Philip Merrill College of Journalism | University of Maryland

Introduction: The Study of Journalism

The Philip Merrill College of Journalism prepares students for careers in newspapers, magazines, TV news, newsletters and online journalism outlets. The undergraduate journalism program culminates in a B.A. degree in journalism.

Students learn in college programs such as Capital News Service, a daily wire service in Washington and Annapolis, UMTV, a cable station operated by the college, and the American Journalism Review, the nation's leading media magazine.

The college is fully accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Students majoring in journalism take approximately one-fourth (42 credits-- six of those credits are categorized as liberal arts credits) of their total coursework in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Journalism courses are designed to provide students with a working knowledge of the tools and concepts they will need to perform as top-flight professional communicators.

The remaining three-fourths (80 credits) of undergraduate coursework consists of a variety of other subjects such as history, economics, government, sociology and psychology. This exposure acquaints students with fundamental problems and issues they will encounter in their careers. Within these credits, journalism students must choose a "minor" (a core of advanced work in a substantive field) to establish competency in a specialized area of knowledge they will be able to use as professionals.

For more information about the undergraduate journalism programs at the University of Maryland, see these related links:

Admissions information
Degree requirements
Financial aid
Sample Four Year Plan
Special Request Form for currently enrolled students
Learning Contract for independent study (Word)
Advising Worksheet (Sheet for students matriculating after September 2008) for currently enrolled journalism majors only. This required worksheet will facilitate a more thorough review of journalism degree requirements. To complete this form, please consult your unofficial transcript. Bring this completed form to your advising appointment.
Media, Self and Society program

Undergraduate Advising: If you are already a student in the Merrill College and wish to see an advisor, call 301.405.2399 to make an appointment.