Mar 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Journalism and Media Studies, B.A., Specialization in Journalism


Department Website

Students must complete the Oakland University General Education Requirements, General College of Arts and Sciences Requirements, College of Arts and Sciences College Exploratory Requirement, Major Requirements, and an appropriate number of free elective classes to meet the overall credit requirement for the degree (in most cases a minimum of 124; some degrees may require a greater number).

As a general rule, no more than eight credits of coursework used to satisfy one major, minor or concentration may be applied toward another, but exceptions to this rule may be allowed with the written approval of the program coordinators.

Schedule of Classes


Specific offerings for each semester may be found in the Schedule of Classes.

Requirements for the liberal arts major in Journalism and Media Studies, B.A. program with a Specialization in Journalism


The specialization in Journalism offers students a solid practical and technical knowledge base, as well as an understanding of the legal, ethical and theoretical aspects of journalism and its critical role in a democracy. As journalism is evolving and taking new digital and mobile forms, this area of specialization prepares you to handle the demands and challenges presented by each. Hands-on courses in journalism practice can help you develop professional skills, while conceptual courses help you understand how different media work. Journalism students also are actively involved outside the classroom, through student media outlets including The Oakland Post, WXOU, and The OU News Bureau. Our students also complete internships, gaining valuable experience and contacts within a major media market, and produce portfolios of their work, which aid in beginning their careers.

Applied and critical thinking skills developed in this area of specialization are useful in a broad range of professions including the obvious, such as reporting, writing, producing, and editing, to jobs in other areas such as public relations, advertising, economic development, social media, law and education.

To earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and media studies with a specialization in journalism, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits, with at least 15 credits at the 3000 level or above, distributed as follows:

3. Foundation courses (Choose ONE. Course may satisfy the requirement either for foundation or practice and innovation, but not both):


4. Practice and Innovation (Choose THREE. Course may satisfy the requirement either for foundation or practice and innovation, but not both):