Multimedia Journalism

Prepare for fast-paced careers in an evolving digital landscape.

Multimedia Journalism

Tell the story, research the facts, meet the deadline, and start again. This could be a day in the life of a Simpson communication student or the start of a new career for a graduate.

So much has changed in the communication world, but learning the basics remains crucial. We start our students with the fundamentals of journalism and then show them how to present their work in various ways, including print and digital.

More than ever, the world needs informed journalists capable of telling stories in various formats and platforms.

Simpson College has a rich history in student journalism; The Simpsonian is the country’s oldest continuously published campus newspaper. The industry has significantly evolved since that first issue in 1870, but our commitment to ethical, informed storytelling continues.

We offer majors in multimedia journalism, interactive media, marketing communication, and sports communication. Our programs are full of immersive, collaborative learning experiences, and they build critical written and oral communication skills and develop technical proficiency in industry-standard software programs and platforms.

Multimedia journalism faculty members are more than devoted educators; they’re widely published scholars, seasoned journalists and designers, and committed advisors to our award-winning student media outlets and nationally recognized speech and debate/mock trial teams.

Our graduates pursue careers in print, broadcast, and multimedia journalism, branding, marketing, public relations, and communication-related roles in industries ranging from athletics and entertainment to healthcare and education.

View major course requirements

View minor course requirements

Why Simpson College for Multimedia Journalism?

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where Simpson alumni are building their careers:

Clear Lake Mirror Reporter
DLH Grafx
KCCI
Independent Advocate
Local 5 News
Mediacom Communications
Missouri Valley JATC
Stephens Auditorium
The Des Moines Register
Two Rivers Marketing
Wells Fargo
WHO 13

Why Simpson College for Multimedia Journalism?

100%

Of students complete at least one internship, and 70% complete two or more

1870

Year our campus newspaper, The Simpsonian, published its first issue

Minutes from Des Moines, one of the top media markets in the Midwest

Passions turned to career

During my internship at WHO13, I was able to learn the things that a classroom can’t teach. I was able to work with highly talented reporters and photographers, gaining hands-on experience of what my intended future career will look like. I assisted with interviews, story ideas, script writing, and story packages creation and editing. I even had the opportunity to appear on live television and discuss Simpson College on "Hello Iowa.

Savannah Richardson '27

- Multimedia Journalism and Marketing Major

Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at Simpson.

The Simpsonian

Join the team behind the nation’s oldest continually published student newspaper and help tell the stories that shape the Simpson community. Whether you’re interested in graphic design, photography, writing, social media, or multimedia storytelling, you’ll gain hands-on experience creating content for an award-winning publication. As a member of The Simpsonian, you’ll build your portfolio, collaborate with a talented team, and develop real-world skills while contributing to a publication recognized by the Associated Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Iowa College Media Association, and the Iowa Newspaper Foundation.

ID Magazine

Join a team of creative storytellers to produce two print magazines each academic year. Collaborate with students from a variety of majors to bring Simpson’s stories to life through compelling design, photography, writing, and visual storytelling while building professional portfolio pieces and real-world publishing experience.

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May Term Travel

May Term courses take learning beyond the classroom through immersive travel experiences. Each course is designed to provide firsthand insight into the industry while helping students build professional connections and explore a variety of career opportunities.

Finding your path

As a first-year student, Simpson offered an amazing course to job shadow at the Indianola Independent Advocate and City of Indianola. That course helped me finalize my decision in the career path I want to follow [in journalism].

Lupe Contreras '27

Multimedia Journalism Major