Tell stories that shape how communities understand the world
Journalism and Media Studies at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø prepares you to report, write, produce and analyze media in a rapidly changing communication landscape. You learn how news is gathered, how stories are crafted and how media systems influence public understanding. Through hands‑on practice, critical analysis and close faculty mentorship, you build the skills needed for careers in journalism, digital media, strategic communication and related fields.
Curious whether this program is the right fit?
Share a little about yourself through our information request form to connect with an admissions counselor and get answers about the journalism and media studies program.
What You Can Expect
Foundational training in reporting and storytelling
Study news writing, multimedia production, media literacy and communication theory to understand how information is created and shared.
Hands‑on experience with real media platforms
Work with campus media outlets, complete applied projects and build a professional portfolio that demonstrates your ability to report, write and produce content.
Critical insight into media systems and influence
Examine how media shapes culture, politics and public life, and learn to evaluate information with clarity and ethical awareness.
Why Study Journalism and Media Studies at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø?
17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø offers small classes where faculty know your goals and help you develop your voice as a communicator. You gain practical experience through campus media, internships and project‑based coursework that prepares you for professional roles. The curriculum blends creative practice with analytical study so you graduate ready to produce compelling stories and understand the broader media environment. This combination of skills supports careers in journalism, digital content creation, public relations, marketing, nonprofit communication and graduate study.
Accolades & Rankings
#1 Liberal Arts College in Oregon for Earning Performance
- Washington Monthly
#1 Liberal Arts College in Oregon for Social Mobility
- U.S. News and World Report
#1 Best Value College in Oregon
- Niche
What financial assistance is available?
Financing your college education can feel like a lot to manage, but 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø is here to help make the process clearer and more manageable. 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø’s Financial Aid Office offers personalized guidance from experienced counselors who can help you understand your options, plan ahead, navigate the and answer any questions along the way.
You can also plan ahead by estimating your cost of attendance using 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø offers a variety of scholarship opportunities to help reduce the cost of college. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered for many 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø scholarships. Additional scholarships are available based on academic interests, achievements, life experiences and personal background.
Learn more about available scholarships on 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø’s Scholarships page.
Journalism and Media Studies Career Outlook
A journalism and media studies degree can open doors for your career
In 2024, the median annual wage for media and communication workers was $70,300, exceeding the national average of $49,500. While your income heavily depends on where you live, your level of education and the depth of your experience, enriching your expertise can help support your career growth and financial stability.
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You will leave prepared for a career in areas such as:
- Communications director
- Marketing manager
- Account executive
- Project manager
- Executive director
- Reporter or multimedia journalist
- Digital content creator
- Social media manager
- Public relations or communications specialist
- Copywriter or editor
- Podcast or video producer
- Nonprofit or advocacy communications coordinator
Ready to take the next step?
Journalism and Media Studies Admission
Begin your journey to studying at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø. Start your application.
Questions about the program?
Reach out to the department chair and they will be happy to answer your questions.
Hear from journalism and media studies students
Photos From Ireland
Andrew Beauchamp '27 shares photos and reflections from his time studying abroad in Ireland.
Bahamas Bonanza
Peyton Leifeste ’27 never imagined that pursuing her degree in journalism and media studies (JAMS) would include petting sharks, pigs and iguanas in the beautiful Bahamas.
January in Japan: A time to remember
Mariah Johnston '25 reflects on her time traveling through Japan as a part of the January Term class The Story of Japan’s Health and Food Innovations in this photo essay.
A Transfer Student's Triumph
When Mariah Johnston ’25 arrived at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø as a transfer student in her second year of college, she found that involvement was easier to achieve than expected. “With class sizes so small and super involved professors, it’s kind of hard not to get involved.”
Pairing His Two Passions
While it seems like sports and photography are two different mediums, Jake Downing '25 has put the two together creating a learning environment at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø based on his specific interests.
The Wildstock Experience
In a sea of students with my closest friends at my side, we all jumped and swayed to the Wildstock headliner, Chris Lane, and I realized it’s not really about the event. What matters most is who you’re surrounded by. Thank you, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø, for introducing me to all of them.
From Small Town to Big Possibilities
Although Meghan Mullaly’s college path wasn’t clear from the start, everything seemed to fall into place once she arrived as a student on the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø McMinnville Campus. Now, thanks to 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø's opportunities and preparation, this small-town girl knows that she is prepared to do big things.
Breaking Through the Beauty Industry
Lash Lab PDX began as a lash extension service provided by 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø alumnus Amantha Hood '17. “My company provides the service of lash extensions, but I think the bigger impact on the community is that I’m teaching people how to start a business and how to be their own boss.”
Rome: Ancient and Modern Storytelling
Follow 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø students on their 2023 January Term journey through Greece and Italy. Here, Kelsey Jordan '23 describes the sights and sounds of exploring Rome.
Greece: The Histories, the Stories, the Journey
Follow 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø students on their 2023 January Term journey through Greece and Italy. Here, Kelsey Jordan '23 describes the sights and sounds of exploring Greece.
Greece: Ancient and Modern Storytelling
The Wildcats Traveling Theatre blog covers the journey of 15 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø students as we study abroad learning about the history of theatre and storytelling across seven different cities in Greece and Italy.
Meet the 2022-23 CATS educators
The Consent Awareness Training Squad (CATS) is a group of student leaders that work to spread awareness on and off campus about the importance of consent, healthy relationships, respect and safe alcohol habits.
Discovering 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø
Emma Libby ’23, like many 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø students, took advantage of the university’s many versatile study-abroad opportunities. She spent the spring semester of 2022 learning about wine in France.
My Bonus Families For Fall Family Weekend
17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø’s annual Fall Family Weekend brought forth a flood of Wildcat families. Kayley Dombrigues '25 spent hers with the families of her roommates, Olivia Welsh ’25 and Matigan Dodge ’25. Kayley said, "By folding me into their family activities, I felt the security and warm-loving comfort of family in the absence of my own."
Seizing the Opportunity
With close relationships with professors, supportive teammates on and off the basketball court and a trip to the NCAA women's basketball championship tournament, rising senior Janessa Yniguez ’23 has made the most of every opportunity presented during her time at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø.
From 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø Hoodie to 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø Lu'au
First-year student Taetum Lynn Kalani '25 was more than ready to dance in 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø’s 49th Annual Lu'au and Ho'ike. You could say that it all began with her grandfather’s 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø hooded sweatshirt.
Making My Life Extraordinary
"When my parents finally made the decision, they knew amputation was the best choice for me and that the doctors were going to be right. However, there was one thing that the doctors were completely wrong about. I was going to be anything but ‘normal’, I was going to be extraordinary, and my family made sure of that."
Student Led, Student Read
Ready to take the next step in his education, Ethan Myers '21 decided to transfer into a more extensive journalism program. As a student-athlete with a passion for adventure, the decision to transfer to 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø was a straightforward choice.
Creating stories with purpose and soul
"The two best tools I picked up at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø were the ability to form a sharp point of view and the ability to articulate it."
Life of a globe trotter
"I was fully supported by many faculty and staff while at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø and go back from time to time to guest lecture in Intercultural Communication classes."
Developing communication strategies that tell a story
"17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø prepared me well for a career in a field that is ever-evolving. By requiring students to take courses in many different aspects of communication, 17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø helped me to develop into the type of communications generalist who can easily adapt with changing times and needs. "
Increasing awareness through stories and media
"17³Ô¹ÏÍø¹ÙÍø inspired me to embrace new opportunities."