Why should I study photojournalism?

Photojournalism is a rapidly evolving, exciting field. No matter what primary degree focus you choose, photojournalism will help you document the world around you in a meaningful way. Popular complement majors to the photojournalism minor include:

• Journalism
• Graphic design
• Art
• Communication studies

What skills will I develop?

• Journalistic reporting, writing, and editing
• Learn the mechanics of good photography 
• Visual language and composition 
• Deep listening and questioning to reveal the truth

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

From day one, you’ll hear from professional journalists and photographers and get real-life experience on and off campus. 

Grow through hands-on assignments

Jumpstart your photography portfolio by working for The Clarion, Bethel’s award-winning student newspaper and website. Opportunities also exist to write, design, and shoot photos and videos for student government groups, the Bethel University Office of Marketing, and the university sports information office.

Study abroad

• See the world while producing Textura—our international storytelling project—in Kenya, Guatemala, Taiwan, India, Ethiopia, or Nepal. 
• Study at King's College John McCandlish Phillips Journalism Institute in New York City.
• Capture scenes in Washington, D.C., while working at the Washington Journalism Center.

Partner with the Johnson Center for Journalism and Communication

The Johnson Center brings some of the world’s finest journalists to campus to teach and inspire our students with special one-on-one workshops on topics such as international journalism, using social media, and reporting on religion, sports, and business. The Center also provides funding for classroom enhancements and conference travel for students.

In recent semesters, the Johnson Center has made it possible for Bethel journalism students to:

• work with Middle East freelance photographer Alex Potter '11 and National Geographic/New York Times freelance photographer Brian Lehmann;
• conference on visual feature packages with web editor Christa Hillstrom of YES! Magazine in Seattle and get published in her national magazine;
• travel to conferences to hear from ESPN baseball analyst Buster Olney and Jim Brady, formerly of the WashingtonPost.com.

Recent campus visitors funded through the Johnson Center include Krista Tippett, host of the Peabody award-winning radio program “On Being”; Manny Garcia, managing editor of the Naples (Fla.) Daily News; and reporters from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, and Minnesota Public Radio. Even beginning reporters have Skype visits from reporters at publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Dallas Morning News, and the New York Times.

Recent News

Border of Dreams: A Second Chance at Storytelling

September 20, 2023 | 8 a.m.

Upcoming Events

OCT 12 2023

Border of Dreams: A Textura Documentary

7 p.m. Benson Great Hall

In this short documentary film by journalists from Guatemala and Bethel University, two undocumented families try to change their lives by crossing the Mexico-U.S. border. One makes it. One doesn't.

Literature changed who I was, allowed me to look at the world in a new way, to become a more curious person. Faith-learning integration at Bethel helped prepare me to link my faith with my work.

Amy Williams '07
Current job: Major Gifts Officer at Ecumen

For me, journalism meant becoming a reporter, but God brought me into ministry. I quickly learned that good writing transcends vocation. Creative storytelling is key anywhere. Studying journalism helped me find my voice and bring good writing to any calling.

Monique Kleinhuizen '08 GS'16
Current job: Communications Strategist at Bethel University

We had numerous opportunities to practice journalism in classroom and professional settings, and we didn't just learn it as a craft. We studied the role of journalism as an institution, which I find very beneficial in today's media environment.

Jared Nelson '16
Current job: Communications Manager, PrepHoops.com