Journalism
Attention writers (current and future): Are you looking for hands-on knowledge and experience in journalism? Have you always wanted to write about news, opinion, sports, or culture, and didn't know where to start? Are you interested in contributing to the HFC student newspaper, or continuing to advance your news, sports, entertainment, and feature writing skills? Check out HFC Journalism program!
Why should I choose this program?
The HFC Journalism program offers students a dive deep into the world of news and feature writing across various platforms, from online/digital formats to print. Through hands-on experiences, you'll learn to gather, process, and write compelling stories with professional integrity. Real-world case studies provide valuable insights into the social, demographic, and ethical components of the industry. We'll teach you creative problem-solving, empowering you to create feature stories tailored for today's dynamic media. This active, student-centered approach prepares you to thrive as an impactful journalist, ready to tackle the challenges of the industry head-on.
What skills will I learn and improve?
![A man wearing headphones while speaking into a microphone.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2024-08/journalism_program_photo_3_600x440-1169477048.jpg)
Provides you with skills and knowledge in journalism, including:
- Professional and ethical standards in journalism.
- Journalism news writing skills, including researching, gathering, reporting, and editing -- all in the context of professional integrity.
- Media Communication skills in news writing, audio and video editing, and broadcast journalism.
- Creative problem-solving strategies and multimedia approaches to news production.
- Collaboration skills with team members in producing the campus newspaper (print and digital formats).
- Business, marketing, advertising, and design skills in producing the campus newspaper.
What are my career opportunities?
![A female reporter holding a microphone on camera.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2024-08/journalism_program_photo_2_600x440-1187643614.jpg)
- Reporter/Correspondent: Working for newspapers, digital publications, or broadcast outlets, reporters cover a variety of areas, from local news to specific topics like politics, sports, or culture.
- News Assistant/Production Assistant: These roles often involve supporting journalists in research, fact-checking, and administrative tasks, both in newsrooms and on field assignments.
- Editorial Assistant: Editorial assistants work closely with editors to proofread, fact-check, and organize content for publication, gaining valuable experience in the editorial process.
- Multimedia Journalist: With the rise of digital media, multimedia journalists produce content across various platforms, combining writing with skills in photography, videography, and digital and social media management.
- Freelance Writer: Freelancing allows entry-level journalists to gain experience and build their portfolios by pitching stories to publications or websites on a contract basis.
- Social Media Coordinator: Manage a business’ social media presence, curate content, and engage with audiences in real time. This is a popular entry point for those with strong digital communication skills.
Program features and benefits
![A group of people sitting around a table looking at photos.](/sites/hfcmain/files/photos/2024-08/journalism_program_photo_1_600x440-1354001545.jpg)
The HFC Journalism area trains and prepares students to step into the world of publication is several ways. here are a couple:
The Mirror News is our award-winning (every year!) student-run print and digital newspaper. The Mirror News is published monthly by the students of Henry Ford College from September through June. Content is created, edited, and designed by Mirror News staff, all of whom are students at Henry Ford College. This student newspaper has been a tradition on the campus of Henry Ford College for more than 70 years, with its state-of-the-art headquarters in the HFC Welcome Center Building. The Mirror News is distributed to nearly 15,000 students, faculty, staff, and community members. Our readership extends throughout the Metro Detroit area and includes diverse ages and backgrounds.
The Looking Glass is HFC’s annual student magazine and is open to original, creative projects, including writing, illustration, photography, etc. It is produced by the imaginative and artistic students at Henry Ford College.
In addition, you will have opportunities to hone your writing skills to compete in newspaper and other writing competitions and use your published articles to help build your professional writing portfolio.
Faculty
Lists the faculty associated with this program and their contact information.