FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

What courses should I take in high school to prepare me for the WVU Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism (SOJ)?

Students who wish to major in the SOJ 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 also should consider taking a foreign language in high school, as SOJ 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.

Where do I go for information about applying to the undergraduate or graduate programs?

Admission information is available on our Admissions page. Students can find additional undergraduate admission information on the WVU admissions page. Questions about undergraduate admission should be directed to Jan Boyles, Director of Advising (jan.boyles@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-3505, ext. 5414).

Admission information for the Master of Science in Journalism program is available on the program website. Additional questions should be directed to Dr. Steve Urbanski, Director of Graduate Studies (steve.urbanski@mail.wvu.edu or 304.293.3505, ext. 5435).

Admission information for the Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications program is available on the program website. Additional questions should be directed to Shelly Stump, IMC Advising Director (shelly.stump@mail.wvu.edu or 304.293.3505, ext. 5450).

I took AP courses in high school. How do those credits transfer to WVU?

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 SOJ, 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.

I have undergraduate transfer credits from another college or university. How can I apply those courses toward my SOJ degree?

Undergraduate 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-delivered 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. Undergraduate students may seek an appeal to the Admissions and Records credit decisions by conferring with the SOJ’s Associate Dean.

Can I major in one SOJ program and minor in another?

No. Students must choose a minor outside of the SOJ.

Can I “double major” in two SOJ programs?

No. Students may only choose one concentration within the SOJ. As the SOJ constitutes one of WVU’s colleges, students must choose a second major from another college.

Can I “double major” with one program from the SOJ and a major from another college?

Yes. However, students are not merely “double majoring.” Rather, students are working toward a dual degree – essentially two college degrees. As the SOJ 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 SOJ Advising Center in 107 Martin Hall.

Is there a minimum GPA to remain an SOJ major?

Yes. Undergraduate students must maintain a 2.0 overall GPA and earn at least a “C” grade in all major and minor courses. Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA.

How many students will be in class with me?

Once you are fully admitted into the SOJ, your core undergraduate SOJ classes typically will have no more than 20 students per class.

I want to participate in SOJ clubs and organizations. What types of activities are available during my first year?

There are a variety of SOJ organizations available to students, including Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), Advertising Club (Ad Club), Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA), Ed on Campus: All Things Magazine and the SOJ Mentorship Program. Meeting times are posted in Martin Hall and announced in SOJ eNews. See the Current Students section of the website for more information about student organizations.

How do I get information about internships?

Students may schedule a meeting with Director of Advising Jan Boyles to learn more about specific internship programs, on-campus interviews, resume/interviewing workshops and career planning. In addition, SOJ eNews lists numerous opportunities on a regular basis.

What type of computer should I purchase?

SOJ 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 SOJ-wide computing preference. (It should be noted that many advertising and visual journalism courses use Apple software applications.)

Students with additional technology questions may contact Director of Advising Jan Boyles (jan.boyles@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-3505, ext. 5414).

Do I have to take a University orientation class?

Yes. Undergraduate 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).

Are there undergraduate scholarships available and, if so, how do I apply?

A limited number of SOJ scholarships are available to direct admit freshmen and transfer students. Typically, more than $75,000 in scholarships is available to fully admitted students. Direct admit students will be sent a scholarship application after they apply to WVU. Each spring, fully admitted students are notified via SOJ eNews about the application process and deadlines. To learn more about other scholarships available to students, please visit the WVU Scholarships website and the WVU Foundation website.

Are there graduate assistantships available and, if so, how do I apply?

A limited number of graduate assistantships are available for the on-campus Master of Science in Journalism program. Information about those positions can be found on the program’s website.

What does being an “accredited” school of journalism mean?

Being an accredited school means that every six years the WVU P.I. Reed School of Journalism (SOJ) 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 ensure the SOJ 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 SOJ was fully reaccredited by ACEJMC in 2004, receiving high marks on its teaching, alumni relations and student satisfaction with the program.

What’s the SOJ’s teaching philosophy?

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.

Can I finish my undergraduate degree within four years?

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 programs on the website.

Where have SOJ graduates gone on to work?

Our 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 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, Fox News, CNN and their affiliates throughout the country. Our public relations and advertising graduates work at regional and national firms, including DDB Chicago, GolinHarris and Ketchum, or own their own successful firms.

Will I be able to get a job after I graduate?

Our hands-on curriculum, emphasis on internships and dedicated alumni have helped us achieve a 94 percent placement rate. This means of the students who leave the SOJ and respond to our surveys, 94 percent of them have a full-time job or are in a master’s program within one year after graduation.

I have a question, but it’s not answered here. Help!

Additional questions regarding the undergraduate programs should be directed to Jan Boyles, Director of Advising (jan.boyles@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-3505, ext. 5414). Questions about the Master of Science in Journalism program should be directed to Dr. Steve Urbanski, Director of Graduate Studies (steve.urbanski@mail.wvu.edu or 304.293.3505, ext. 5435). Additional questions about the Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications program should be directed to Shelly Stump, IMC Advising Director (shelly.stump@mail.wvu.edu or 304.293.3505, ext. 5450).