Digital Journalism

The Digital Journalism major is a hands-on professional degree program that prepares students for careers in media. As a digital journalism student, you will learn by doing. From producing live newscasts in our state-of-the-art digital newsroom to field reporting at our bureau in Washington, DC, you’ll learn the values and principles that have long formed the core of the journalism profession while you master the highly specialized, practical skills needed to succeed in today’s digital world. Digital Journalism graduates are skilled in storytelling that includes writing, researching, reporting, shooting and editing digital photos, video and audio and producing data visualizations. You will also get a portfolio of published work on the award-winning Caplin News that will help you stand out when applying for jobs or graduate school.

Freshmen and Sophomore Students


Applying to FIU and Admission to the Major

Students who select Digital Journalism as a major when they apply to FIU from high school must meet the following criteria to be admitted to the major:

  • GPA of 2.85 or greater

Digital Journalism Curriculum

Students in the Digital Journalism major must satisfy all the following requirements as instructed.

FIU University Core Curriculum – All undergraduate students must complete 30 credits (10 classes) in the university’s core curriculum before graduation. More information about the Core Curriculum.

  • Required Core Curriculum Course – How We Know What We Know – All Digital Journalism students are required to take IDS How We Know What We Know to satisfy the Humanities Group 2 Core Curriculum requirement.

Core Degree Requirements (15 credits): All students in this degree must complete a degree core that includes five courses:

  • MMC3003. Journalism & Media Orientation – 0 credits – A course designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of academic policies, procedures and requirements for matriculation and graduation from the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media.
  • MMC3303 Global Media and Society – 3 credits satisfies Global Learning – The course will familiarize students with a multi-cultural global perspective of a multi-media world. The aim of the course is to create a foundation of global media literacy.
  • MMC3123 Writing for Media   – 3 credits – Writing for Media introduces students to professional media writing in journalism, broadcasting, digital media and social media..
  • MMC4200 Media Law and Ethics  – 3 credits – An in-depth examination of legal and ethical issues confronting media professionals.
  • VIC3400. Visual Design for Globalized Media – 3 credits satisfies Global Learning - The course explores the relationship between images and messages in global media and the primary role that visual design plays in globalized media presentations.
  • MMC 4940 Media Practicum – 3 credits – All students are required to take at least one internal or external internship.

Major Specific Requirements (27 Credits): 

  • JOU 2100. Intro to Reporting and Writing – 3 credits – All students entering the Digital Journalism major as Freshmen and Sophomores must take JOU 2100. Intro to news reporting/writing developing digital skills in journalistic setting. Instruction on sourcing, interviewing, data gathering/presentation, civic governance and public records search. Prerequisite: ENC 1101 and ENC 1102
  • JOU 3003. Introduction to Journalism – 3 credits – Study and analytical discussion of the history of journalism in America, including its current practice, through intensive readings of primary historical sources as well as broad, direct exposure to current news sources.
  • RTV 3531. Multimedia Production – 3 credits – Intro to audio and video production and editing. Emphasis on single camera techniques and editing.
  • JOU 3117. Digital Journalism – 3 credits - Teaches the fundamentals of news writing, reporting, interviewing, public records and arithmetic for journalists and the basic skills required for digital journalism. Prerequisites: MMC 3003, MMC 3123, JOU 3003, and 2.85 cumulative GPA Corequisite: JOU 3003
  • DIG 4293. Multimedia 2 – 3 credits – This is a project-based course that adds to the student’s knowledge of multimedia production. There will be and emphasis on video production and streaming, including studio production projects. Prerequisites: MMC 3003, MMC 3123, RTV 3531, 2.85 cumulative GPA.
  • JOU 3300. Advanced Digital Journalism – 3 credits – Students will write and produce digital feature stories: human interest, trends,personality profiles, sidebars, backgrounders, color. Prerequisites: MMC 3003, MMC 3123, JOU 3003, JOU 3117, RTV 3531, 2.85 cumulative GPA.
  • DIG 3181. Interactive Visualizations – 3 credits  This course provides a foundation in data analysis and data visualization for media professionals. Students learn to gather, process, analyze and visualize data in combination with storytelling. Prerequisites: DIG 3110 or JOU 3117.
  • JOU 4108. Enterprise Reporting – 3 credits - Advanced instruction on the ways professional journalists find and develop original stories not generated directly by news releases or meeting and event coverage. Prerequisite: MMC 3003, MMC 3123, JOU 3117, 2.85 cumulative GPA.
  • JOU 4341C. Integrated Journalism Newsroom Capstone – 3 credits– Students will conceptualize and produce a digital publication, including layout, photography, video, audio and data visualization. Prerequisites: MMC 3003, RTV 3531, JOU 3117, (DIG 4293 or VIC 4001), JOU 3300, (JOU 4108 or VIC 4001), 2.85 cumulative GPA.

School of Journalism & Media Electives – 6 credits
Digital Journalism students may choose any course at the 3000/4000 level from ADV, COM, DIG, JOU, MMC, PUR, RTV, SPC.

Area of Concentration – 12 credits
All students enrolled in the Digital Journalism major must have a declared area of concentration (AoC):

  • The AoC requires 12 credits of 3000/4000-level complementary coursework
  • AoC courses may be taken within or outside of the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media
  • The AoC is not a minor or a certificate, but you may pursue a minor or certificate program and have that count as your AoC
  • Consult with your advisor for what would be suit your career and individual goals.

Sample Areas of Concentration:

Transfer Students


Applying to FIU and Admission to the Major

Students who graduate with an Associate of Arts degree from a community college or who are transferring as a Junior from another college or university or department with FIU must meet the following requirements:

  • GPA of 2.85 or greater

Degree Requirements

NOTE: Degree requirements may vary based on the number of credits that transfer over into the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media, and the nature of the courses that you completed in your previous institution.

University Core Curriculum. Students who have an Associate of Arts degree from a community college or university are not required to complete FIU’s core curriculum. Other transfer students and students who have an Associate of Science degree from a community college are required to complete FIU’s core curriculum.

Major Courses. Transfer students are not required to take JOU 2100 Intro to Reporting & Writing.