Public Affairs Reporting is the study of, and practice in, reporting local and state news, including activities of the state legislature, local government, courts and the impact of national and international events on local affairs. Students learn how to find, interpret and use public records to document government actions, such as new legislation or abuses of power, and to investigate significant social change related to these actions. This PAR option enables students to better understand the theoretical and practical underpinnings related to public affairs through work in multiple Political Science courses; and, further, to apply this knowledge to cover local, state, and national governments, courts, and other public affairs issues with extensive context, expertise and sources.

Students study organizations and individuals who operate in what is considered the public interest. This program is also useful for those interested in public service, civic engagement, political and government careers, public communications or non-profit service.

Total Semester Hours required for the Degree: 120 semester hours

The Journalism: Public Affairs Reporting major consists of 45 hours in required journalism coursework and additional liberal arts classes.