Apprenticeship methodology is a crucial component of the Patrick Henry College Journalism & Digital Media program. After completing Intro to Journalism (usually in their freshman or sophomore year), students spend two semesters as staff members on the student newspaper, magazine, or radio program (Student Media Production). In the fall semester, students take Digital Design, which provides a strong introduction to the principles of graphic design and the use of design software. In their junior year, students dive deeply into storytelling with Narrative Nonfiction and then apply those principles in Multimedia Skills, an introduction audio and video production and editing. In their senior year students may take Digital Storytelling, offering an opportunity to take the entire academic year to report, write, and produce a national-level print, audio, or video story.
Usually in their junior or senior year students must earn at least six internship credits by completing an off-campus internship. Students have interned at, among other publications, WORLD News Group (with the magazine as well as the website and radio show), Fox News, National Geographic, Reuters, American Family Radio, USAToday.com, and many smaller newspapers and broadcast stations. Students have also interned at places like Focus on the Family, various Congressional Offices, International Christian Concern, as well as communication/public relations firms. Students complete the program's internship requirements by taking 9 credits of journalism electives. That may include additional off-campus internships, freelance project internships under the supervision of the Director of Journalism, or a combination of the above.
