Journalism - Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Journalism majors develop skills in information gathering, storytelling and analysis across a variety of platforms—including video production, social media, radio/podcasting, livestreaming, television and print—using an ever-expanding variety of media tools and mobile technologies.

Following a core curriculum that provides a range of conceptual and interdisciplinary options, students will develop an individualized secondary area of study (18 credit hours). Students can also complement their skills with studies in sports journalism, media and diversity, ethics, history, data journalism, international media law, literary journalism, news and public perception, sociology of news, visual culture, and other conceptual courses offered in the department, the college and elsewhere in the university.

Requirements

Required Courses and Credits

Within the college standard of 120 credit hours for the bachelor's degree, the BA in journalism requires 36-37 credit hours (depends on capstone choice) as follows.

Students choose from one of three major tracks, either one of two focused on reporting or a third focused on the scholarly study of journalism. 

Program Tracks 

Multimedia Journalism Track

Broadcast Journalism Track

Journalism Studies Track

Secondary Area of Study (18 credit hours)

In addition to the coursework required for the major, all students in all three JRNL major tracks must complete a secondary area of study outside of JRNL. This can be met by any of the following: a minor, a double degree, a second major or an approved minor substitute composed of at least 18 credit hours. Application for a minor substitute must be submitted and approved before the student has earned 50 credit hours.

​Sample Four-Year Plan of Study

This is an example of how the requirements for a BA in Journalism could be scheduled within a four-year period. For more information on the Core Curriculum requirements for the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information, please read the Policies & Requirements section of this catalog.

Learning Outcomes

The Department of Journalism is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC). The Council requires that graduates of accredited programs be aware of the following professional values and competencies, and be able to:

• Apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.
• Demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts.
• Present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies.
• Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.
• Apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.
• Effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.
• Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness.
• Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.