Media and Journalism | NorthWest Arkansas Community College
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Communication & Art

Media & Journalism

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Earn a certificate in media at NWACC and learn how to gather information through interviews and research and craft fair and balanced stories for publication, broadcast or online. The obligation of journalism is to seek the truth and be loyal to the citizens of free societies.

You will also have the opportunity to experience hands-on learning by becoming a staff member for the Eagle View, the college's student newspaper. 

Many of NWACC's journalism courses carry transfer credit to four-year institutions and can fulfill general education requirements. Connect with your academic advisor for more details. 

By pursuing an education in media and journalism, you may find employment opportunities as a reporter, photojournalist, documentary-filmmaker, lobbyist, grant writer and many more. 


Academic Paths

NWACC offers a certificate of proficiency and a technical certificate in media. View the academic paths below to see which courses are required to earn a certificate.

View the courses required to earn a Certificate of Proficiency in Media.

View the courses required to earn a Technical Certificate in Media.

If you have completed JOUR 1023 and JOUR 1053 with a “C” or better, you are able to take JOUR 2163 - Journalism Internship. JOUR 2163 is required if you are pursuing a technical certificate in media. Read the below information to learn more. 

About JOUR 2163 - Journalism Internship:
The journalism internship allows students to gain on-the-job training and experience in a media-related workplace or environment approved by the internship instructor. Developed as a “contract” agreement between the student and a “host,” the internship offers practical experience supporting upper-division college studies or career entry. Students must complete a minimum of 90 hours supervised work by arrangement. This course fits into the generally accepted journalism sequence and should transfer to most colleges as a required course for a journalism or communications degree or as an elective.
The final grade will be determined by the internship instructor.

Guidelines:

  • Student will locate a suitable host or employer who will provide a viable and substantial work experience in journalism or in a related medium of student’s interest.
  • This course is primarily self-directed in accordance with the arrangements between student and host.
  • In general, an intern’s host or employer will assist and encourage the intern in the following areas:
    • Using Associated Press style correctly in writings or broadcasts.
    • Producing acceptable work using a computer, computer software, equipment, or other devices appropriate and required for assignments within the medium.
    • Developing effective oral and written communication skills.
    • Employing a variety of sources to locate, evaluate, and use information.
    • Developing ability to recognize media bias, effectiveness, and impact.
  • Student may request aid from internship instructor in preparing resume and developing interview skills for seeking an internship and in preparing the ending reflection and work portfolio.
  • The intern’s supervisor at the host site will evaluate the student on the characteristics listed on the Journalism Internship Evaluation Form. Student interns should study these characteristics and keep them in mind while fulfilling the work assigned.

Requirements (this might serve as a helpful checklist of completed steps):

  • Student has completed JOUR 1023 and JOUR 1053 with a “C” or better. Student should take these courses before the internship course. (One pre-req may be waived for Media Certificate seekers.)
  • Journalism Internship Instructor approves proposed host/employer before student moves forward with the application process.
  • Journalism Internship Application Form is submitted as soon as possible after registration opens for the upcoming semester but by no later than the first class day of the semester in which the internship will take place except in unusual or exceptional circumstances.
  • Journalism Internship Supervisor Confirmation Form is submitted before or within the first week of the semester within which the internship takes place.
  • Student keeps a weekly diary or journal of dates worked, hours worked, types or categories of work done, achievements, and reflective notes. This diary or journal will be readily available for the journalism internship instructor to examine upon request.
  • Student keeps a file or portfolio of completed work as a part of the internship, if applicable.
  • Student writes a reflection about his or her experience in the form of a letter to the journalism internship instructor (and to the host/employer supervisor/evaluator, if desired) that 1.) describes the skills gained and things learned, both about the job and about him- or herself; 2.) describes and explains successful and weak areas of his/her work; and 3.) names a grade earned for the course.
  • Journalism Internship Evaluation Form completed by the employer/host supervisor is submitted directly to the internship instructor before or by the last class day of the semester of the internship.
  • The work diary/journal, work portfolio or file, and the reflection letter are submitted before or on the last class day of the semester of the internship.

Questions?

Contact Visual Arts & Media Coordinator Stephanie Lewis at slewis@nwacc.edu or 479-986-6710.