All degrees in the school require course work in the liberal arts, including natural sciences, social sciences, mathematics, humanities, and fine and performing arts, while permitting some liberty in the selection of courses within these areas. In these courses, a student is introduced to the fundamentals of scholarship in the main branches of knowledge and is provided with an orientation that will help prepare for success in a chosen field.<br><br>Course work in a student's major, minor, related area or electives (depending upon the type of degree chosen) provides access to advanced instruction and specialized equipment to prepare for responsible leadership in the professional, civic, social, and economic spheres of society and creates a foundation that may enrich character and provide the resources for living a meaningful and useful life.<br><br>The master's graduate program in the School of Journalism and New Media offers three tracks: academic, professional, and Integrated Marketing Communications.<br><br>M.A. students without academic or professional background in journalism may be required to pursue a course of study that combines undergraduate and graduate journalism courses.