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Print media enables the touch in which connects you to your audience. The mind delivers thought to your message through effective writing. This major is designed for students who want a career that focuses on journalism in newspaper, newsletters, magazines, and online websites.
Print media focuses on content and design for communicating significance yet, at the same time, offers a dimension portrayed by the author. This course helps teach students how to craft their skill so they can have multitude opportunities.
According to Dr. Thomas Ruggerio, print media is the strongest foundation, if you build it right. "You can do just about anything with a print media degree, there's no limit."
Recent UTEP graduates have advanced to utilize their writing skills with obtaining careers at Scripps Howard News Bureau in Washington , D.C. , CNN in Espanol, Dallas Morning News, Washington Post, Dateline International, ABC's 20/20, The Weather Channel, Univision, local television and radio stations, El Paso Times and many more.
"We're trying to establish great relationships with major media outlets so our students can not only intern with these companies, but be employed in the future as well," says Zita Arocha, a print media professor at UTEP.
When asked about future changes in the field of print media, Arocha mentioned a proposal of implementing a new program called the Bilingual Media Option. The program, if approved, will offer a bilingual journalism option that will require students to take a core curriculum (series of five or six courses) in English and then will give them an opportunity to take a series of bilingual print/electronic journalism and translation courses to prepare them to work in English or Spanish.
Should the proposal be approved students will be required to take a proficiency test so professors can access which language needs translating improvement. In addition, bilingual internships will also be available as well. Students will be encouraged to intern in other countries including Mexico .
The importance of an internship in this field is key because it helps establish the 'real world experience.' "It prepares students for the job they'll have tomorrow," says Arocha. "Not only are they working with professional journalists, but they're required to hold the same standards as an employee. They have to meet deadlines, show accuracy, and exhibit good reporting and writing skills."
Don't get too excited and sign up just yet. This major is not for everyone, especially procrastinators.
"This major is not for someone who has trouble meeting deadlines," says Arocha. (Unless they are interested in magazines or freelance, but even they have deadlines.) In fact she encourages students to volunteer to write stories on campus for The Prospector, El Minero, Rio Grande Literary Magazine, or perhaps even work in the newsroom at KTEP. This is a sure way to get an idea if this is the right field of study for you.
By completing these courses, a student will receive a Bachelor's degree in Communication majoring in Communication Studies. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
According to Dr. Patricia Witherspoon, Chairman of the Department of Communication, careers available for this specific field are related to interaction with people such as management and organizational and public relations.
For questions or additional information, students can contact Dr. Patricia Witherspoon at Cotton Memorial 202, 747-6287 or by e-mail at withersp@utep.edu . Students may also contact Dr. Samuel C. Riccillo at Quinn 210, 747-6515 or by e-mail at riccillo@utep.edu.
Students need to complete:
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