Launched in 1998, Hamline’s certificate in international journalism (CIJ) is the first undergraduate program of its kind in the United States. It seeks to cultivate and develop global understanding, advanced communications technology, and social networking. Through the process, students also develop an understanding of world politics and cultures, second language abilities, and analytical and technological skills. The program aims to create a new breed of journalists who understand other countries and cultures and who can communicate that understanding through the news media. Political science, global studies, foreign language, and communications majors are often drawn to the program, but it complements nearly any degree that emphasizes multicultural understanding.

Students receive hands-on journalistic experiences through domestic and overseas internships and a capstone independent media project. They work with local media partners in Minneapolis/Saint Paul and participate in overseas exchange programs with universities throughout the globe. Local partners include KFAI Radio, Saint Paul News Network, the Minnesota Women’s Press, the Asian American Press, La Prensa, and the Daily Planet. Overseas exchanges include those with Universität Trier in Germany, Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso in Chile, Université Gaston Berger in Senegal, and United International College in China. Students can also choose from a variety of approved internship sites in countries throughout the world.

The CIJ program is extremely competitive. Students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average for their application to be considered. The program is composed of six required courses in addition to the international internship. Students must have knowledge of a foreign language or take two semesters of a foreign language prior to their time abroad. The department encourages students to write for the Oracle (Hamline’s student newspaper) or other approved university publications for at least one semester. Other opportunities include Fulcrum, the student literary magazine; Liner, Broke Starving Writers Club, a creative writing group; and the Communications Club.