Journalism, B.A.

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Requirements for the liberal arts major in journalism, B.A. program

The journalism major builds on the liberal arts education by teaching students skills and theory necessary to produce meaningful content for news, public relations and advertising organizations. The curriculum is designed to endow students with 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. Students learn the dual concepts of press freedom and press responsibility. Due to the broad nature of the journalism curriculum, students can either generalize or develop a special emphasis within the major by taking a series of courses in print journalism (including media design), broadcast and online journalism, public relations or advertising. Students in the program are encouraged to develop expertise in different disciplines through minors or a double major. All journalism majors must complete an internship and produce a senior portfolio.

To earn the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in journalism, students must complete a minimum of 40 credits, including the following:

1. Required courses

JRN 200 - Newswriting (4)
JRN 300 - Media Editing (4)
JRN 402 - Ethical Issues in the Media (4)
JRN 403 - Law of the Press (4)
JRN 404 - Journalism Internship (4)

2. Senior portfolio

Upon completion of 92 credits, majors must submit a Senior Portfolio to the program director. The portfolio must include a resume and samples of published work. Deadlines for submitting the portfolios are: March 1 for students completing degree requirements in April, May 1 for students completing degree requirements in June or August, and November 1 for students completing degree requirements in December.