The Philip Merrill College of Journalism
1100 Knight Hall
Phone: 301-405-2399
alljourundergrad@umd.edu
http://merrill.umd.edu
Dean: Rafael Lorente
Assistant Deans: Katie Aune, J.D., Joshua Madden, Vanessa Nichols-Holmes
Admissions
Freshman Admission
Students who wish to study in the College of Journalism at Maryland starting in the fall are encouraged to apply for admission to the university by the priority deadline or the regular deadline. Students who wish to start their study in spring are encouraged to apply for admission by the priority deadline or the regular deadline. There is no separate application required for consideration to the journalism major. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions can assist you with your application for admission.
Current UMD Students
Current UMD students who wish to add the JOUR major should contact the JOUR Advising Team for more information about the major declaration process. Your journalism advisor will discuss the major requirements, review any courses you have taken, assist you with a graduation plan and officially change your major.
Transfer Students from Another Institution
College students from outside the University of Maryland are welcome to apply, and can do so for fall by the priority deadline or the regular deadline. College students outside the university who are seeking to study starting in the spring can apply by the priority deadline or the regular deadline.
Transfer Credits
- No more than 12 transfer credits of communications courses from an accredited journalism program may be approved by Merrill College to be applied toward the degree.
- Transfer students who wish to receive credit for JOUR201 based communication/journalism coursework done at another journalism program must pass a proficiency exam.
- Other mass communication credits earned from nonaccredited mass-communication programs are not transferable to the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland.
- The Office of Undergraduate Admissions can help you become familiar with the University of Maryland and assist you with your online application for admission.
Benchmarks
In accordance with the university's policies, the College of Journalism expects students to make satisfactory academic progress toward graduation. To help measure a student's progress toward their degree, students must attempt courses designated as benchmarks within a specified number of credits in order to continue in the major.
All students in the College of Journalism must take a series of benchmark courses by the time that they have completed 30 credits and 60 credits.
By 30 credits, students must have completed:
By 60 credits, students must have completed:
- JOUR152 Introduction to Storytelling with Code
- JOUR201 News Writing and Reporting I
- JOUR262 News Videography or JOUR370 Photojournalism
- JOUR320 News Writing and Reporting II: Multiplatform
The college reviews students' transcripts to determine if students have successfully completed benchmark courses within the established timeframe and with the appropriate grades. If benchmark courses are met, students are expected to continue making satisfactory progress toward their degree. Students not meeting the benchmarks will be denied continued enrollment in the College of Journalism, necessitating a change of major should they wish to continue at the university.
For further information, contact the College's Student Services office at 301-405-2399.
Professors: M. Feldstein, S. Moeller, D. Nelson, S. Oates, D. Priest, L. Steiner
Associate Professors: D. Brown, I. Chinoy, C. Hanson, R. Wells, R. Yaros
Assistant Professors: N. Hassan, C. Mergerson, K. Vasudevan
Lecturers: K. Best, T. Bettag, A. Burns, J. Carroll, M. Coffee, J. Davidsburg, K. Denny, C. Ford, R. Harris, C. Harvey, T. Jacobsen, M. Kaiser, A. Kopania, A. Marton, S. Mussenden, A. Pyles, J. Risen (Visiting), T. Rosenstiel, N. Stevens, D. Willis, C. Wright, J. Zremski
Affiliate Professors: K. Blackistone (Professor of Practice), M. Hyman (Professor of Practice)
Professors Emeriti: M. Beasley, J. Blumler, J. Franklin, P. Geraci, D. Gomery, R. Hiebert, K. Klose, L. Martin, J. Newhagen (Associate Professor Emeritus), E. Roberts, C. Rogers (Professor of Practice Emerita), C. Stepp
The Office of Student Services provides academic advising to journalism majors on an appointment basis. It is located at 1100 Knight Hall, 301-405-2399.
Fieldwork Opportunities
Internships
Supervised internships are essential. Karen Denny is the Internships and Career Development Director, 3107C Knight Hall, 301-405-2429.
Professional Experience Opportunities
Capital News Service
Capital News Service is a student-powered news organization run by the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. For more than two decades, it has provided deeply reported, award-winning coverage of issues of import to Marylanders.
With bureaus in College Park, Annapolis and Washington run by professional journalists, it delivers news in multiple multimedia formats via partner news organizations, a destination website, a nightly on-air television newscast and affiliated social media channels. It provides breaking news coverage, in-depth investigative and enterprise journalism, and serves as a laboratory for students to test and develop innovative new methods of reporting and telling stories.
UMTV
For students interested in broadcast news, opportunities to gain experience with cable news programs are presented in the curriculum and by volunteering at the campus television station, UMTV.
Student-Run Campus Media Outlets
Students can gain broadcast news and sports reporting experience through the campus radio station, WMUC. There are numerous student-run publications on campus. These include, The Diamondback, an independent daily newspaper that appears in print and online. The Diamondback is one of the most-read campus dailies in the nation. Among the many campus publications there are literary magazines, newspapers and websites of interest to special populations. These include The Black Explosion, The Mitzpeh, Stories Beneath the Shell, Unwind!, Her Campus, The Writers' Bloc, The Campus Trainer and The Left Bench.
Living-Learning Programs
College Park Scholars - Media, Self & Society
Co-sponsored by the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, the Media, Self and Society Program is one of the living/learning programs offered by the College Park Scholars Program. This two-year program for incoming freshmen is designed to give students the opportunity to undertake a critical examination of media organizations, institutions and practices as well as gain practical experience through involvement in a media-related activity of their choice. For more information, see the College Park Scholars Program entry in the "Office of Undergraduate Studies" section under "The Colleges and Schools."
Honors Program
Although no departmental honors program currently exists within the college, academically outstanding students are recognized through Kappa Tau Alpha, the Journalism academic honor society.
Student Societies and Professional Organizations
The college sponsors student chapters of the Society for Professional Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and the National Association of Black Journalists. These organizations provide students with opportunities to practice skills, establish social relationships with other students both on and off campus, and meet and work with professionals in the field.
For information on the organizations listed, contact the Student Services Office, 1100 Knight Hall, 301-405-2399.
Financial Assistance
The college is committed to enrolling the most qualified students, regardless of ability to pay. Toward that end, the college, through donor-sponsored awards, gives annual scholarships to undergraduates. Additionally, the university awards scholarships and financial aid including low-interest loans, grants and work-study opportunities.
Sources for Students
All incoming freshman are automatically considered for scholarships granted by the college. Current students are selected on a basis of need, merit, donors' intent or a combination of these factors. Below is a selection of scholarships students may be considered for:
The Steven C. Affens Broadcast Journalism Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate broadcast student. Recipients shall be selected from applications that include evidence of the student’s on-air TV work. A combination of overall academic performance, and judging of a sample of a student’s on-air programming that emphasizes potential in visual storytelling and high-quality video news photography, will be used by the [PMC] scholarship committee in making the award.
Carolyn A. and Howard F. Ahrens Scholarship. Established by a bequest from Carolyn A. Ahrens, this scholarship is awarded to sophomores or juniors enrolled in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Students must be Maryland residents.
Fred I., Edna O. and Fred J. Archibald Scholarship. Established by a bequest from Fred I. Archibald of Baltimore News-American and Frederick News-Post newspaper editors, this scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students enrolled in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Professor Thomas Aylward Journalism Scholarship. Awarded to a Merrill College Ph.D. student.
Paul Berg Diamondback Scholarship. Funded by friends and family and The Washington Post in memory of Paul Berg, Diamondback editor-in-chief 1978-79 and assistant editor of The Post’s Health section at the time of his death in 1989. This scholarship is awarded to a Diamondback editor or news staff member who displays special achievement and effort while working for the campus daily newspaper. Applicants must have served at least one semester on the Diamondback staff, and must return to campus for the following fall semester. All majors may apply for this scholarship.
Bonnie Bernstein Scholarship. Bernstein is a 1992 Merrill College graduate who was an Academic All-American gymnast. Applicants must be a full-time, upperclass multi-platform journalism major (with preference for students in the broadcast component) who participates in an NCAA-sanctioned sport at the University of Maryland. Applicants also need to show evidence of financial need, have a GPA of 3.0 or above and submit an essay describing why they should receive the award.
John Story Cleghorn and Nona Reese Cleghorn Scholarship. Funded by the late College Dean Reese Cleghorn in honor of his parents, this scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate journalism students based on academic merit, with preference given to students with financial need.
Reese Cleghorn Excellence in Journalism Scholarship. Created in memory of the late College Dean Reese Cleghorn, this scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate journalism students based on academic merit, with preference given to students with financial need.
Francis J. Cormier White House Correspondents’ Association Scholarship. Established in 1991 by the White House Correspondents’ Association, this award was renamed in 1994 to honor the memory of Francis J. Cormier, who for two decades exemplified the best qualities of White House correspondents with a blend of gentleness, humor and professionalism that endeared him to the readers of his dispatches for The Associated Press. This renewable scholarship is awarded to four undergraduate students from Washington, D.C. or Prince George’s County, Maryland on the basis of financial need. Students must re-apply each year to be considered for renewal.
Ralph Crosby Journalism Excellence Award. Funded by Mr. Crosby, a 1956 graduate of the College who is a member of the Merrill College Board of Visitors and chairman of Crosby Marketing Communications, Inc., in Annapolis. This scholarship provides an award toward tuition and fees to an undergraduate journalism student based on academic performance and financial need, with preference (in order) given to a student from Annapolis, Anne Arundel County or the State of Maryland.
The Ralph and Carlotta Crosby TerpStart Endowed Scholarship in Journalism. Ralph Crosby ‘56 said, “Being a journalism major at the University of Maryland helped form my character, gave me a profession, and trained me academically and socially. Good reasons for giving back.” This scholarship provides annual need-based funds, under the auspices of the TerpStart Matching Scholarship Program, with preference given (in order) to undergraduate students from Anne Arundel County or the State of Maryland who are enrolled in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. (Students cannot apply for this scholarship.)
Theodore Crown, Sr. and Joseph T. Crown, Jr. Scholarship. Created by Kathryn Crown ’66 in memory of her father and brother, this scholarship is awarded to undergraduate journalism students with junior or senior class standing.
Entravision. Awarded to a broadcast student in the Merrill College with high academic achievement. Preference is given to those who have demonstrated interest or experience covering issues or stories related to the Hispanic community, those who double major or minor in a Spanish language, who have studied abroad in Spain, Central America, or Latin America, and students who have worked or interned at a Spanish-language media organization.
Penny Bender Fuchs Scholarship. This scholarship was established by colleagues, family and friends of Penny Bender Fuchs, an admired and respected member of the Merrill College faculty from 1999 until her death in 2013. Rising Merrill College juniors and seniors are eligible for this award. Preference is given to students who have earned a grade point average of 3.0 or higher in journalism courses.
Lawrence L. Goldberg and Lillie Z. Goldberg Journalism Scholarships. Funded by Mr. and Mrs. Goldberg and their relatives and friends in honor of former Knight Chair Professors Hodding Carter III and Haynes Johnson, and former professor David Broder, three faculty members who taught classes that the Goldbergs attended at the Merrill College as retirees. Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate or graduate journalism students based on academic merit, with preference given to students with financial need.
Gridiron Scholarship. The Gridiron Foundation Journalism Scholarship was established in 2002 by the Gridiron Club and Foundation. The Gridiron Club is the oldest and most prestigious journalistic organization in Washington D.C., and its foundation makes charitable contributions and provides scholarship to journalism students. The Gridiron Foundation Journalism Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students based upon outstanding academic achievements and a stated commitment to pursue a career in journalism. Students must re-apply each year to be considered for renewal.
The Michael Gurevitch Journalism Scholarship. The Michael Gurevitch Journalism Scholarship was established in January 2009 by Patricia Gurevitch, in memory of her husband. An internationally renowned mass communication scholar, Professor Emeritus Michael Gurevitch taught at the University of Maryland’s College of Journalism from 1983 until 2008. Much of his work was grounded in case studies and original research relating to how journalists grasped the practical problems of keeping the public informed. Professor Gurevitch would not have been able to be in the United States to earn his 2 degrees if he did not have help from others. This scholarship provides non- renewable funds for doctoral students in the Merrill College. Preference will be given to international students with financial need.
The Ralph M. Hamaker TerpStart Endowed Scholarship. Started by Ralph M. Hamaker ’53, this scholarship provides annual need-based funds, under the auspices of the TerpStart Matching Scholarship Program, for undergraduate students enrolled in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. (Students cannot apply for this scholarship.)
The Ray Hiebert Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is awarded to graduate broadcast students.
Carol Horner Journalism Scholarship. This scholarship was established by family, friends and colleagues of the late Ms. Horner, a dedicated journalist and woman of wonderful good humor who forged a distinguished career as a reporter and editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer and Wall Street Journal before serving as director of the Knight Center for Specialized Journalism at the University of Maryland. This non-renewable scholarship is awarded to a high-achieving undergraduate student with financial need in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Christopher Houston ’85 Scholarship. The K. Christopher Houston Scholarship was established in memory of K. Christopher “Chris” Houston, ’85, a distinguished journalist who worked for CNN Headline News in Atlanta and WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C. Funded by Karen Gray Houston, family and friends, this scholarship is awarded to a student at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism who has demonstrated a strong interest in pursuing a career in broadcast journalism.
Jay Jackson Scholarship. Funded by former Annapolis newspaper executive Allen Jackson in memory of his brother Jay, an honors graduate of Maryland’s second journalism class. This scholarship is awarded based on merit and need, to a multi-platform student who will be a senior the following semester.
Haynes Johnson Scholarship Fund. The Haynes Johnson Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 by funds donated from the faculty, staff and friends of Haynes Johnson. This scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding student in the Merrill College based on financial need and academic merit.
Robert C. Keith Fund for Investigative Journalism. The Fund shall be used to provide support for scholarships and teaching grants to faculty and students and support for other investigative journalism endeavors at the discretion of the dean of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Phyllis and Frank Kopen Broadcast Journalism Scholarship. Endowed by broadcast faculty member and College alumna Sue Kopen Katcef ’76 in honor of her parents, this scholarship is awarded to a sophomore or junior broadcast student (radio or TV) in recognition of their contributions to the College’s broadcast journalism program. Consideration may be given to financial need and academic performance. Awards may be renewable for up to two years if recipients continue to make satisfactory academic progress. Students must re-apply each year to be considered for renewal.
Tom Kunkel Journalism Excellence Scholarship. Created by colleagues and friends of former dean Tom Kunkel (2000-2008), this scholarship is awarded to outstanding undergraduate students based on academic merit, with preference given to students with financial need.
Jonathan Ledecky Sports Journalism Scholarship. Funded by New York Islanders minority owner Jonathan Ledecky to support scholarships for students in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism who have interest in sports journalism. Recipients must have an expressed interest in sports journalism, be accepted for full-time enrollment and maintain good academic standing.
Rick Martin ’92 Scholarship in Journalism. The Rick Martin ’92 Scholarship in Journalism was established in 2015 by Mr. Rick Martin. Mr. Martin has worked in the television news industry for more than 20 years as an assignment editor and manager – at CNN as well as other local news markets in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia. He has covered the White House, Congress, the Pentagon and the State Department. He has covered major breaking news, including the White House shooting by gunman Francisco Duran, the D.C. Sniper Attacks, and the September 11th terrorist attacks. Martin was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in the West Indies’ twin-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago. The Scholarship shall be awarded to an undergraduate student in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism who demonstrates financial need and maintains good academic standing. This scholarship may be renewed each year if the student meets these criteria. Students must re-apply each year to be considered for renewal.
John McNamara ’83 Endowed Sports Journalism Scholarship. This scholarship, funded by family and friends of 1983 Merrill College alumnus John McNamara, was created to recognize McNamara and his devotion to sports journalism, to allow others to learn from McNamara and his work, to develop and reward writers who demonstrate potential for producing accessible and informative sports journalism and to provide opportunity for talented students.
Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association Scholarship. This scholarship is funded by the MDDC Press Association and is awarded to full-time undergraduate multi-platform (non-broadcast) students who are residents of Maryland, Delaware, or D.C. Recipients and must also have completed at least three semesters with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Ron Menchine Broadcast Journalism Scholarship. Established in 2013 with a bequest from the estate of Mr. Menchine, a 1956 Maryland graduate who was the last baseball broadcasting voice of the Washington Senators. In his earlier career, he was sports director of WBAL radio in Baltimore and WDCA-TV in Washington, and was a play-by-play announcer for Temple and Navy football games. The Menchine fund awards scholarships to high-achieving broadcast students in the Merrill College.
The David Mills Scholarship (The Diamondback). The David Mills Scholarship is awarded annually to at least one student who will receive a $5,000 scholarship. The requirements include: they be a Diamondback (DBK) staffer with at least two semesters of experience; be full time (12 or more credits); and that they continue to work at the DBK for the two semesters that follow the award. The students are asked to submit an application and materials which should include writing, multi-media or other journalism samples. The final decision is made by David Simon (DBK and UMD alumnus), a current UMD professor from the English Department and a relative of the late David Mills for whom the award is named.
Gertrude Poe Fund for Journalism Excellence. An endowed fund established in 1988 by the former editor, publisher and owner of the weekly Laurel News Leader in Maryland. Ms. Poe was the first female president of the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association and was inducted into to the MDDC Hall of Fame in 1987. Spendable income from the Poe fund supports student scholarships in the Merrill College, with preference given to students with an interest in community journalism.
Frank Quine and Mary Ellen Doran-Quine Journalism Scholarship. Funded by the College’s former Assistant Dean Frank Quine and his wife, this scholarship is awarded to a high achieving multi-platform student (grad or undergrad) with financial need and high potential as a professional journalist.
Stanley E. Rubenstein Memorial Journalism Scholarship. Established by Ruth Ann Rubenstein ’53 in memory of her husband, a 1953 economics graduate of Maryland, who became a leading New York City public relations executive. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding undergraduate student based on financial need and academic merit.
Richard W. Worthington Journalism Scholarship. Named in memory of the late publisher of the weekly Bel Air, Md. Aegis newspaper. This scholarship is awarded to a multi-platform major (undergraduate or graduate) based on a combination of academic excellence, evidence of potential as a journalist and financial need. Preference given to a resident of Harford County, Maryland.
From the University
The Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) administers all types of federal, state and institutional financial assistance programs and, in cooperation with other University offices, participates in the awarding of scholarships to deserving students. For information, visit: http://financialaid.umd.edu.
The National Scholarships Office is committed to helping students of the University of Maryland identify, apply for, and win national scholarships and fellowships in their pursuit of higher education. They also help students find research opportunities in their fields of study.
From Outside Sources
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences — Fred Rogers Memorial Scholarship - The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the accounting firm, Ernst & Young, have created this $10,000 scholarship to support and encourage college students to go into the field of children’s television. The scholarship is open to graduating seniors who are continuing on to graduate school and graduate students (Masters/Ph.D.).
Peter Agris Memorial Scholarships - Five scholarships of $5,000 are available to journalism or communications graduate and undergraduate students of Greek American heritage. March 1 Deadline.
American Copy Editors Society Scholarships - All ACES scholarships are for potential professional copy editors. The scholarships are open to students who will be juniors, seniors or graduate students in the fall, and graduating students who will take full-time copy editing jobs or internships. Late November deadline.
American Society of Newspaper Editors - Comprehensive listing of various journalism scholarships from ASNE via schooljournalism.org.
Asian American Journalist Association - AAJA offers a variety of scholarships.
Association for Women in Sports Media Scholarship - AWSM offers an annual scholarship program for female college students who plan to pursue careers in any sports communications fields: writing, copy editing, public relations, broadcasting, Internet or photography. Winners in each category receive a $1,000 scholarship.
The John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation - Juniors, seniors and graduate-level broadcast majors are encouraged to apply for the Bayliss Radio Scholarship.
CCNMA: Latino Journalists of California Scholarship - Open to residents of California only.
Chips Quinn Scholars Program - Sponsored by the Freedom Forum, the program offers journalism students of color hands-on training, paid internships and $1,000 awards. Candidates must be nominated by the college to be considered for the program. Recent graduates are also encouraged to apply.
Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award for Young Science Journalists - For nearly three decades, the Evert Clark/Seth Payne Award has recognized the contributions to journalism of both Ev Clark and Seth Payne. The Award is intended to encourage young science writers by recognizing outstanding reporting and writing in any field of science. The winner will receive $1,000 and expenses to attend the annual meeting of the National Association of Science Writers (NASW) and the New Horizons briefing of the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing (CASW) in October.
Freedom Forum — Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship - The Al Neuharth Free Spirit Scholarship and Conference Program annually awards $1,000 college scholarships to each of 102 high school seniors (a male and female from each state and the District of Columbia) who are interested in pursuing a career in journalism and who demonstrate qualities of “free spirit.”
Garden State Scholastic Press Association - Two scholarships are available from GSSPA for New Jersey high school students.
National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Chesapeake Bay Chapter — Betty Endicott Scholarship - NATAS-DC will award scholarships ranging from $1000 to $5000 to full-time college sophomores, juniors or non-graduating seniors with a declared major in communications, television or broadcast journalism. March application with May announcement – check website for announcement.
National Association of Black Journalists Sustaining Scholarship Awards - This competition for two four-year sustaining scholarships is open to any graduating foreign or U.S. high school senior who plans to pursue a career in journalism. NABJ offers a number of additional scholarships as well. February deadline.
The National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. - Offers two scholarships for African American students whose major can include journalism. March deadlines.
National Association of Hispanic Journalists Scholarships - Open to high school grads, college and graduate students who are interested in a career in broadcast, photojournalism or print journalism. March 1 deadline.
The National Italian American Foundation - Scholarships open to Italian American students who demonstrate outstanding potential and high academic achievements or those students from any ethnic background majoring or minoring in Italian language, Italian studies, Italian American studies or a related field, who demonstrate outstanding potential and high academic achievements. Must have a membership in NIAF to apply and an ancestor who immigrated to the U.S. from Italy.
National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Leroy F. Aarons Scholarship Award - Leroy F. Aarons and the Kay Longcope scholarships are awarded annually to students who demonstrate a commitment to providing fair and accurate coverage of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. These annual scholarships are presented in honor of two prominent journalists. Applications will be available in late February. They will also have the Kay Longcope Scholarship which will be available at the same time.
National Press Club — Persina Scholarship for Minorities in Journalism - Renewable scholarship for $2,500 per year for up to 4 years. For minority students planning to pursue a career in journalism. New: Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship of $5000 (non-renewable.) The Press Club also offers a graduate-level scholarship.
New York Women In Communications Foundation Scholarship Program - Open to high school seniors as well as undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, need and a demonstrated commitment to the field of communications.You must be a permanent resident of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Pennsylvania. Deadline January 30.
The NewsGuild — The David S. Barr Award - The David S. Barr Award is intended to recognize one high school and one college student for their journalistic achievement and to encourage young journalists to focus on issues of social justice. (Check the Newspaper Guild (now Newsguild.org) website for information about when applications will be accepted.)
The Overseas Press Club of America Foundation - Aspiring foreign correspondents and students interested in international journalism are encouraged to apply for OPC Foundation’s scholarship. The winners receive $2,000 checks each.
Radio Television Digital News Association and Foundation - RTDNA and RTDNF honor professional achievements in electronic journalism through numerous prestigious awards, scholarships, fellowships and internship programs. April 30 deadline to apply.
Society of Professional Journalists Maryland Pro Chapter College Scholarship - Applicants must have regular home residence in the State of Maryland, but may attend colleges or universities outside Maryland in nearby Virginia, D.C. or Pennsylvania.
SPJ — Sigma Delta Chi Journalism Scholarships - The SDX Foundation of Washington, the educational arm of the Washington, D.C., Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, will be awarding scholarships totaling up to $15,000 to full-time juniors or seniors. Late February deadline.
South Asian Journalists Association Scholarships - The South Asian Journalists Association awards one $500 scholarship to a high school senior about to enter college and one $500 scholarship to a college student.
For more information, and eligibility requirements, visit http://merrill.umd.edu/admissions/tuition-financial-aid/.
Awards and Recognition
Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Press Association Top Students
Awarded annually to an outstanding top broadcast journalism student and top multiplatform journalism student at commencement.
Julie Galvan Outstanding Campus Member Award
The Society of Professional Journalists chapter selects one graduate in journalism who is outstanding in their class on the basis of character, service to the community, scholarship, proficiency in practical journalism and significant contributions to their SPJ chapter.
Kappa Tau Alpha Top Scholar Award
Awarded at each commencement to the journalism student earning the highest academic achievement for all undergraduate study.
Kappa Tau Alpha National Honor Society
The top ten percent of the journalism graduating class is inducted into this national organization each commencement.
Special Advantages and Facilities
The Merrill College is home to many unique programs and opportunities available to undergraduate students:
UMTV
Broadcast journalism students study and learn at UMTV, the college-owned cable TV station that houses state-of-the-art equipment, including DVCPro, Avid and ENPS systems used in the field today. Students begin their broadcast education from their first semester at the college, volunteering as crew members for programs produced under the guidance of renowned broadcast faculty members.
Capital News Service
The college's Capital News Service operates news-editorial and multi-platform bureaus in College Park, Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, and a daily television newscast. CNS provides students with real-life reporting experiences covering a beat, developing sources, generating story ideas and writing on deadline under the supervision of a faculty editor.
Real-World Experience
Students take their education out of the classroom and into the real world. Using internships, student media and in-class reporting, our students don't just learn why, but how. The college is located just outside Washington, D.C., the country's seventh-largest media market.
Top-Notch Faculty
The Merrill College is home to internationally renowned journalists and media scholars. Courses are also taught by working journalists who serve as adjunct professors.
Access to Centers of Journalism Study
The Merrill College is home to several centers for journalism study and professional development. Undergraduates have opportunities to interact with these programs.
Technology for the Real World
Students use the same technologies used by professional journalists and media specialists. From the latest in non-linear editing systems, to updated technologies for digital art and pagination, every undergraduate will have access to the software used by professionals in TV/radio production, visual journalism, online news and media communication.