The Public Affairs Reporting program at the University of Illinois at Springfield is designed for the student who wishes to specialize in news coverage of governmental affairs.
A primary goal is for graduates to obtain employment in which they can report or interpret governmental activity for the population at large. The objectives of the year-long program are to graduate men and women who are able not only to understand and interpret public affairs but also to communicate with the clarity, accuracy and speed demanded of deadline reporters of the highest rank.
The program directs students to an investigation of the interactions between the news media and society and the news media and government and encourages students to expand the knowledge of such interaction through research and experimentation. Program faculty also expect that each graduate, whatever the skill level upon entering the program, be proficient in reporting, editing and writing at graduation. The unique nature of the program is derived from the simultaneous pursuit of various goals; none is considered paramount.
The Public Affairs Reporting program is open only to students who have completed the baccalaureate degree. While the undergraduate degree need not be in journalism or a journalism-related field, some previous background in journalism, such as professional experience or work for a campus media outlet, is desirable.
The University grants full admission to graduate studies to students accepted into the PAR program who have earned a minimum undergraduate grade-point average of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale (3.50 on a 5.00 scale) and who have met all other program requirements. Conditional admission to the PAR program and to the University may be granted to a student with less than the required GPA, with the additional requirement that the student complete his or her first eight semester hours of courses at UIS with a GPA of no less than 3.00.
Students are admitted into the PAR program primarily on the basis of writing ability, interest in government and public affairs, potential for a career in journalism and academic record.
To be considered for admission into the PAR program, students must apply directly to the program. The deadline for filing applications with the program director is April 1. Application forms may be obtained by contacting the program office.
Applicants must submit samples of their written work (newspaper clips, radio/TV scripts, tapes, etc.), a narrative statement explaining why they want to enroll in the program and why they feel qualified for the program, three letters of recommendation, and transcripts of their undergraduate work. As part of the admissions process, applicants selected as finalists are expected to come to Springfield in late April for an interview with the PAR Admissions Committee, composed of faculty and journalists. At the time of the interview they also are required to take a literacy/competency and a writing test.
The PAR program does not require applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
The Master of Arts in Public Affairs Reporting requires 40 hours of graduate-level coursework. In the fall semester, students enroll in two required courses, PAR 501--Advanced Public Affairs Reporting (six hours) and PAR 405--Illinois Government and Politics (four hours). Students choose other courses after consultation with their advisers.
During the spring semester, students take one required course, PAR 503--Legislative Issues (two hours) and four to six hours of electives as needed to complete their coursework.
Students also begin an internship with an experienced professional journalist covering state government and the Illinois General Assembly, for which 16 credit hours are awarded.
Before graduation, students must complete a professional portfolio that demonstrates mastery of public affairs journalism. The portfolio will include a variety of hard news, analyses, in-depth and feature stories the student has reported and written and that have been published or aired by a professional media outlet, along with project memos detailing the news judgments involved in reporting and writing the longer pieces.
The program director serves as principal adviser for PAR students, although special advising requests may be referred to other faculty members with particular expertise. After students are accepted into the program, they should contact their advisers for an appointment before initial registration.
To receive credit toward the degree, PAR students must receive a grade of B or better on any required course. In addition, they must complete course work with a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.00 to earn the degree.