Journalism, BA

A professionally oriented major that prepares you for careers in the mass media, most especially in journalistic media, whether traditional – print or broadcast – or part of the newer online world, where storytelling is conducted via audio, visual and networking means as well as through text. You take a core of media writing and reporting classes that emphasize preparation for the variety of journalistic media. Graduates go on to jobs with online publications, newspapers, television stations, newspapers, and documentary makers.

Requirements

In order to earn the bachelor of arts degree with a major in journalism, students must complete a minimum of 180 credits with a cumulative and major/department grade point average of 2.00, including the following:

I. Core Curriculum Requirements

ENGL 110 - College Writing: Inquiry and Argument
PHIL 110 - Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking
HIST 120 - Origins of Western Civilization
ENGL 120 - Introduction to Literature
MATH 107 or MATH 110 or above
Lab Science
Fine Arts (one approved 5-credit course)
PHIL 220 - Philosophy of the Human Person
Social Science I
Social Science II (different discipline from Social Science I)
Theology and Religious Studies Phase II (200-299 )
Ethics (PHIL 358 recommended)
Theology and Religious Studies Phase III (300-399 )
Interdisciplinary Course (CMJR 480 recommended)
Senior Synthesis (CMJR 494 required for major)*

*Included in major GPA.

II. College of Arts and Sciences Requirements

Modern Language 115, 125, 135, or equivalent (15)

NOTE:

All students with a major in the College of Arts and Sciences must demonstrate competency through the level of 135 in a language other than English. This competency is ordinarily achieved by successful completion of the three-course sequence: 115, 125, and 135. Because these courses are a college requirement, no course in the sequence may be taken on a pass/fail, audit, or correspondence basis. Placement into other than the beginning course of the sequence is achieved by acceptable performance on the Modern Language Competency Examination. See the Modern Languages Department for details on the examinations. Courses used to satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences language requirement may not be used to fulfill communication major requirements.

Choose one of the following two courses:

III. Major Requirements

65 credits in communication courses, including:

Area I: Communication Foundation

Area II: Reporting, Writing and Digital Production

Advanced Reporting/Writing

Choose one of the following three courses or approved substitutes:

Area III: Practicum/Internship

Choose five credits from the following:

Area IV: Capstone

CMJR 451 - Media and Social Responsibility

NOTE:

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) must be graded C (2.00) or better to count toward the major or to count as prerequisites for appropriate advanced courses.
Courses taken to fulfill major requirements may not simultaneously be used to fulfill core or college requirements. For example, a single course cannot count as both a core interdisciplinary course and a major elective.