Department of Journalism & Public Communications
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Your Story Starts Here
Learn by doing at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Students in the Department of Journalism and Public Communications learn and practice the skills of multimedia journalism and strategic communications — skills that are required in almost every field — media, government, business, health and science. Our students get jobs and make meaningful change at the local, state and national level.
“Being a student in the Department of Journalism and Public Communications at the University of Alaska Anchorage meant the world to me. My professors and fellow students gave me the strength to keep going after a bout with cancer, and each day I’m in the field I think of my time at UAA with fondness and gratitude. Journalism was my Plan B, and UAA gave me the tools to succeed in this field. Thanks to JPC, I’m living my best life.”
— Bethany Brunelle, crime, courts, breaking news and visuals journalist, Las Cruces, New Mexico Sun-News. She is pictured here with Puanani Rogers, a Kanaka activist, when she was a reporter in Hawaii.
Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Graphic Design
One year certificate preparing students to enter the workforce and meet the needs of Alaska's industries.
This 24-credit certificate program trains students to create high-impact design and
strategic messages, and it offers courses in graphic design, computer art, media literacy
and
strategic communications. The OEC in Graphic Design prepares students for employment
as graphic designers, creative directors, advertising art directors, web designers,
packaging
designers and a variety of art and communications professions.
Student Media, Productions, and Community Engagement
Wesley Early '16 His JPC internship at Alaska Public Media led to a full-time position as web editor/education reporter. He was the News Director at KOTZ-FM Kotzebue, and now serves as a reporter with Alaska Public Media.
Journalism and Public Communications students are consistently involved in media production and community engagement. They work for organizations such as Alaska Public Media, Thompson and Co. PR, the Anchorage Daily News, MSI Communications, and a variety of industries across Alaska and the U.S. Recently, Journalism and Public Communications students and faculty worked to curb the spread of misinformation and to create a healthier online information environment.
Journalism and Public Communications Alumni Stories
Atwood Chair
John Sharify, UAA Department of Journalism and Public Communications 2022 and 2023-2024 Atwood Chair of Journalism, has a career that spans four decades, has taken him around the world and the recipient of many accolades. Despite his success, he remains steadfast in his desire to "tell the stories that matter."
Alumni Award
Congratulations to Rosey Robards, recipient of the UAA Journalism and Public Communications Alumni Award.
Rosey Robards is the director of Alaska Teen Media Institute and executive director of the Alaska Press Club, a nonprofit organization that offers professional development opportunities and advocates for the industry.
The UAA Department of Journalism and Public Communications has honored a distinguished alumnus or alumna since 2011. The award is given to alumni who have demonstrated excellence in their career paths and have given back to their communities. Past honorees include Natalie Lowman, former communications director of ConocoPhillips Alaska, and Leah Boltz, a principal at Bettisworth North.