The "X-Factor" is a phrase coined by Professor Emeritus Angus McDougall to describe the visual magic that spawns a 'third effect' between pictures. The professional programs in photojournalism at MU have a similar effect on the undergraduate and graduate student experience here, too.
The X-Factor at the University of Missouri is the array of special events and contests hosted annually by the photojournalism department. Each year, the Pictures of the Year International (POYi) and College Photographer of the Year (CPOY) contests, as well as the Missouri Photo Workshop (MPW) and annual visits from esteemed recipients of the University of Missouri Honor Medal give students a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the field of photojournalism.

Begun by photojournalism program founder Cliff Edom in 1944, the Pictures of the Year and College Photographer of the Year contests are among the oldest and most respected in the field. Each year, photographers from around the world submit images in a variety of single image and picture story categories, including spot news, sports and documentary photography. Twice a year, guest judges from different areas of professional photography gather on campus to judge this work, and students are encouraged to sit in on these sessions. Both of these contests present extraordinary opportunities for learning about creating successful individual images and picture stories.

The Missouri Photo Workshop is perhaps the nation's premiere photojournalism workshop - where a dozen photographers and editors teach documentary story-telling to dozens of young professionals during an intensive week of planning, shooting and editing in small towns throughout the state. These contests, along with the Missouri Photo Workshop, also require volunteer and paid workers. Students awarded one of these opportunities are able to get a truly distinctive look at the workings of the profession.