Journalism Undergraduate Program
Tell stories that matter. Start doing it on day one.
The University of Montana School of Journalism is one of the oldest journalism programs in the country — founded in 1914 and still the only journalism school in Montana. More than a century later, the formula is simple: you learn journalism by doing it, on real deadlines, for real audiences, starting your first semester.
This is a small, intensely professional program. Our students don't practice journalism in simulated newsrooms — they cover the state legislature, tribal nations, report for public radio and other outlets while still undergraduates. They win national awards while still in school. And they graduate with a portfolio of published, produced, broadcast work — not just a diploma.
We are a top-10 Hearst Award-winning school with a great reputation, locally, regionally and nationally. Our students regularly compete for, and win, big national awards in competitions from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Online News Association, the student Emmy Awards, the Broadcast Education Association and more.
You'll work from the start. Hands-on learning in the field is the top factor prospective students say matters most when choosing a journalism school — and it's the core of everything we do here. From your first semester, you'll report, produce, and publish real journalism.
You'll build a portfolio, not just a transcript. Before you graduate, you'll have professionally published clips, produced audio, broadcast segments, or visual work — whatever your track. Our alumni work at the New York Times, NPR, the Washington Post, CBS, and community newsrooms across the country.
You'll be recognized nationally. In 2025–2026, UM ranked 10th overall in the Hearst Journalism Awards — often called the college Pulitzers — among 104 accredited programs. Maddie McCuddy won the national photojournalism championship. Claire Bernard finished second in the nation in writing. Our students compete at this level every year.
Your professors are working journalists. Faculty credentials include a Pulitzer Prize, Emmy nominations, nationally distributed podcasts, and published books. And with small classes and an open-door policy, they know your name and your work. Every incoming student meets personally with the Director before their first semester begins.
It's more affordable than you think. Each year we award more than $426,000 in scholarships to current students, funded by a community of alumni and donors who believe in this program. See scholarships and financial aid →
Degree Options
At the School of Journalism, you can pick one specific track, or you can do it all. Click the options at left or below to explore some of the tracks.
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Audio and Podcasting
Audio students anchor the news on the college radio station KBGA, intern for Montana Public Radio and they create original podcasts with some of the nation's best audio journalists, just to highlight a few projects. -
Writing, Reporting and Editing
Our graduates land jobs covering everything from congress to city councils. They inform the public, hold the powerful to account, shed light in dark corners and tell the stories of the people impacted by the news. They end up writing for the likes of the New York Times and small-town weekly publications alike. -
Photo and Visual Journalism
The photojournalism and visual journalism track at the University of Montana School of Journalism is quickly becoming one of the best in the nation. Students in the program regularly compete for national awards while they're in school and big jobs when they graduate. -
TV and Film
Whether your goal is to be in front of the camera or behind, the TV and film track at the University of Montana School of Journalism will set you up for a bright career in the industry. And, you'll have plenty of options when you graduate.
Audio and Podcasting
Writing, Reporting and Editing
Photo and Visual Journalism
TV and Film
