Although journalism spans history, quality journalism has perhaps never been more important. Between a global pandemic that just won’t quit, ongoing racial injustices, the implications of the climate crisis, and a polarizing presidential election on the horizon, the world is relying on journalists to keep the public timely informed as events unfold.

As of Fall 2020, Stockton students who are interested in the world of non-fiction storytelling can get training and experience by enrolling in the Journalism focused Writing minor. 

Emily Montgomery, a junior Communication Studies major, was thrilled when she heard of the expansion of journalism on campus.

“I was so excited to find out that Stockton was getting a journalism option. The Communications department is great, but before now, there wasn’t really a concrete option for students who were interested in journalism,” she said.  

Journalism became the fourth focus area of the Writing Minor following Creative Writing, Professional Writing, and Academic Writing. 

Keep in mind you do not have to be a Communications major to join the Journalism track. The program is designed to complement a wide range of majors.

If enrolled, a budding journalist will need to complete six courses to satisfy the minor. In addition to three core courses, students will choose from a growing list of elective courses to fulfill the curriculum requirements, including, Writing for the Media, Digital Storytelling, Writing from Experience, and more. This flexibility allows students to customize the minor to fit their specific interests. 

In addition to a list of interesting courses to choose from, Stockton already has partnerships with multiple journalism outlets, including The Press of Atlantic City and Stories of Atlantic City, which seamlessly align with the minor. 

With all the new ways to tell stories through media technology, journalism is an evolving field. Despite that, the core principle of gathering, producing and presenting materials to the public remains.  

We consume the products of journalism every day. In fact, if you’re reading this, you’re doing it right now. Because people have access to the work of a journalist 24/7, it makes the career an important and indispensable part of society. 

“Journalism is important, no matter what. Just about everyone pays attention to the news in some way or another, so I think it’s a big step for students to now be able to study journalism,” Montgomery said.

For more information on the Journalism track, contact: Dr. Christina Morus (christina.morus@stockton.edu), or Professor Toby Rosenthal (toby.rosenthal@stockton.edu) To follow the track on social media, visit @stocktoncommstudies on Instagram.