Jump to Freshman FAQs
Q: What courses should I take in high school to prepare me for the WVU P.I. Reed School of Journalism program?
A: Students who wish to major in journalism should be proficient in English. Some students choose to take Advanced Placement English in high school, which not only prepares them for college but also may help reduce their required course load upon entering WVU. Students should also consider taking a foreign language in high school, as journalism students are required to have two semesters of foreign language. Students are encouraged to get involved in high school media, such as the school newspaper, radio, TV broadcast or yearbook.
Q: Where do I go for information about applying to the undergraduate or graduate program?
A: You can follow our links to the undergraduate admission, the WVU admissions page and the graduate admission page. If you have any questions or concerns about the undergraduate program, please email Pam Hanson, our advising director, at pam.hanson@mail.wvu.edu or call her at 304-293-3505, ext. 5405. For information about the graduate program, contact Dr. Steve Urbanski, Director of Graduate Studies, at Steve.Urbanski@mail.wvu.edu or 304.293.3505 ext. 5435.
Q: What is the difference between a pre-journalism student and a direct admit student?
A: Students applying to WVU who indicate they want to be journalism majors and who have at least a 2.5 cumulative, non-weighted high school grade-point average and at least a 22 enhanced ACT English score or at least a 520 recentered SAT verbal score are considered direct admits. These students are eligible for scholarships earlier, have an SOJ advisor from the day they enter WVU and take a special University Orientation course that will help them with becoming fully-admitted into the school. Direct admit students will be fully declared majors once they take and pass the Journalism Qualifying Exam (JQE). Students who don’t qualify as direct admits become pre-journalism majors. They will be advised by the University Advising Center until they take Journalism 215, generally during their sophomore year.
Q: What is the JQE?
A: The Journalism Qualifying Exam (JQE) is a test all journalism students must pass in order to be fully admitted to the WVU P.I. Reed School of Journalism. You will want to take the test as soon as possible. The JQE, along with a grade of C or better in English 101 and 102, MDS 103, and Journalism 101 are prerequisites for Journalism 215. The JQE, a 100-point multiple choice test offered five times each year, includes five parts: vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling, language mechanics and language expressions. Students may take the JQE up to three times. For a complete list of books to study for the JQE, please see our JQE site.
Q: Are there scholarships available and, if so, how do I apply?
A: A limited number of scholarships are available to direct admit freshmen and transfer students. More than $75,000 in scholarships are available to fully admitted students. Direct admit students will be sent a scholarship application after they apply to WVU. And each spring fully admitted students are sent a message through their internal email accounts, alerting them to apply for scholarships. Students must have a 3.0 overall GPA to apply. To view scholarships that are available to students, please see the WVU Scholarships page and the WVU Foundation page.
Q: What does being an "accredited" school of journalism mean?
A: Being an accredited school means that every six years the WVU P.I. Reed School of Journalism undergoes an extensive audit of its programs, teaching, curriculum, research and more. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) brings in journalism educators from around the country to make certain the school is performing at an optimal level. This team of experts makes certain that our graduates are sufficiently trained and performing well in their careers and that our faculty are teaching students what they need to know to be successful. The School of Journalism was fully reaccredited by ACEJMC in 2004. The school received high marks on its teaching, alumni relations and student satisfaction with the program.
Q: What's the school's teaching philosophy?
A: Teaching in all the program areas embraces a coaching/mentoring philosophy that results in real products – stories, broadcasts, campaigns and projects – that are published and used by real clients. Faculty hold one-on-one sessions with their students throughout the semester to make certain they understand key concepts.
Q: How many students will be in class with me?
A: Once you are fully admitted into the WVU P.I. Reed School of Journalism, your core journalism courses will have no more than 20 students per class.
Q: Where have WVU P.I. Reed School of Journalism graduates gone on to work?
A: WVU P.I. Reed School of Journalism graduates are top executives at national advertising and public relations firms and editors and reporters at the nation's leading newspapers and broadcast stations. We have news-editorial graduates at the Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Times, Washington Post, USA TODAY and regional papers throughout the United States. Our broadcast news students work at ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox News, as well as CNN and their affiliates throughout the country. Our public relations and advertising graduates work at regional and national firms, including DDB Chicago, Golin/Harris International and Ketchum, or own their own successful firms.
Q: Will I be able to get a job after I graduate?
A: Our hands-on curriculum, emphasis on internships and dedicated alumni have helped us post a 98 percent placement rate. This means of the students who leave the school and respond to our surveys, 98 percent of them have a full-time job or are in a master's program one year after graduation.
Q: What is the difference between a pre-journalism student and a direct admit student?
A: Students who have at least a 2.5 cumulative, non-weighted high school GPA and at least a 22 enhanced ACT English score or at least a 520 recentered SAT verbal score are considered direct admits. These students are eligible for scholarships earlier, have a School of Journalism advisor from the day they enter WVU, and take a special University orientation course geared toward journalism majors. Direct admit students will be fully declared majors once they take and pass the Journalism Qualifying Exam (JQE).
Pre-journalism majors will be advised by the University Advising Center until they successfully complete Journalism 215.
Q: What is the JQE?
A: To be fully admitted to the School of Journalism, all journalism students must take and pass the Journalism Qualifying Exam (JQE). The test includes sections on vocabulary, reading comprehension, spelling, and language skills.
You will want to take the test as soon as possible. The exam is offered three times annually. Upcoming dates will be posted periodically on the JQE web page.
Students may take the JQE up to three times.
The JQE, along with a grade of C or better in English 101 and 102 (or English 103), MDS 103, and Journalism 101 are prerequisites for Journalism 215.
Q: How do I prepare for the JQE?
A: The School of Journalism offers free tutoring for the JQE. Students may visit 107 Martin Hall to learn more about tutoring or to obtain a tutoring packet, which includes helpful exercises and diagnostic tools. For more details, students may contact Enrollment Coordinator Jan Boyles at jan.boyles@mail.wvu.edu.
Q: I took AP courses in high school. How do those credits transfer to WVU?
A: Students taking Advanced Placement credits should ask The College Board to send those scores to WVU Admissions and Records. Admissions and Records will then send the scores to the School of Journalism, and we will ensure that the appropriate credit is applied to the student’s academic curriculum sheet. View a chart detailing AP credit eligibility here.
Q: I have transfer credits from another college or university. How can I apply those courses toward my School of Journalism degree?
A: Students must request an official transcript from the previous institution. Transcripts can be mailed to WVU Admissions and Records, P.O. Box 6009, Morgantown, WV 26505. The paperwork can also be hand carried to Admissions and Records.
Please send all transcripts to WVU before attending a New Student Orientation session.
Officials at Admissions and Records will assess what credit will be granted. Students may seek an appeal to the Admissions and Records credit decisions by conferring with the School of Journalism's Associate Dean.
Q: What type of computer should I purchase?
A: School of Journalism students are strongly encouraged to purchase/bring a computer for use while at WVU. Martin Hall houses both PC and Mac computing labs, and there is not an absolute School-wide computing preference. (It should be noted that many advertising courses use Apple products for design and layout programs).
Before making a purchase, students should strongly consider their own comfort level with the technology. Recommended technical specifications are available on the WVU Technology Support Center’s website. (Please note the Apple offerings have not been updated for 2006).
Students with additional technology questions may contact Enrollment Coordinator Jan Boyles at jan.boyles@mail.wvu.edu.
Q: Do I have to take a University orientation class?
A: Yes. Pre-journalism students take UNIV 101 unless they are taking another equivalent course. Direct admit students are required to take JRL 115 unless they are taking another equivalent course, such as Honors 199 or RPTR (Adventure WV).
Q: Can I finish my degree within four years?
A: Yes. In order to finish in four years, students must average at least 16 hours per semester (excluding summer school). Sample course schedules are available within each of the undergraduate sequences on the website.
Q: Can I major in one program sequence (Advertising, Broadcast News, News- Editorial, Public Relations) and minor in another?
A: No. Students must choose a minor outside of the School of Journalism.
Q: Can I “double major” in two program sequences?
A: No. Students may only choose one concentration within the School of Journalism.
Q: Can I “double major” with one sequence from the School of Journalism and a major from another college?
A: Yes. However, students are not merely “double majoring.” Rather, students are working toward a dual degree – essentially two college degrees. As the School of Journalism constitutes one of WVU’s colleges, students must choose a second major from another college. Therefore, students must meet requirements for two separate colleges.
Students must complete a minimum of 158 hours and fulfill all degree requirements. Many students find it challenging to complete such a rigorous program in four years. To learn more about dual degree opportunities, visit the Advising Suite in 107-8 Martin Hall.
Q: Is there a minimum GPA to remain a major?
A: Yes. Students must maintain a 2.0 overall GPA, and make a “C” or better in all major and minor courses.
Q: How many students will be in class with me?
A: Once you are fully admitted into the School of Journalism, your core journalism classes typically will have no more than 20 students per class.
Q: I want to participate in School of Journalism clubs and organizations. What types of activities are available during my first year?
A: There are a variety of School of Journalism organizations available to students. Some clubs include Society of Professional Journalists, Advertising Club, Mentorship Program and PRSSA. Meeting times are posted in Martin Hall. In addition, the School will hold a student organization fair each fall semester to promote these groups.
Q: How do I get information about internships?
A: Parents and students will learn about internship opportunities at every New Student Orientation session.
Q: I have a question, but it’s not answered here. Help!
A: Please e-mail Enrollment Coordinator Jan Boyles at jan.boyles@mail.wvu.edu.