exceeding 85%. This reflects a robust market where students find success in traditional newsrooms and emerging digital media roles.
  • Industry Growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the broader information industry to grow by 6.5% between 2024 and 2034.

Social Media

  • Content & Media: Videographer, Podcast Producer, News Anchor, Video Editor, and Multimedia Journalist.
  • Strategy & Marketing: Social Media Manager, Digital Marketer, Community Manager, and Social Media Analyst.

  • Marketing and Advertising: This field utilizes graduates to build and execute campaigns that drive consumer engagement and brand awareness. Common roles include digital marketing strategists and content coordinators who use data analytics to inform creative choices.
  • Public Relations: Social media specialists manage digital reputations and handle real-time crisis communications. Graduates often work as communications specialists, ensuring messages are delivered effectively across various platforms.
  • Entertainment and Media: Firms in this sector hire experts to expand their audience reach and promote events. Content creators and community managers succeed here by staying ahead of digital trends and audience behaviors.
  • Nonprofit and Advocacy: Organizations leverage the storytelling skills of social media graduates to mobilize supporters and increase fundraising efficiency.
  • Retail and E-commerce: Brands use targeted social campaigns to improve product visibility and manage customer relationships. This includes roles like customer engagement analysts and digital brand specialists.

  • According to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, the most sought-after roles include Video Editors, Public Relations Specialists, Social Media Producers, and Social Media Analysts.

  • Hands-on Learning: Applied skills are taught in courses JRN 130, 155, 280, 281, 283, and 382.
  • Internship Requirements: Every student must complete an internship. We prioritize meaningful placements that offer real-world experience tailored to the student’s specific career objectives.

     

Major

The way a story is told makes all the difference. That’s why our students get solid skills in press objectivity, fairness, accuracy, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press, as well as the development of analytical writing, research, message creation, production, and presentation skills. Get ready to engage in experiential learning by:

  • Working as a reporter, photographer, video producer, graphic designer, or editor for the award-winning school newspaper, The Equinox
  • Working in the TV studio as a reporter, anchor, audio engineer, producer, or director on productions like KSC-TV News, Sentinel Sources, and Inside Owl Athletics
  • Hosting a radio show on WKNH, our college radio station, or live-streaming athletics and other events across campus
  • Participating in internships with organizations such as the Keene Sentinel, WMUR, and New Hampshire Public Radio
     

Minor

Graduate with ample opportunities in front of you, and bolster your degree with a minor in journalism, where you’ll learn to gather, research, and analyze information. 

You’ll have the opportunity to write news for publication, and organize and implement public relations campaigns and strategic communications. 

With this minor, you'll come away with a strong understanding of media law and ethics and the ability to use a variety of essential mass media tools fluently. 

This experiential program gives you real-world confidence and industry-ready skills to write a professional resume. 

Career Paths for Graduates

  • JMPR majors and minors go on to work with: newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations,, internet media outlets public relations firms, corporate public relations, and governmental public affairs departments.
  • Graduates from Keene State’s journalism program can gather, research, and analyze information; write news for publication; organize and implement public relations campaigns and strategic communications; understand media law and ethics; use a variety of mass media tools; and think critically about mass media.

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Contact Admissions

Admissions Office
603-358-2276
229 Main Street
Keene, New Hampshire 03435