Students at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism are required to pass a simple math test with a perfect score in order to advance within the major.
The purpose of the math test is for students to learn how to properly compute a simple math equation when reporting on a story that calls for it. Not all stories may require the need for math, but students can be certain that it’ll show up on occasion.
“I think that the math required for students in the College of Journalism is appropriate,” said Joshua Madden, assistant director of undergraduate programs. “Journalists frequently use ratios, percentages and fractions, errors with this type of basic math can detract from the credibility of a journalist.”
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Unlike other math levels one of the most important fields that are important for journalist is statistics.
“I could see statistics and basic math being important because it involves patterns of behavior which journalists could report on,” said John Vieira, senior majoring in music. “Math like algebra, geometry or calculus are totally irrelevant to a journalist's career path.”
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In hopes of combining all of the math requirements for the major into one semester long course, not all students believe this will be a good idea.
“I would dread having to take an additional math class just to spend the rest of my life writing feature stories,” said Jose Vasquez, junior journalism major. “I hope that in my career I can stay away from math.”
While some students in the college believe a course should not be offered others believe that it may prove to be a good idea.
“Yes, I think that having a semester long course might be a good idea,” said Hope Mookim, administrative coordinator. “It might just save some time so students don’t have to worry about one test and just take a course with everything they need.”
