During the first three academic terms in direct admission or in Pre-Journalism, students need to complete with a grade of C or better English 101 and 102, MDS 103 and Journalism 101. Prior to admission to Journalism 215, students must take and pass the Journalism Qualifying Exam ( JQE). Students may take the JQE up to three times.

All Journalism majors ultimately must complete 30-38 hours of Journalism-related courses. Usually during the second year of study, Advertising classes cover copywriting, media analysis, advertising research and retail advertising. Additional Journalism classes that may enhance the Advertising curriculum include desktop publishing and mass communications research methods.

In addition to University GEC and School non-major requirements, students must also select a minor. (A second area of concentration is allowed in areas that don’t have formal minors.) Many advertising students choose to minor in Business Administration.