Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies, BA BA
The worlds of journalism, advertising, and public relations are changing at a rapid pace with the integration of social media, mobile apps, amateur photography and video, and instant feedback. UWM's Department of Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies (JAMS) is a great place to learn about the tools used today and to obtain the skills to adapt to the channels of tomorrow.
The Department of Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies (JAMS) teaches students about the role of media in culture and society and offers hands-on experience in journalism and advertising/public relations. The JAMS major blends liberal arts education in media studies with professional training for work in media fields.
JAMS undergraduate students choose one of three concentrations based on their interests and career aspirations: journalism, advertising/public relations, and media studies. Students have opportunities to learn from media scholars and industry professionals, and they produce media in their chosen areas of study.
Our students report news stories, run social media pages, produce short documentaries and podcasts, and research, plan, and conduct events for nonprofit organizations. JAMS students have several opportunities to learn outside the classroom through active clubs and organizations including a student chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, The UWM Post, and the Minority Media Association. Student work is showcased on a student-powered online news site, Media Milwaukee. Many JAMS students have internships, which earn major credits.
JAMS majors excel in careers in writing, reporting, editing, marketing, advertising, broadcasting, public relations, social media management, journalism and more.
Career Resources and Job Outcomes
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Listed below are the requirements for the Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies major. In addition to the requirements for the major, students must also satisfy all university and college general degree requirements. Degree requirements will vary depending on when you took your first college class. We encourage you to consult your advisor regularly to ensure you stay on track towards earning your degree. You can read more about the degree requirements on the L&S Degree Requirements web pages.
JAMS Major Requirements
Students must complete 18 or more credits in courses numbered 300 or above, and at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at UWM. Students may count a maximum of 6 credits in any combination of JAMS 399 and JAMS 600, each of which can be taken to a maximum of 6 credits. The College of Letters and Science requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM. Students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including transfer work.
A Journalism, Advertising, and Media Studies (JAMS) major requires a minimum of 36 credits in JAMS and at least 12 credits in a single program other than JAMS, of which, at least 6 credits must be at the 300 level or above:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| JAMS 101 | Introduction to Mass Media | 3 |
| JAMS 201 | Media Writing | 3 |
| JAMS 559 | Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age | 3 |
| or JAMS 461 | Media Ethics | |
| Complete 12 credits of JAMS Electives 1 | 12 | |
| Select 12 credits in a single program outside of JAMS 2 | 12 | |
| Select at least one JAMS 600-level course with the word "Seminar" in its title to meet the L&S requirement for a research experience in the major | 3 | |
| Concentration (see requirements listed below) | 12 | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
Journalism | ||
Media Studies | ||
Advertising/Public Relations | ||
| Total Credits | 48 | |
- 1
COMMUN 103 and COMMUN 105 also count as lower level JAMS electives.
- 2
At least 6 credits must be at the 300 level or above.
Concentration Requirements
Journalism
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JAMS 204 | News Writing | 3 |
| JAMS 320 | News Reporting | 3 |
| Select at least two of the following: | 6 | |
| Audio Storytelling | ||
| Introduction to Digital Documentary | ||
| Television News Reporting | ||
| Advanced Integrated Reporting | ||
| Specialized Reporting: | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Media Studies
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JAMS 262 | Principles of Media Studies | 3 |
| JAMS 562 | Media Studies and Culture | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations | ||
| Publication Design | ||
| Photojournalism | ||
| Introduction To Video Storytelling | ||
| Feature and Magazine Article Writing: | ||
| Audio Storytelling | ||
| Media Graphics | ||
| Introduction to Social Media and Search Engine Optimization | ||
| Critical and Opinion Writing | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3 | |
| News Literacy | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in the Media | ||
| History of Mass Media | ||
| Media Ethics 2 | ||
| Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age 2 | ||
| Seminar in Media and Public Opinion | ||
| Seminar in Media and Politics | ||
| Seminar in Global Media | ||
| Seminar in Contemporary Issues in Media Studies: | ||
| Seminar in Media Communication and Society: | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
- 1
One Media Studies course from among the following (in addition to at least one JAMS 600-level course with the word “Seminar” in its title selected to meet the L&S requirement for a research experience in the major).
- 2
If JAMS 461 or JAMS 559 is chosen for the Media Studies Elective, it cannot be double-counted as an Upper-Level Core Requirement.
Advertising/Public Relations
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| JAMS 207 | Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations | 3 |
| JAMS 307 | Persuasive Media Writing and Production: | 3 |
| JAMS 524 | Advertising and Public Relations Campaigns | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Design for Advertising | ||
| Media Planning | ||
| Branding and Campaign Analysis | ||
| Research for Advertising and Public Relations | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.