Mission Statement

The Department of Journalism prepares students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds for entry-level careers in mass communications or advanced study. Grounded in a broad liberal arts tradition, the program of study incorporates current professional standards, hands-on experiences and technologies. Program graduates understand the importance of journalism and mass communication in maintaining a democratic government and free society.

Vision Statement

The Department of Journalism is committed to achieving regional recognition as a baccalaureate program noted for excellence in teaching, service and scholarship to the community, the University and the profession. The department will attract high-quality faculty who will help students attain the knowledge, skills and values needed to succeed in journalism and mass communications-related fields or to pursue advanced degrees.

Learning Outcomes

The Department of Journalism supports all tenets in Northwestern State University's mission, vision and values. In concert with these, the department has adopted the following learning outcomes for its graduates as entry-level professionals or first-year graduate students:

Students can:

• Apply appropriate ethical, legal and First Amendment core principles and beliefs relevant to journalism and mass communication.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of mass communication professionals in shaping communications.
• Show an understanding of diversity and an increasingly global society.
• Demonstrate critical and creative thinking as they compose, produce, or distribute various kinds of messages, stories, images and texts.
• Apply research methods, to include evaluating information and basic numerical and statistical concepts, appropriate for communications professionals.
• Write correctly and clearly in ways appropriate for mass communications.
• Edit their and others' work for  correctness, clarity, appropriate style and grammar.
• Use appropriate technologies for communications professionals.