Journalism Certificate | Madison College

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Journalism

Program Number: 908012CERT

Your Degree: Certificate

Estimated Time to Complete: 13 Credits | Finish in 1 year

Delivery Method: Some Online/Some In Person

Area of Study: Arts, Design and Humanities

Estimated Program Cost: $2,808.18

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Program Overview
Madison College's Journalism Certificate offers professional writing and visual journalism courses for a wide range of students and can be used as a platform to a four-year program. The Journalism Certificate can also help an individual land an internship position, a part-time job, or full-time work in a small media organization, such as a weekly newspaper or radio station, or in a public relations department of an organization.
Students in other programs, such as the Visual Communication, Photography or Graphic Design programs, can simultaneously work to earn the Journalism Certificate while completing their associate’s degrees. Returning students who might possibly have bachelor's or master's degrees may obtain the Journalism Certificate as key to their transition to a professional writing or visual journalism career.
Journalism Program Details
Students earning the Journalism Certificate can attend full- or part-time.
Journalism classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
Madison - Truax
Madison - South
Reedsburg
Portage
Fort Atkinson
Watertown
Journalism is an exciting, rewarding career. Journalists have the unique opportunity to travel, investigate issues and interview fascinating people while getting paid to tell a story about what they see, hear and experience. With the Journalism Certificate, you will be ready for a range of professional positions in the field of journalism, including:
News Reporter
Feature Writer
Radio Reporter
Video Journalist
Social Media Writer
Web Writer
Copy Editor
Public Relations Writer
Journalists who also have "new media" skills, such as podcasting and video storytelling, are attractive candidates to media organizations looking to hire multi-talented journalists.
Job market for Journalism Certificate grads
Can a graduate of the Madison College Journalism Certificate Program get a job in a news media organization or in a public relations department?
Yes! Many of our former journalism students are now working either full-time or part-time for news media organizations.
However, certificate graduates who have a bachelor's degree of some kind may have the advantage in a job interview. Larger media organizations, such as the Milwaukee Journal, often require job applicants to have a bachelor's degree in journalism, English or communications in addition to on-the-job experience.
Madison College Journalism Certificate graduates with an associate’s degree can still find employment. Smaller media organizations, such as small radio stations, small dailies or weekly newspapers, often advertise job openings and do not list a bachelor's degree in journalism as a requirement. They are looking for individuals who have the skills, desire, and passion for reporting the news of a small community.
For more information email Larry Hansen at lhansen@madisoncollege.edu.
Program Courses

Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Required Courses
20-801-245
Introduction to Journalism
This introductory journalism course explores the role of journalists in a democratic society. Students learn basic reporting skills, including news gathering, interviewing, editing, and copyrighting, through hands-on work and publication in the student newspaper. The course focuses on “Level 1” reporting, covering spot news such as crime, politics, and community events. Students also explore how journalists use AI tools to support research, verification, and reporting.
3 credits
20-801-253
Photo/Video Storytelling
Students learn how to tell clear, engaging stories with photos and video. They practice framing shots, recording sound, and editing clips to shape a story. The course emphasizes ethical choices and real-world use. By the end, students create photo essays and short videos they can share on digital platforms.
3 credits
20-801-271
Journalism Practicum 1
Journalism Practicum students gain real world journalism experience by working on The Clarion student newspaper, newsletter, website, radio broadcast, video, and outreach projects. They report, write, edit, photograph, videotape, record, attend editorial meetings, and complete service hours: 36 hours for 1 credit or 72 hours for 2 credits. Journalism Practicum 1 provides real-world journalism skills and experiences for students.
1 credit
Electives
Students must also complete at least a minimum 6 credits from the following electives:
10-203-173
Photojournalism
Photography for publication with visual images used to relate events, ideas, or circumstances. Explore strategies to make images of both planned and unplanned events; apply techniques in which news stories are communicated through visual images in print; discuss ethical and legal practices; use editing tools to prepare images for publication.
2 credits
20-801-251
Introduction to Mass Communication
Introduction to Mass Communication is a four credit course examining the history, evolution, and ethical responsibilities of various media. Students explore how media systems shape society through platforms ranging from print and broadcast to digital and AI and analyze how and why messages are created and delivered across news, public relations, advertising, entertainment, and research reporting.
4 credits
20-801-252
World Issues Journalism
World Issues Journalism students explore international journalism and its role in global themes such as environmental issues, public health, poverty, media freedom, gender inequality, religion, and conflict. At the same time, they develop essential skills in podcasting, blogging, news and profile writing, multimedia storytelling, and academic research and writing.
3 credits
20-801-256
Science Communication
Science Communication examines the history and communication processes behind grand challenges and controversies in science. Students apply quantitative and qualitative skills, alongside AI to investigate scientific claims and evaluate newsworthiness of a scientific finding. Students learn to communicate research with clarity in a compelling format while staying true to the facts. Students will learn to communicate to broad audiences and examine the role of scientific evidence in policymaking.
3 credits
20-801-272
Journalism Practicum 2
Journalism Practicum 2 builds on Practicum 1, giving students deeper real-world experience in news production. Students work as members of The Clarion staff, contributing to reporting, editing, and editorial decisions. They produce issue-based enterprise stories and also handle copy editing, fact checking, and refining longer, in-depth newsroom pieces.
1 credit
20-801-273
Journalism Practicum 3
Journalism Practicum 3 is a follow up to Practicum 2 and offers further real-world experiences in journalism or strategic communications. In addition to the skills learned in Practicums 1 and 2, students learn and practice social media writing, multimedia reporting, and radio/podcast broadcast. Students must spend at least 72 hours throughout the semester working as a journalist for a local news media outlet (may be The Clarion), or as a digital content creator for a local company or non-profit organization.
2 credits
20-801-274
Journalism Practicum 4
Journalism Practicum 4 is the capstone journalism practicum course. It offers “managerial” experiences in journalism and/or strategic communications. In addition to the stills learned and practiced in Practicums 1, 2 and 3, students of Journalism Practicum 4 will take on more managerial tasks related to their practicum work. Students must spend at least 72 hours working as a journalist for a local news media outlet (may be The Clarion), or as a digital content creator for a local company or non-profit organization.
2 credits
20-815-239
Digital Photography
This course introduces the photographic process through the use of digital cameras and covers principles of effective composition, lighting, exposure, and control of motion and focus. This is a beginning course with emphasis on technical skill-building, contemporary and historical photography review, group critique, photo journals, and hands-on assignments. Students provide their own digital cameras.
3 credits
20-801-269
On-Air Performance
This course is an introduction to the skills and theory of on-air radio and television/video announcing. Students will learn the on-air broadcast skills of presenting news information to mass audiences in both audio and television/video formats. Students will also examine newscast theory and the history of radio and television news.
3 credits
20-801-254
Media and Democracy
This course explores how media shapes public understanding in a democracy. You examine how journalists make decisions, follow ethical standards, and sometimes struggle to meet them. You analyze real examples and learn to spot reliable information and misinformation. You also explore the evolution of media in the United States and its impact on public life. By the end, you will evaluate news sources and think critically about media’s role in public life.
3 credits
20-801-262
Social Media Writing
This course explores writing and publishing for new media, especially social platforms. Students compare linear and interactive storytelling, develop skills for interactive publishing and social media communication, develop truth sorting strategies, and use AI and crowdsourcing for research. They create and publish microblogs, video scripting, audio stories, and open-source website to demonstrate their learning.
3 credits
How to Apply
Earning a certificate is a great way to expand your skill set and add professionalism to your resume. Applications are always open, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
There are no admission requirements for this certificate. Simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
Application open
Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
Application open
Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Fall 2027
Application available on October 15, 2026
Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Additional Notes
Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid.
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Journalism career.
It's Free to Apply
Career Outcomes
After completing the Journalism Certificate at Madison Area Technical College, you will be able to:
Gain employment in the field of journalism. Past students have landed full-time or part-time jobs in journalism or public relations. Many students have used the skills they acquired completing the certificate to specialize as freelance writers or obtain an internship.
Gain journalism credits that transfer to colleges and universities in Wisconsin and elsewhere.
Develop a portfolio of published work. Each student also will leave the Journalism Certificate program with a quality cover letter and resume.
Journalism credits can be used as electives for a University Transfer associate degree.
Enhance your media literacy and communication skills. Completing the Journalism Certificate will allow you to understand how the media operates in our society and also sharpen your communication skills.