Journalism

Why study journalism?

The journalism program provides the broad knowledge required of a reporter, writer, or editor to enlighten their communities, facilitate the exchange of ideas and serve as a watchdog to administrations.

  • Students master industry standard Adobe products, digital cameras, WordPress website building and Avid software.
  • Media professionals often speak in journalism classes. 
  • This skill set can be applied to other areas of academic interest — making journalism an ideal secondary major for students working in natural science, government, economics and fine arts.
English major reading

English & Journalism at AU

Beyond AU

Megan Raposa '15, who majored in journalism and communication studies/business, is the owner of Sioux Falls Simplified, a local news outlet that “cuts through the clutter” and “delivers a bite-sized version of the local news” in weekly email newsletters and a Sioux Falls Welcome Guide.


Related Programs of Study


Contact Us

English & Journalism Department

Social


Latest News

Augustana University is announcing the release of Dr. Patrick Hicks’s latest book, Greater Minnesota: Exploring the Land of Sky-Blue Waters, which is being published by Indiana University Press. The launch of the book, written by Augustana’s Writer-in-Residence and professor of English, is set to take place on Monday, Sept. 1. In this new book, Hicks takes readers on “a witty, wise and affectionate journey to every corner of the North Star State.”

Jackson Dircks ‘25 is a journalism, English and secondary education triple major from Freeburg, Illinois. This summer, Dircks is interning with South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) in downtown Sioux Falls. From writing daily stories and scripts to exploring videography and radio show production, this internship is providing him with an up-close look at the ever-evolving world of radio broadcasting.

Augustana University will offer sports broadcasting as a minor beginning in the fall. The minor will help students build careers in a field that includes both traditional broadcast and cable outlets, and new and ongoing digital platforms.

Highlights

Journalism

Careers

Graduates of the journalism program can expect to find careers not only in the fields of writing and editing, but in public relations, law, civil service and education.

Hands-On Learning

Journalism majors gain consistent, applicable experience by working for the student newspaper, The Mirror, and the yearbook, The Edda.

Off-campus internships are required for all journalism majors.

Internship opportunities include:

  • Avera or Sanford Health
  • 605 Magazine or Aberdeen Magazine
  • The Argus Leader
  • Dakota News Now and KELO News
  • South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB)
  • Agri-Pulse newsletter

Journalism students also participate in internships organized in the Washington, D.C., semester program that have included USA Today, WRC-TV, Cox News Service and the Coalition on Human Needs.

Journalism students study away in:

  • Barcelona, Spain — focusing on colonialism, identity and modernism with AU faculty
  • Scotland — focusing on its stories and scenes with AU faculty
  • England — focusing on Londinium and Brexit with AU faculty
  • New Zealand — focusing on cultural identity with AU faculty
  • Cuba — focusing on race, gender and revolution with AU faculty

Courses & Organizations

Popular courses range from writing specialties in news, magazines, sports and opinions to technological skills in layout and multimedia.

Students are encouraged to consider a double major in English and journalism because the department works as a unit with many overlapping requirements.

Journalism students often participate in: