Journalism and Media Studies
Pursue your passion for storytelling.
Discover a supportive community where you can uncover the creator, producer, strategist and artist within.
Whether you’re here to major in journalism and media studies (simply referred to as JAMS around here), minor in media studies or meet your Linfield Curriculum requirements, you will find countless opportunities to be mentored by enthusiastic faculty in developing your creativity and cultivating your voice.
Storytelling is more than words.
Are you interested in audio, video, photography, film, design or writing? Linfield’s flexible JAMS major helps you tell stories using multiple media, channels and platforms. Our program lets you blend journalism, strategic communication, and media production with hands-on practice and a strong liberal arts foundation.
You also get deeper knowledge of democratic values, civic institutions and ethical decision-making – which employers prize.
Everything you need to become a powerful content creator.
You have access to state-of-the-art production facilities with industry-standard technology to build your creative skills and portfolio. Our Student Media Center has:
- Two audio/podcasting studios
- Mini studio for photography and video work
- Dedicated computer lab with iMacs and Creative Cloud
- Flexible spaces for collaboration
Learn how media reach people and why media matter.
It’s easy to integrate your study of media and journalism with other majors or minors at Linfield. Here are some popular combinations with a JAMS major:
Meet our JAMS students
Voices of Linfield
A Transfer Student's Triumph
When Mariah Johnston ’25 arrived at Linfield as a transfer student in her second year of college, she found that involvement was easier to achieve than expected. “With class sizes so small and super involved professors, it’s kind of hard not to get involved.”
Pairing His Two Passions
While it seems like sports and photography are two different mediums, Jake Downing '25 has put the two together creating a learning environment at Linfield University based on his specific interests.
From Small Town to Big Possibilities
Although Meghan Mullaly’s college path wasn’t clear from the start, everything seemed to fall into place once she arrived as a student on the Linfield University McMinnville Campus. Now, thanks to Linfield's opportunities and preparation, this small-town girl knows that she is prepared to do big things.
Rome: Ancient and Modern Storytelling
Follow Linfield students on their 2023 January Term journey through Greece and Italy. Here, Kelsey Jordan '23 describes the sights and sounds of exploring Rome.
Greece: The Histories, the Stories, the Journey
Follow Linfield students on their 2023 January Term journey through Greece and Italy. Here, Kelsey Jordan '23 describes the sights and sounds of exploring Greece.
Greece: Ancient and Modern Storytelling
The Wildcats Traveling Theatre blog covers the journey of 15 Linfield University students as we study abroad learning about the history of theatre and storytelling across seven different cities in Greece and Italy.
Meet the 2022-23 CATS educators
The Consent Awareness Training Squad (CATS) is a group of student leaders that work to spread awareness on and off campus about the importance of consent, healthy relationships, respect and safe alcohol habits.
Discovering Linfield
Emma Libby ’23, like many Linfield students, took advantage of the university’s many versatile study-abroad opportunities. She spent the spring semester of 2022 learning about wine in France.
My Bonus Families For Fall Family Weekend
Linfield’s annual Fall Family Weekend brought forth a flood of Wildcat families. Kayley Dombrigues '25 spent hers with the families of her roommates, Olivia Welsh ’25 and Matigan Dodge ’25. Kayley said, "By folding me into their family activities, I felt the security and warm-loving comfort of family in the absence of my own."
Seizing the Opportunity
With close relationships with professors, supportive teammates on and off the basketball court and a trip to the NCAA women's basketball championship tournament, rising senior Janessa Yniguez ’23 has made the most of every opportunity presented during her time at Linfield.
From Linfield Hoodie to Linfield Lu'au
First-year student Taetum Lynn Kalani '25 was more than ready to dance in Linfield University’s 49th Annual Lu'au and Ho'ike. You could say that it all began with her grandfather’s Linfield hooded sweatshirt.
Making My Life Extraordinary
"When my parents finally made the decision, they knew amputation was the best choice for me and that the doctors were going to be right. However, there was one thing that the doctors were completely wrong about. I was going to be anything but ‘normal’, I was going to be extraordinary, and my family made sure of that."
A Transfer Student's Triumph
When Mariah Johnston ’25 arrived at Linfield as a transfer student in her second year of college, she found that involvement was easier to achieve than expected. “With class sizes so small and super involved professors, it’s kind of hard not to get involved.”
Pairing His Two Passions
While it seems like sports and photography are two different mediums, Jake Downing '25 has put the two together creating a learning environment at Linfield University based on his specific interests.
The Wildstock Experience
In a sea of students with my closest friends at my side, we all jumped and swayed to the Wildstock headliner, Chris Lane, and I realized it’s not really about the event. What matters most is who you’re surrounded by. Thank you, Linfield, for introducing me to all of them.
From Small Town to Big Possibilities
Although Meghan Mullaly’s college path wasn’t clear from the start, everything seemed to fall into place once she arrived as a student on the Linfield University McMinnville Campus. Now, thanks to Linfield's opportunities and preparation, this small-town girl knows that she is prepared to do big things.
Breaking Through the Beauty Industry
Lash Lab PDX began as a lash extension service provided by Linfield alumnus Amantha Hood '17. “My company provides the service of lash extensions, but I think the bigger impact on the community is that I’m teaching people how to start a business and how to be their own boss.”
Rome: Ancient and Modern Storytelling
Follow Linfield students on their 2023 January Term journey through Greece and Italy. Here, Kelsey Jordan '23 describes the sights and sounds of exploring Rome.
Greece: The Histories, the Stories, the Journey
Follow Linfield students on their 2023 January Term journey through Greece and Italy. Here, Kelsey Jordan '23 describes the sights and sounds of exploring Greece.
Greece: Ancient and Modern Storytelling
The Wildcats Traveling Theatre blog covers the journey of 15 Linfield University students as we study abroad learning about the history of theatre and storytelling across seven different cities in Greece and Italy.
Meet the 2022-23 CATS educators
The Consent Awareness Training Squad (CATS) is a group of student leaders that work to spread awareness on and off campus about the importance of consent, healthy relationships, respect and safe alcohol habits.
Discovering Linfield
Emma Libby ’23, like many Linfield students, took advantage of the university’s many versatile study-abroad opportunities. She spent the spring semester of 2022 learning about wine in France.
My Bonus Families For Fall Family Weekend
Linfield’s annual Fall Family Weekend brought forth a flood of Wildcat families. Kayley Dombrigues '25 spent hers with the families of her roommates, Olivia Welsh ’25 and Matigan Dodge ’25. Kayley said, "By folding me into their family activities, I felt the security and warm-loving comfort of family in the absence of my own."
Seizing the Opportunity
With close relationships with professors, supportive teammates on and off the basketball court and a trip to the NCAA women's basketball championship tournament, rising senior Janessa Yniguez ’23 has made the most of every opportunity presented during her time at Linfield.
From Linfield Hoodie to Linfield Lu'au
First-year student Taetum Lynn Kalani '25 was more than ready to dance in Linfield University’s 49th Annual Lu'au and Ho'ike. You could say that it all began with her grandfather’s Linfield hooded sweatshirt.
Making My Life Extraordinary
"When my parents finally made the decision, they knew amputation was the best choice for me and that the doctors were going to be right. However, there was one thing that the doctors were completely wrong about. I was going to be anything but ‘normal’, I was going to be extraordinary, and my family made sure of that."
Student Led, Student Read
Ready to take the next step in his education, Ethan Myers '21 decided to transfer into a more extensive journalism program. As a student-athlete with a passion for adventure, the decision to transfer to Linfield University was a straightforward choice.
Creating stories with purpose and soul
"The two best tools I picked up at Linfield were the ability to form a sharp point of view and the ability to articulate it."
Life of a globe trotter
"I was fully supported by many faculty and staff while at Linfield and go back from time to time to guest lecture in Intercultural Communication classes."
Developing communication strategies that tell a story
"Linfield prepared me well for a career in a field that is ever-evolving. By requiring students to take courses in many different aspects of communication, Linfield helped me to develop into the type of communications generalist who can easily adapt with changing times and needs. "
Increasing awareness through stories and media
"Linfield inspired me to embrace new opportunities."
Contact us
For more information about JAMS at Linfield, please feel free to contact our department chair. We look forward to connecting with you!
Jennifer Rauch
JAMS Department Chair and Professor
900 SE Baker St, Renshaw Hall, Unit A586, McMinnville, OR 97128
503-883-2521
jrauch2@linfield.edu
JAMS Department Chair and Professor
900 SE Baker St, Renshaw Hall, Unit A586, McMinnville, OR 97128
503-883-2521
jrauch2@linfield.edu