Journalism, B.A.
The BA with a major in journalism requires 124 hours with 41 hours of journalism, including JOUR 10113, JOUR 10203, JOUR 20003, JOUR 20203, JOUR 30204, JOUR 40101, JOUR 40523 and JOUR 40983. Also, students must take at least one class from the following: JOUR 40453, JOUR 40463, JOUR 40473, JOUR 40483, JOUR 40493 or JOUR 40643, meaning all journalism majors must have a minimum of one specialized reporting course.
Fifteen hours of journalism electives complete the degree requirements. By combining electives and required courses, a student may earn certificates that accompany the BA degree and demonstrate advanced proficiency in a specific area of news media.
The BA degree in journalism requires proven competency at the fourth semester of college-level foreign language (the equivalent of 12 hours of, which can be accomplished either through taking courses or testing out through examinations as required by the foreign language programs on campus). This requirement is consistent with international opportunities in emerging media.
Completing one of the three platform-specific certificates - broadcast, convergence or news-editorial - is strongly recommended. In addition, the School of Journalism offers two certificates in sports journalism and business journalism. Students may earn more than one certificate. A minor is required. Students should consult with their adviser.
Students must declare their intent to earn specific certificates in the semester in which they intend to graduate and prior to the beginning of academic advising in that semester. Declaration is made in writing to the director or the director's designee.
Certificate requirements
Broadcast certificate - JOUR 30543, JOUR 40203 and JOUR 40553, plus 6 hours of JOUR electives
Convergence certificate - JOUR 20453, JOUR 30463 and JOUR 30543, plus 6 hours of JOUR electives
News-editorial certificate - JOUR 30343 and 6 hours from the following: JOUR 30233, JOUR 40453, JOUR 40463, JOUR 40473, JOUR 40483, JOUR 40493 or JOUR 40643, plus 6 hours of JOUR electives
Sports journalism certificate - 6 hours from among JOUR 40483, JOUR 40573 or JOUR 40213 plus 6 hours outside the unit from the following sports-related courses: ENGL 20523, HIST 40863, FTDM 21113, FTDM 41580, KINE 30713 and KINE 30723. 3 hours of JOUR 40213 may be substituted for 3 hours of related courses outside the unit; JOUR 40983 must have an approved sports journalism focus
Business journalism certificate - JOUR 40453, JOUR 40443 and ECON 10233, plus 3 hours from among ECON 10233, ECON 30253, BUSI 10013 or POSC 31413; a student can also fulfill the requirement of courses outside the School of Journalism by being a business or economics major or minor. JOUR 40983 must have an approved business or economic focus
Requirements
Required Courses for All Journalism Majors
JOUR 10113, JOUR 10203, JOUR 20003, JOUR 20203 must be passed with a "C" or better before enrolling in Reporting, a required course. See prerequisites for other required 30000- and 40000- level courses.
In addition, all journalism majors must complete at least one of the following specialized reporting classes:
Other journalism courses required for certificates:
Broadcast journalism
Convergence journalism
News-editorial journalism
Plus 6 hours from the following:
Sports journalism
Choose 6 credit hours among these 3 credit-hour courses
Plus 3 hours from the following
Plus 6 hours from the following
Business journalism
Plus 3 hours from the following