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Why Minor in Journalism and Documentary Storytelling at Allegheny College

As a Journalism and Documentary Storytelling student, you’ll combine practical training in journalism with examination of the sociopolitical role of journalism. You’ll consider what it means to be a responsible citizen in a journalistic context.

Unusual Combinations
Students often combine Journalism and Documentary Storytelling with:

Division

  • Language, Literature, and Culture

Program Type

  • Minor

Number of Credits

24 for minor

 

Where Journalism and Documentary Storytelling Alumni Work Today

Video Journalist

The Post-Standard & Syracuse.com

Katrina Tulloch ‘11

Senior Manager of Audience

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Thomas O’Boyle ‘78

Photojournalist

Knoxville News Sentinel

Caitie McMekin ‘14

Senior Trailhead Content Writer

Salesforce

Cody Switzer ‘07

President & Publisher

Franklin News Foundation

Christopher Krug ‘90

Deputy Managing Editor

Onion, Inc.

Samantha Hungerford ‘13

Senior Enterprise Projects Editor

Kaiser Health News

John Hillkirk ‘78

Political Editor

The Baltimore Banner

John O’Connor ‘99

Journalist

Pennsylvania Capital-Star

Marley Parish ‘19

Government & Accountability Editor

NPR affiliate WESA

Chris Potter ‘19

Your Four-Year Journey

Journalism and Documentary Storytelling Overview

Year 1: Understanding

The Journalism and Documentary Storytelling Minor starts with Newswriting, the first journalism practice course. Start to engage yourself in real-life newsgathering, writing, copy-editing, and revision within short deadlines of a traditional news writing practice.

Year 2: New Approaches

In the second year, you’ll typically take your first journalism synthesis course, Journalism and Democracy in the U.S. The course examines the history of journalism in the U.S. and its connection with the practice of democracy. Consider the current media landscape, challenges, and opportunities it presents for developing an informed, responsible citizenry.

Year 3: Delving Deeper

Two advanced courses are open in the third year of those with theJournalism and Documentary Storytelling Minor. Multimedia Journalism expands students’ experience beyond print media to audio, video, and interactive digital media stories. Meanwhile, Case Studies in Investigation is organized around investigative case studies-journalistic pieces that exposed unjust, criminal, or socially problematic situations and brainstorm how remedies can be created for those situations.

Year 4: The Comp

If they haven’t already done so, students in their final year of the Journalism and Documentary Storytelling Minor may complete two semesters of internship with the student newspaper, The Campus, or take a Topics in Journalism course, which varies but often incorporates photojournalism or beat reporting.

Research and Internships

Allegheny Journalism In The Public Interest Students Learn By Doing

As news media saturate our lives and wield enormous influence, journalism in the public interest students receive hands-on experiences between internships and student organizations. 

Video & Audio Production

The Vukovich Center for Communication Arts boasts a fully equipped TV studio and two editing labs for students to develop their skills with on-sight teaching assistants. Learn traditional production skills and how to take creative liberties, so you are fully prepared for a career beyond Allegheny.

The Campus

Founded in 1876, a weekly newspaper, named The Campus, made for and by the students of Allegheny College.

WARC 90.3

A non-commercial, student-run college radio station.

Allegheny Film & Television

A group dedicated to providing students and faculty with a creative outlet through film.

Recent Internships

  • Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Newspaper
  • Chautauquan Daily – Newspaper
  • Erie Times-News – Newspaper
  • KDKA-TV – Broadcasting
  • USA TODAY – Newspaper
  • LA Times – Newspaper

Faculty and Staff

Michael Keeley

Professor

M.F.A., Brooklyn College; M.A., Marquette University; B.A., Pennsylvania State University;

Frequently Asked Questions About the Journalism and Documentary Storytelling

Are there any clubs and activities available for Journalism and Documentary Storytelling students?

Yes, there are multiple campus organizations that can benefit students in the Journalism and Documentary Storytelling program, including The Campus (Newspaper) Club. Explore all Allegheny College clubs and organizations.

Program Contact

Jon Wiebel

Associate Professor of Communication & Media; Director of Speaking

Email(814) 332-4787