University of Montana School of Journalism

Degrees offered

The School of Journalism offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a Master of Arts in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism.

Programs and emphasis

In 2025, the school ranked seventh in the nation in the Hearst Journalism Awards and third for photojournalism, with a 14:1 faculty-to-student ratio. Students work on more than ten professional-level projects, including the Montana Kaimin newspaper and KBGA College Radio. A distinctive "externship" requirement has students work outside journalism — as firefighters, field technicians, or lab assistants — to gain source-side experience for environmental and natural-resource reporting.

History

Founded in 1914 with eight students, the school originally operated out of army surplus tents on the university grounds, then a bicycle shed, before settling into a wooden building. A dedicated journalism building was completed in 1936, and the program moved into the newly constructed Don Anderson Hall, a $14 million project, in June 2007. The Montana Kaimin became a daily student newspaper in 1938.

Key faculty and leadership

Denise Dowling: Faculty member since 2000 who has served as interim dean (2012-2014, 2018-2019) and most recently as the school's director.

Student-run media

The Montana Kaimin, founded in 1898, is the university's independent student newspaper; KBGA is the campus radio station.

Location and contact info

Address
Don Anderson Hall
University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812
Website
https://www.umt.edu/journalism