Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
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| Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication | |
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| Established: | 1941 (as ASU English Department- Division of Journalism) |
| Type: | Public |
| Dean: | Christopher Callahan |
| Faculty: | 25 |
| Students: | +/- 600 |
| Location: | Tempe, Arizona, United States |
| Campus: | Arizona State University |
| Website: | http://cronkite.asu.edu |
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication (often abbreviated to Cronkite School by its students), is one of the 24 independent school units at Arizona State University. The school offers bachelor's and master's degree in the areas of journalism. The school was renamed in honor of veteran broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite in 1984.
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[edit] History
The Cronkite School began as the Division of Journalism under the ASU's English Department in 1941, roughly 10 years after ASU began to offer journalism courses to its students, in 1931. The school began to expand in 1954, when radio and television journalism courses were made available. The entire Division of Journalism was elevated to department status three years later, and changed its name to Department of Mass Communication. The school moved from its original location at Old Main to what is now the Academic Services building at ASU Tempe in 1969.
In 1974, the school received its national accredition, and moved into a new building. The school was later renamed Department of Journalism and Telecommunication and became a part of the new College of Public Programs in 1979.
In 1981, the Cronkite School began to offer Master's Degree to its students. A year later, the school established a student radio station, The Blaze, as a place for prospective students to mature their skills (The State Press used to fulfill that role, but it became independent in the '70s). In 1984, the school was renamed Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunication in honor of the veteran news reporter. At the same time, the Walter Cronkite Award for Journalism Excellence was established.
In 1989, a professional news program produced by the school's students began production, and later evolved into the well-known Cronkite NewsWatch TV news program.
In 2001, the school voted to change its name to Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The school received independent school status in 2004. The school chose Christopher Callahan as its founding dean in 2005. A year later, the school established the Cronkite News Service for advanced journalism students to distribute TV and print stories to various professional media.
[edit] Future
When the Cronkite School received independent school status in 2004, plans were made to transfer the school to a newly planned campus in Downtown Phoenix. The school plans to move into a state-of-the-art facility in Downtown Phoenix in August of 2008 despite cost and planning delays. Students have expressed displeasure at the decision to move the school away from its traditional home but school officials pointed at the benefits of newer facilities and the close proximity to local media institutions.
[edit] Programs
The Cronkite School offers the following programs:
[edit] Undergraduate Program
[edit] Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication
All undergraduate journalism specializations involve heavy integration of liberal arts studies including economics, foreign language, history, and science courses.
The first two semesters of a Cronkite student's academic career focus on general understanding of journalism practices, and principles, such as a history and principles of journalism course, a rigorous grammar for journalists course, and a demanding class on news reporting and writing.[1]
New Curriculum Course Checklist
During their sophomore through senior years, a Cronkite student chooses one of four advanced specializations and takes courses accordingly to prepare for professional internships and post-graduation career paths. [2]
Cronkite School Journalism Specializations
- Print Journalism
- Broadcast Journalism
- Digital/Online Journalism
- Public Relations
[edit] Graduate Program
[edit] Master of Mass Communication
[edit] Student Media
Cronkite Students have traditionally served as paramount members of each of Arizona State University's student media divisions, particularly State Press, Sun Devil Television and KASC. Cronkite Students also typically participate and contributing to the Cronkite Zine, the NASA Project or other Student Organizations.
