Journalism

The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students who seek careers in a wide variety of contemporary selections—particularly in broadcast, public relations, and participatory and ethnic media. With a focus on digital, community/participatory and global media studies, the program teaches a balance of practical and theoretical elements of journalism and media studies. Students take core courses in media law and ethics and history/theory in tandem with a variety of multimedia skills courses, emphasizing the diverse elements of today’s emerging landscape.

The undergraduate major offers career-based programs in Journalism and two formal options in either Broadcast or Public Relations.

Journalism is focused on practical experience and knowledge to prepare students for news careers in English and/or Spanish-Language media outlets. Students apply the skills they gain in courses, such as reporting, editing, multimedia, social media, design and photojournalism, as well as community and participatory media. They also staff digital and mobile news operations in both English and Spanish-language editions of The Sundial and El Nuevo Sol, respectively, the Pop-Up Newsroom, Scene magazine and other projects.

1. Required Core Courses (30 units)

a. Lower Division (16 units)

b. Upper Division (14 units)

Journalism Practicum (4 units)

Select one set of courses from the following:

*Credit/No Credit only.
**Required for Public Relations option.

2. Journalism Option Courses (18 units)

a. Required (6 units)

Select two courses from the following:

b. Electives (12 units)

Select four courses from the following:

***May not take both JOUR 371 and JOUR 372.
^†Repeatable one time.

3. Courses Outside of Journalism (72 units)

Majors are required to take at least 72 units of the 120 required for graduation outside of Journalism and Mass Communication to meet national accreditation standards.

Students are strongly recommended to select an interdisciplinary field that complements the Journalism major. The interdisciplinary field must contain at least five upper division courses, totaling a minimum of 15 units in a selected area of study. See an advisor for recommendations.

4. General Education (48 units)

Undergraduate students must complete 48 units of General Education as described in this Catalog.
3 units are satisfied by the following course in the major: JOUR 100 satisfies E Lifelong Learning.

If taken, JOUR 365 satisfies 3 units of upper division D1 Social Sciences and fulfills the Information Competence requirement. JOUR 371 or JOUR 372 satisfies 3 units of upper division F Comparative Cultural Studies and fulfills the Information Competence requirement.

Total Units in the Major/Option: 48

General Education Units: 45

Additional Units: 27

Total Units Required for the B.A. Degree: 120