Prepare for the news media careers of the 21st century

"Without question, the Journalism – New Media Program has been worth every single penny.  I can't believe how much my life has changed in just a few short months and how many doors of opportunity are beginning to open for me." 

Kate Goodwin (Class of 2011) 



The field of journalism is undergoing unprecedented change. As technology rapidly alters the landscape, the need for innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and solid story telling skills will become paramount to a successful career.  The role of the professional journalist has become a balance of integrity, accuracy, ethics and technological aptitude, while still demonstrating the old hallmarks of journalistic endeavour and the discipline of verification.

The Journalism – New Media Program is purposely small in number, therefore ensuring students receive individualized guidance and coaching as they work directly with faculty through project-based learning.  Esteemed faculty members have worked extensively in industry and some continue to do so at CBC, Global, CTV, The Globe and Mail, CNN, ABC and other mainstream organizations.  Still others have launched successful independent news companies and are taking their rightful place in the independent emerging media marketplace.

The program caters to graduates of university and college programs from diverse academic backgrounds, industry professionals in need of retraining, and/or those with substantial life experience seeking practical, hands-on training in one short, intensive year.

 

Get Immersed in Media Technologies

 

Internet technologies, aggregators and apps are changing the dissemination of news and information and how professional journalists work. Sheridan's Journalism – New Media Program is training next-generation journalists with dynamic courses in Interactive Storytelling, Multimedia News Producing and Entrepreneurial Journalism.  Students create content for a news website, online magazine, television and radio programs and their own websites and blogs in a converged and vigorous environment.

Journalism – New Media remains one of the most forward-thinking programs of its kind. Edgy and provocative curriculum is constantly upgraded to reflect the warp-speed changes in the field. In one academic year, you'll be skilled at:

  • Multi-media storytelling and the use of social media for research and promotion of news
  • News and factual writing for print and websites
  • Visual and data journalism
  • Investigative reporting techniques and the use of Wikileaks and other transparency and whistleblowing websites
  • Video storytelling
  • Photo and audio journalism
  • Entrepreneurial journalism
  • Interviewing and fact-checking
  • Finding and nurturing sources

     

    Get Embedded in Industry

     

    Students gain valuable experience and opportunity by participating in a mandatory 4 – 6 weeks work placement (paid or unpaid) in the news and information industry.  Internships are typically completed at the end of the 8-month program but before graduation in June. 

    Additional Program Costs

     

    In addition to the tuition fees for this program, students should plan to spend an additional $1,000 maximum for ancillary supplies, software and Web accounts.




    Journalism – New Media courses are held at the Trafalgar Road Campus in Oakville, Ontario. Sheridan welcomes applications to this dynamic program throughout the application cycle,  up until the 5th day of classes each September.


     
    A graduate of the Journalism New Media program will have demonstrated the ability to:
    • apply analytical and creative skills toward the layout and development of an e-publication website.
    • conceptualize, develop and implement technical programming skills toward the development of an e-publication website.
    • generate strong original stories using computer assisted reporting.
    • lead as a team-member within an e-publication office or virtual office environment.
    • combine graphics, text, audio, and video to be used within an e-publication.
    • develop business strategies and practices towards growing and maintaining an e-publication website.
    • cultivate strategies for personal and professional development to manage job stress, enhance work performance and maximize professional opportunities, including self-employment.
    • work in compliance with relevant laws, journalistic standards and the appropriate practices and principles of the news media industry.
    • create web content and applications using current authoring tools.
    • manage content for publications recognizing the use of server side technologies.
    • interact on a personal, corporate and business level with full comprehension of e-publication terminology.

    CODE TITLE CREDITS
     

    TERM 1

    CORE

    LAWS 57260 Media Law and Ethics 2
    JOUR 55586 Introduction to Newsgathering & Writing
    4
    MEDA 50874 Producing News 3
    MEDA 55142 Interactive Storytelling
    3
    MEDA 56641 ENG Camera Lab
    3
    MEDA 51721 Editing Lab
    3
    JOUR 59999 Research & Chase Producing
    3
    MEDA 58962 Reporting & Hosting
    3
    Total:
    24
    TERM 2

    CORE

    MEDA 57148 Theories of New Media 3
    MEDA 58081
    Digital Photo-Journalism
    3
    MEDA 54310
    Multi-Media News Lab
    6
    JOUR56529
    Advanced Writing
    3
    MEDA 52692 Entrepreneurial Journalism
    3



    ELECTIVES Students select 3 out of 5 electives

    JOUR 53680 Investigative Reporting 2
    JOUR 56206
    Global Conflict Studies
    2
    JOUR 58962
    Advanced Reporting
    2
    MEDA 59014 Advanced Shooting & Editing
    2
    MEDA54737
    Current Affairs and Documentary Production
    2
    Total:
    24



    Note: Courses subject to change.

    "Two years ago I was making $50 a day working in a music store and wondering if I would ever get to where I wanted to be. Enrolling in the Journalism – New Media Program has made all the difference.  Now I'm an associate producer for a host I've been a fan of for many years. If you told me two years ago that I'd be working for the CBC, I would have laughed at you."  

    Stefanie McCarroll (Class of 2009)
                                      The George Stroumboulopolus Show


    In this ever-changing field, career opportunities ebb and flow quickly. Sheridan's Journalism – New Media Program prepares you to work successfully in a variety of roles and makes you one of the most marketable graduates of any Journalism program in the country – capable of moving seamlessly between mediums or tackling the skill and demands of convergent media. Our graduates boast unique skills and are therefore in high demand, capable of working as online and independent journalists or for mainstream news organizations in more traditional roles.  While in the program, you'll develop outstanding professional contacts, which often translate into job opportunities.

     

    Employment Prospects

    Graduates of the program can expect a variety of employment scenarios, ranging from full-time, traditional employment to contract and freelance work to self-employment start ups. Students will work successfully in the field of news and information, television and radio, Web and new media, production, and communications.  Graduates from previous years are currently working as:

    • Writers and news reporters for various mediums and on various subject matters
    • Web designers and graphic artists
    • Photographers, video camera operators and video editors
    • Webmasters
    • Content producers and bloggers
    • Social media experts

    PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

    • Postsecondary diploma or degree

    and/or

    • Demonstrated competence through related work, and/or educational experience

    Applicant Selection


    Eligible applicants will be selected on the combination of the following:

    • Previous academic achievement
      and/or
    • Demonstrated work and life experience
      and
    • Response to a questionnaire
    • Submission of a portfolio (writing or video samples)


    A portfolio review fee is required with the submission.

    Postsecondary transcripts indicating courses completed to date must be submitted to ontariocolleges.ca at the time of application.

    Applicants who do not meet the admission requirements for this program will be assessed and advised individually and may be considered for other, related programs.

    Program Offerings

    Program Details

    Faculty:
    Faculty of Animation, Arts and Design
    Program Code:
    PJRNM
    Duration:
    1 Year (PJRNM)
    Designation:
    Ontario College Graduate Certificate
    Campus:
    Trafalgar Road Campus
    Start:
    September

    Useful Information




    Contact

    Program Co-ordinator
    Sherine Mansour
    Email: sherine.mansour@sheridanc.on.ca
    Phone:  (905) 845.9430 x8740

    Program Support Officer
    Barbara Mathieu
    Email:  barbara.mathieu@sheridanc.on.ca
    Phone:  (905) 845.9430 x2392