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If you’d like to learn more about the Journalism program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
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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.
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
Required CoursesChoose one of the following courses:ElectivesStudents must also complete at least a minimum 3 credits from the following electives: -
Admission
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!
To Apply
There are no admission requirements for this certificate. Simply submit your application by the deadline for each term.
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.Spring Application Dates
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is March 15, 2025
Fall Application Dates
- Application available on February 1, 2025
- Application completion deadline is October 15, 2025
Additional Notes
- Certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid
- Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis
- Students who have already completed the certificate coursework at the time of application will receive the certificate diploma at the end of the term of application
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
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.
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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 the Liberal Arts 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.
