Multimedia Journalism Programs - Communication and Media Studies

The Multimedia Journalism major prepares students to tell powerful, accurate, and engaging stories across today’s diverse media landscape. This 37-credit program blends strong writing and reporting foundations with hands-on experience in digital, broadcast, and print journalism. Students learn how to research, interview, and craft compelling stories for newspapers, magazines, television, radio, and online platforms while gaining technical skills in multimedia production, photography, and website design.

In CAMS, journalism students work with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud and video/audio editing software while developing an understanding of the ethical, legal, and aesthetic dimensions of media. They learn to produce content that informs, inspires, and connects communities building both creative and critical thinking skills essential for the profession. Classroom learning is complemented by real-world experience through practicums, internships, and collaborations with NMU’s student media, including Public Eye News and WUPX Radio X.

Graduates are well-prepared for careers in news reporting, editing, photojournalism, feature writing, multimedia production, public information, and digital communication. Many go on to work for news outlets, production companies, marketing agencies, and nonprofit organizations or to pursue graduate study in journalism, media studies, or communication.

The Multimedia Journalism minor offers students from any discipline the opportunity to develop professional writing, research, and storytelling skills that are valuable across every field. This 16-credit program introduces students to the fundamentals of journalism, teaching how to find, verify, and report stories that matter. Through courses in web design, media literacy, and news writing, students gain practical experience producing accurate, engaging, and ethical content for print, broadcast, and online platforms.

Working with faculty who bring both newsroom and production experience into the classroom, students learn to communicate clearly, think critically, and adapt to emerging media technologies. The minor pairs seamlessly with majors in business, political science, environmental studies, public relations, or communication helping students strengthen their ability to inform, persuade, and connect with diverse audiences.

The North Wind is NMU’s award-winning, independent student newspaper, providing daily digital coverage of campus and community news since 1972. Fully student-operated and partially funded through the Student Activity Fee, The North Wind gives students hands-on experience in reporting, writing, editing, photography, and design while maintaining editorial independence from the university.

From its early days as The Northern News to its current digital-first format, The North Wind has been a vital platform for student voices and a training ground for future journalists, editors, and media professionals. Alumni credit their newsroom experience with shaping careers in journalism, marketing, public relations, and digital media carrying forward a 50-year legacy of storytelling, accountability, and civic engagement.

Multimedia Journalism students at NMU bring their classroom learning to life through real-world media opportunities in radio, television, and digital production. Students write, report, and produce stories for Public Eye News, NMU’s student-run television newscast; host live shows and interviews on WUPX Radio X; and collaborate with professionals at WZMQ-TV 19, Marquette’s CBS affiliate, and WNMU-TV PBS, the region’s public broadcasting station. These experiences help students understand that strong writing and reporting are the foundation of compelling production—whether crafting a news package, anchoring a live segment, or developing a documentary. Through these opportunities, students gain the storytelling, technical, and ethical skills essential for success in today’s fast-paced media environment.

Each year, CAMS students compete in the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) Student Awards, showcasing their talent in categories such as play-by-play production, writing and announcing. NMU has proudly participated in the MAB for more than 20 years, earning recognition across multiple broadcasting fields. Students travel to Lansing each March for the Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference and Expo, where they network with industry professionals, attend workshops, and celebrate their achievements among peers from across the state.

Current and Past Award Winners

News About NMU in the MAB Spotlight