UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL · UNITED STATES
Special Topics Courses
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
- 3.0Credit Hours per Course
- Multiple TopicsRepeatable Courses
- Hands-on ExperiencePractical Skill Development
- Industry-FocusedRelevant to Current Media Landscape
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Hussman School of Journalism and Media offers a variety of Special Topics Courses each semester. These courses delve into specialized subjects within journalism, advertising, and public relations, allowing students to explore current industry trends and niche areas. Each course is typically worth 3.0 credit hours and can be taken multiple times if the subject matter differs. These courses may fulfill various curriculum requirements, but students must ensure they are manually adjusted on their academic tracker and sometimes require instructor permission for enrollment.
Curriculum
Special Topics Courses are offered each semester, covering a diverse range of subjects. Below are examples from Fall 2026 and Spring 2026.
- Fall 2026
- Strategic WritingMEJO 190-138
- Driving CreativityMEJO 190-139
- Strategic Communication and Business AcumenMEJO 190-239
- Rise & Shine/Carolina AhoraMEJO 390-001
- Sports Commentary and Play-by-PlayMEJO 390-002
- Entertainment/Celebrity Public RelationsMEJO 490-001
- Covering and Engaging Latinx CommunitiesMEJO 490-002
- Navigating Threats to Media and Expressive FreedomMEJO 490-004
- Sports Event Management and HospitalityMEJO 490-005
- Spring 2026
- Sports Data VisualizationMEJO 390-002
Careers
These specialized courses equip students with practical skills relevant to various roles in the media and communications industries, preparing them for diverse career paths.
- Advertising Account Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Journalist
- News Producer
- Sports Broadcaster
- Media Strategist
- Content Creator
- Event Manager
- Communications Professional
Frequently asked questions
- What are the Special Topics Courses at UNC-Chapel Hill?
- These are specialized courses offered each semester by the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, delving into niche subjects within journalism, advertising, and public relations relevant to current industry trends.
- How many credit hours are the Special Topics Courses worth, and can I repeat them?
- Each Special Topics Course is typically worth 3.0 credit hours. You can take a course multiple times if the subject matter differs.
- What kind of careers can these courses prepare me for?
- These courses equip students with practical skills relevant to roles such as Advertising Account Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Journalist, Media Strategist, and Content Creator within the media and communications industries.
- How do I apply for these Special Topics Courses?
- International students should follow the general undergraduate admissions process for UNC-Chapel Hill and check the university's admissions website for specific steps, deadlines, and required documentation. Some courses may also require instructor permission for enrollment.
- Where can I find information on tuition and fees?
- Tuition and fee rates are set annually by the North Carolina legislature. Students can use the University Cashier's tuition estimator for personalized estimates, as rates vary by residency classification, academic program, and courses taken.
- Are there any scholarships available for these courses?
- UNC-Chapel Hill offers various scholarships, including merit-based Academic Scholarships and prestigious programs like the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program and Robertson Scholars Program. Details and application processes are available through the university and the respective scholarship foundations.
Entry requirements
GeneralSpecific course prerequisites may apply. Some courses may require instructor permission. Students must manually register for 3 credit hours.
These courses are generally for undergraduate students within the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, and may have specific level or major requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition rates vary based on residency classification, academic program, and courses taken. Specific rates are available through the University Cashier's tuition estimator.
Tuition (home)Tuition rates vary based on residency classification, academic program, and courses taken. Specific rates are available through the University Cashier's tuition estimator.
LivingNot specified.
Tuition and fee rates are set by the North Carolina legislature and approved annually. Students can use the tuition estimator for personalized estimates.
How to apply
1. Review Admissions RequirementsVisit the UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Undergraduate Admissions website for detailed information on application requirements, deadlines, and necessary documentation.
2. Complete the ApplicationSubmit your application through the Common Application or Coalition Application, whichever is preferred by the university.
3. Submit Supporting DocumentsProvide all required documents, which typically include transcripts, standardized test scores (if applicable), letters of recommendation, and an essay.
4. English ProficiencyInternational applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Check the admissions website for minimum score requirements.
5. Financial DocumentationBe prepared to provide financial documentation to demonstrate your ability to fund your studies.
6. Application FeePay the non-refundable application fee.
7. Check Application StatusYou will receive information on how to track your application status through MyCarolina.
Scholarships
Academic ScholarshipsVaries
Pogue ScholarshipVaries
Morehead-Cain Scholars ProgramFull Scholarship
Robertson Scholars ProgramFull Scholarship
Accreditation
The Hussman School of Journalism and Media at UNC-Chapel Hill is recognized for its strong academic programs.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Special Topics Courses at UNC-Chapel Hill?
+
These are specialized courses offered each semester by the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, delving into niche subjects within journalism, advertising, and public relations relevant to current industry trends.
How many credit hours are the Special Topics Courses worth, and can I repeat them?
+
Each Special Topics Course is typically worth 3.0 credit hours. You can take a course multiple times if the subject matter differs.
What kind of careers can these courses prepare me for?
+
These courses equip students with practical skills relevant to roles such as Advertising Account Manager, Public Relations Specialist, Journalist, Media Strategist, and Content Creator within the media and communications industries.
How do I apply for these Special Topics Courses?
+
International students should follow the general undergraduate admissions process for UNC-Chapel Hill and check the university's admissions website for specific steps, deadlines, and required documentation. Some courses may also require instructor permission for enrollment.
Where can I find information on tuition and fees?
+
Tuition and fee rates are set annually by the North Carolina legislature. Students can use the University Cashier's tuition estimator for personalized estimates, as rates vary by residency classification, academic program, and courses taken.
Are there any scholarships available for these courses?
+
UNC-Chapel Hill offers various scholarships, including merit-based Academic Scholarships and prestigious programs like the Morehead-Cain Scholars Program and Robertson Scholars Program. Details and application processes are available through the university and the respective scholarship foundations.