Starting with the current junior class, Wake Forest undergraduates will soon be eligible for a new 4+1 program focusing on the high-demand skills of content creation and strategic storytelling. The program will allow students of any major to begin earning credit towards a master’s degree during their senior year. 

Christopher Zaluski, director of Wake Forest’s existing Documentary Film Program, said he was inspired to create the new degree after recognizing that students across disciplines would benefit from an enhanced understanding of how to tell compelling stories.

“We knew that gaining editing, cinematography and storytelling skills would help students as they enter the jobforce,” Zaluski said. “What is most exciting is we don’t have a group of students who have gone through the program yet, so I am curious and excited to see how these skills will be put to use.” 

Since the university launched its Documentary Film Program in 2010, social media has become a powerful force in the corporate world. More than ever before, companies value candidates who demonstrate persuasive, engaging online communication skills. Recognizing the persistence of this professional trend, Wake Forest hopes its program will equip graduates with narrative expertise and practical experience. 

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“We are coming to recognize that people think in narratives,” journalism professor Barry Yeoman said. “No matter what career you are in, you are going to be able to communicate better if you understand how to tell stories in a way that a 21st-century consumer can appreciate them.” 

Along with taking classes through the Documentary Film Program, students working towards the new master’s will select two additional graduate electives corresponding to their chosen concentration and complete a capstone project. The university says this combination of advanced coursework and hands-on experience will help graduates launch exciting careers.

Zaluski said he is working to recruit students for the new degree and increase the overall visibility of the Documentary Film Program.

“We are always looking for ways to become more ingrained into the culture of Wake Forest undergrads, and due to being downtown at Brookstown, we are already set apart from the university a bit,” he said. “So we are trying to get our name out there with undergraduates through interesting classes and a flexible pathway for our students to connect with our program.” 

By joining graduate-level classes as seniors, undergraduates will gain insights into their master’s before they walk across the stage at graduation. Wake Forest says the structure will allow students to build momentum and step seamlessly into their fifth year. Whether students are interested in journalism, film and content creation, or are pursuing careers in other industries but want video storytelling skills, the program will have the potential to complement many areas of study. 

“This program provides another way of doing what journalism education does,” Yeoman said. “These sets of tools have not been taught to non-journalists, and this program takes a step in filling that gap.” 

Earning a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in just five years attracts many students, even those without a background in journalism or filmmaking. 

“Starting the program as a senior makes the program more appealing because you would finish the master’s sooner,” Sophomore Julia Strouse said. “It wouldn’t seem as big of an undertaking or time commitment, if that is a concern for students. I want to get involved in journalism post-grad and political journalism, or a brand relations job within that would be another path I would love to go down. So this program would be an incredible opportunity to earn a master’s in these fields that much sooner.” 

Zaluski’s colleagues praise him for his leadership in creating the program.

“I think [Zaluski] is a rockstar,” Yeoman said. “He can tell stories in ways that are gripping, visually stunning and moving. The other thing that students get if they join the program is [Zaluski], and that is a lovely thing.” 

The program application deadline has been extended to March 8 for current juniors, giving students more time to determine whether joining the program could be a good choice for them.

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