College students who enter into a university's journalism degree program must take introductory courses that give them basic information about what journalism is, along with the fundamentals about how to write nonfiction. For instance, at the University of Florida, journalism majors begin with a mandatory course that teaches them about the business of journalism. Introductory courses are used to prepare students for more advanced coursework in the higher tiers of the degree program.
Journalism majors will have to take writing courses that train them about how to write like topnotch journalists. Reporting techniques are taught, such as how to relay factual information in a neutral but engaging way and how to incorporate direct quotes from interviewees. The difficulty level of writing courses will vary as students advance in the program. Students who take writing courses are expected to gain direct exposure and use practical application by writing short or long stories for class projects. Students can also take courses in special interest writing. For instance, the journalism degree program at Rutgers University has special writing courses for travel writing and freelance writing.
Part of being an effective writer involves being an effective editor of your own work. Degree courses in journalism teach students about copy reading, editing and fact-checking. Many editing courses require students to work in labs, where they must edit each other's work to gain hands-on experience. Editing is a skill that goes hand in hand with design. Design is an integral part of effective journalism, as it has to do with how a story is presented visually. At Fairfield University, students who take the Journalism Editing and Design course for their journalism major will learn about headlining and laying out stories, as well as how to keep information, tight, clear and accurate.
Students who major in journalism with an emphasis in public relations, advertising or media studies will be required to take degree courses in those specific areas. Such courses will relate journalism to various industries, such as advertising, to prepare students for future careers in a particular field.