March 12, 2013
Miller School accepts record number of majors
The A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications accepted 112 majors into the program this spring, surpassing the previous high of 81 in 2008.
“There’s never been a better time to be a JMC student,” says Tom Roesler, academic adviser. He notes the number has been steadily increasing over the past six semesters, from 41 students in the fall of 2010.
Louise Benjamin, interim director of the Miller School, credits the increase to the passion of those who teach there.
“I think a large part of why numbers are rising is the advisers and faculty,” she said. “With growth comes strains on facilities and number of faculty, but we see so many more opportunities for students.”
The influx of new students is spread across all three sequences: advertising, journalism and digital media, and public relations.
“We have a lot of young people working to develop their specialty,” said Steven Smethers, associate director of undergraduate programs for the Miller School.
He lists specializations such as business journalism, nonprofit advertising, political public relations, music and theater critique, among others. The strength of the school, he said, is in its variety.
“We have so much to offer the students,” he said. “It is growing and has more options than it ever had.”
Hana Johnson, junior in public relations, said she enjoys the writing and investigative sides of her major. Having changed her career path, she found a home in the Miller School. “Getting a PR degree will provide me with more valuable skills in my sector after college,” she said.
The record number of majors is the most recent development in a history of progress in the Miller School. In the past two years, the school has reconfigured Studio B in Dole Hall for the exclusive use of Miller School students, opened the Kedzie “Think Tank” to provide students with a place to collaborate on projects, and welcomed new faculty and staff.