At which campus can I study this program?
Begin Campus
Any Penn State Campus
End Campus
University Park
Program Description
The goal of the major is to provide students with the critical thinking, ethical, legal and professional skills that will enable them to enter positions in all areas of journalism.
The following three options are offered:
Broadcast Journalism Option
This option is designed for students interested in radio, television, and/or multimedia journalism as a reporter, editor, or producer. Students are trained in the techniques of audio/video and online reporting and editing. They take two required courses that provide instruction in the basic skills of reporting and editing and choose two other courses that provide advanced instruction in these areas.
Digital and Print Journalism Option
This option is designed for students interested in newspaper, magazine and/or multimedia journalism as a reporter, editor, or producer. Students are trained in the techniques of print and online reporting and editing. They take two required courses that provide instruction in the basic skills of reporting and editing and choose two other courses that provide advanced instruction in these areas.
Photojournalism Option
This option is designed for students interested in photo and/or multimedia journalism as a photographer, editor or producer. Students are trained in the techniques of still/video photography and editing. They take two required courses that provide instruction in the basic skills of photography and editing and choose two other courses that provide advanced instruction in these areas.
What is Journalism?
Journalism matters. The core skillset of journalism, gathering information and organizing it to tell a story in a compelling fashion, matters more than ever. While consumption and delivery methods change almost daily for information, journalism exists in more forms than ever before. Broadcast, digital, online, multimedia, print … journalism matters. For audiences old and young, for audiences interested in a mix of information, for audiences interested in niche or specific information … journalism matters. Journalism matters because the fact-based approach to information serves the public interest.
You Might Like This Major If...
- You’re curious, inquisitive, observant and organized.
- You have an ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
- You have an appreciation and understanding of popular culture.
- You have excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- You have an interest in telling stories, no matter the medium, and trying technologies that engage an audience.
Entrance to Major
In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:
- attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
- have third-semester classification.
READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY
Degree Requirements
For the Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, a minimum of 120 credits is required:
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| General Education | 45 |
| Electives | 2 |
| Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements | 24 |
| Requirements for the Major | 49 |
Students must select at least 72 credits in non-COMM courses.
General Education
Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.
The keystone symbol 
appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.
Foundations (grade of C or better is required.)
- Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
- Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits
Knowledge Domains
- Arts (GA): 6 credits
- Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
- Humanities (GH): 6 credits
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 6 credits
- Natural Sciences (GN): 9 credits
Integrative Studies (may also complete a Knowledge Domain requirement)
- Inter-Domain or Approved Linked Courses: 6 credits
University Degree Requirements
First Year Engagement
All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.
Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.
First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.
Cultures Requirement
6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements
- United States Cultures: 3 credits
- International Cultures: 3 credits
Writing Across the Curriculum
3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.
Total Minimum Credits
A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.
Quality of Work
Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.
Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition
The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.
B.A. Degree Requirements
Foreign Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one foreign language. See the Placement Policy for Penn State Foreign Language Courses.
B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, Foreign Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; foreign language credits in this category must be in a second foreign language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language)
Other Cultures (0-3 credits): Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the General Education US/IL requirement.
3 of these 24 credits are included in the Requirements for the Major, General Education, or Electives and 0-12 credits are included in Electives if foreign language proficiency is demonstrated by examination.
Requirements for the Major
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.
Common Requirements for the Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| COMM 160 | Basic News Writing Skills | 1 |
| COMM 260W | News Writing and Reporting | 3 |
| COMM 271 | Principles of Journalism | 3 |
| COMM 403 | Law of Mass Communications | 3 |
| COMM 409 | News Media Ethics | 3 |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 18 credits for completion of a University-approved minor 1 | 18 | |
| Requirements for the Option 1 | ||
| Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select an option | 18 | |
| 1 | Students majoring in journalism must take a University-approved minor outside the Bellisario College of Communications. The minimum requirement for a minor is 18 credits. By careful planning, a student may use General Education and Bachelor of Arts courses to help fulfill this requirement. In lieu of a minor, students may take a concurrent major or concurrent degree, as long as it is outside the College of Communications. Students should consult with their adviser as soon as possible about this requirement. |
Requirements for the Option
Options can be combined but only with the consent of a student's adviser.
Broadcast Journalism Option (18 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| COMM 360 | Radio Reporting | 3 |
| COMM 465 | Television Reporting | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| In the Game: TV Sports Magazine | ||
| International Reporting | ||
| Public Affairs Broadcasting | ||
| Issues for Newsroom Managers | ||
| Television News | ||
| Advanced Multimedia Production | ||
| Internship 1 | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications | ||
| Gender, Diversity and the Media | ||
| Telecommunications Law | ||
| Mass Media in History | ||
| Political Economy of Communications | ||
| Media and Government | ||
| Perspectives on American Journalism | ||
| Media and World Politics | ||
| International Mass Communications | ||
| Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media | ||
| Sports, Media and Society | ||
| World Media Systems | ||
| Research Project Courses | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Foreign Study--Mass Communications | ||
| 1 | Internship in news with newspaper, radio, or TV. See the director of the internship program for specifics. |
Digital and Print Journalism Option (18 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| COMM 460 | Reporting Methods | 3 |
| COMM 467 | News Editing and Evaluation | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Photojournalism | ||
| International Reporting | ||
| Magazine Writing | ||
| Feature Writing | ||
| Newspaper Design | ||
COMM 464 | ||
| Depth Reporting | ||
| Issues for Newsroom Managers | ||
| Advanced Multimedia Production | ||
| Internship 1 | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications | ||
| Gender, Diversity and the Media | ||
| Telecommunications Law | ||
| Mass Media in History | ||
| Political Economy of Communications | ||
| Media and Government | ||
| Perspectives on American Journalism | ||
| Media and World Politics | ||
| International Mass Communications | ||
| Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media | ||
| Sports, Media and Society | ||
| World Media Systems | ||
| Research Project Courses | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Foreign Study--Mass Communications | ||
| 1 | Internship in news with newspaper, radio, or TV. See the director of the internship program for specifics. |
Photojournalism Option (18 credits)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| COMM 269 | Photojournalism | 3 |
| COMM 469 | Photography for the Mass Media | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| International Reporting | ||
| Newspaper Design | ||
| News Editing and Evaluation | ||
| Graphic Applications in Print Communications | ||
| Issues for Newsroom Managers | ||
| Advanced Multimedia Production | ||
| Internship 1 | ||
| Select 6 credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications | ||
| Gender, Diversity and the Media | ||
| Telecommunications Law | ||
| Mass Media in History | ||
| Political Economy of Communications | ||
| Media and Government | ||
| Perspectives on American Journalism | ||
| Media and World Politics | ||
| International Mass Communications | ||
| Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media | ||
| Sports, Media and Society | ||
| World Media Systems | ||
| Research Project Courses | ||
| Independent Studies | ||
| Foreign Study--Mass Communications | ||
| 1 | Internship in news with newspaper, radio, or TV. See the director of the internship program for specifics. |
Learning Outcomes
Professional Values and Competencies
Individual professions in journalism and mass communication may require certain specialized values and competencies. Irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:
- understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located, as well as receive instruction in and understand the range of systems of freedom of expression around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and assemble and to petition for redress of grievances;
- demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
- demonstrate an understanding of gender, race ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;
- demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
- understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
- demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
- think critically, creatively and independently;
- conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
- write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
- critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
- apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
- apply basic tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university’s academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee’s unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information need to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Brenda Johnson
Administrative Support Assistant
204 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1503
bmj11@psu.edu
Suggested Academic Plan
Broadcast Option
University Park and Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMM 160* | 1 | General Education (GN) | 3 |
| ENGL 15 or 30 | 3 | General Education (GH) | 3 |
| General Education (GN) | 3 | General Education (GS) | 3 |
| General Education (GH) | 3 | General Education (GA) | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 4 | Foreign Language | 4 |
| PSU 9 | 1 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| General Education (GQ) | 3 | COMM 260W*1 | 3 |
| General Education (GA) | 3 | General Education (GN) | 3 |
| General Education (GS) | 3 | Other Cultures | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 4 | BA Knowledge Domain (US cultures) | 3 |
| Minor Course* | 3 | BA Knowledge Domain | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMM 271* | 3 | COMM 360* | 3 |
| COMM 180, 205, 381, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499* | 3 | COMM 403 or 409* | 3 |
| COMM 403 or 409* | 3 | CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C | 3 |
| General Education (GQ) | 3 | BA Knowledge Domain (IL cultures) | 3 |
| Minor Course* | 3 | Minor Course* | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMM 465* | 3 | COMM 402, 466, 475, 480, 481, or 495* | 3 |
| COMM 180, 205, 381, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499* | 3 | COMM 402, 466, 475, 480, 481, or 495* | 3 |
| ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D | 3 | Minor Course* | 3 |
| Minor Course* | 3 | Minor Course* | 3 |
| General Education (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education (GHW) | 1.5 |
| Elective | 1 | ||
| 13.5 | 14.5 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
* Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
# Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
† Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
| 1 | Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses that do not offer COMM 260, will take that upon arrival to University Park fifth semester. CAS 100 should be taken fourth semester in place of COMM 260, and COMM 271 can move to sixth semester. |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Bachelor of Arts Requirements:
Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.
Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.
Digital and Print Option
University Park and Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMM 160* | 1 | General Education (GH) | 3 |
| ENGL 15 or 30 | 3 | General Education (GN) | 3 |
| General Education (GN) | 3 | General Education (GS) | 3 |
| General Education (GH) | 3 | General Education (GA) | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 4 | Foreign Language | 4 |
| PSU 9 | 1 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| General Education (GA) | 3 | COMM 260W*1 | 3 |
| General Education (GQ) | 3 | General Education (GN) | 3 |
| General Education (GS) | 3 | BA Knowledge Domain (US cultures) | 3 |
| Minor Course* | 3 | BA Knowledge Domain | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 4 | Other Cultures | 3 |
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMM 271* | 3 | COMM 460* | 3 |
| COMM 180, 205, 381, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499* | 3 | COMM 403 or 409* | 3 |
| COMM 403 or 409* | 3 | CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C | 3 |
| General Education (GQ) | 3 | BA Knowledge Domain (IL cultures) | 3 |
| Minor Course* | 3 | Minor Course* | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMM 467* | 3 | COMM 180, 205, 381, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499* | 3 |
| COMM 269, 402, 461, 462, 463, COMM 464, COMM 474, COMM 475, COMM 481, or COMM 495* | 3 | COMM 269, 402, 461, 462, 463, COMM 464, COMM 474, COMM 475, COMM 481, or COMM 495* | 3 |
| Minor Course* | 3 | Minor Course* | 3 |
| Minor Course* | 3 | ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D | 3 |
| General Education (GHW) | 1.5 | General Education (GHW) | 1.5 |
| Elective | 1 | ||
| 14.5 | 13.5 | ||
| Total Credits 120 | |||
* Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
# Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
† Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
| 1 | Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses that do not offer COMM 260, should take CAS 100 fourth semester and will take COMM 260 fifth semester upon arrival to University Park. COMM 260 will be taken in place of COMM 271 fifth semester and COMM 271 can then take the place of CAS 100 in sixth semester. |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Bachelor of Arts Requirements:
Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.
Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.
Photojournalism Option
University Park and Commonwealth Campuses
The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMM 160* | 1 | General Education (GN) | 3 |
| ENGL 15 or 30 | 3 | General Education (GH) | 3 |
| General Education (GN) | 3 | General Education (GS) | 3 |
| General Education (GH) | 3 | General Education (GA) | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 4 | Foreign Language | 4 |
| PSU 9 | 1 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| General Education (GA) | 3 | COMM 260W*1 | 3 |
| General Education (GQ) | 3 | General Education (GN) | 3 |
| General Education (GS) | 3 | BA Knowledge Domain (US cultures) | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 4 | BA Knowledge Domain | 3 |
| Minor course* | Other Cultures | 3 | |
| 13 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMM 271* | 3 | COMM 269* | 3 |
| COMM 180, 205, 381, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499* | 3 | COMM 403 or 409* | 3 |
| COMM 403 or 409* | 3 | CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C | 3 |
| General Education (GQ) | 3 | BA Knowledge Domain (IL cultures) | 3 |
| Minor Course* | 3 | Minor Course* | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| COMM 180, 205, 381, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499* | 3 | COMM 469* | 3 |
| COMM 402, 463, 467, 468, 475, 481, or 495* | 3 | COMM 402, 463, 467, 468, 475, 481, or 495* | 3 |
| Minor Course* | 3 | ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D | 3 |
| General Education (GHW) | 1.5 | Minor Course* | 3 |
| Elective | 1 | General Education (GHW) | 1.5 |
| Minor Course* | 3 | ||
| 14.5 | 13.5 | ||
| Total Credits 117 | |||
* Course requires a grade of C or better for the major
‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education
# Course is an Entrance to Major requirement
† Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement
| 1 | Students studying at a commonwealth campus that does not offer COMM 260 will take a general education GQ fourth semester and take COMM 260 5th semester upon arrival to University Park. |
University Requirements and General Education Notes:
US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy University Requirements (United States and International Cultures).
W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.
GWS, GQ, GHW, GN, GA, GH, and GS are abbreviations used to identify General Education program courses. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ) and Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS, and Integrative Studies). Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of ‘C’ or better.
Integrative Studies courses are required for the General Education program. N is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate an Inter-Domain course and Z is the suffix at the end of a course number used to designate a Linked course.
All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL/CAS 137 in the fall semester and ENGL/CAS 138 in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and replace both ENGL 30 and CAS 100. Each course is 3 credits.
Bachelor of Arts Requirements:
Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.
Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other Cultures courses.
Career Paths
A journalism degree prepares students to enter careers in mass media, business, communications, or any number of related fields that value strong, talented communicators and storytellers. No matter the medium or the task, someone with a journalism degree adds a skillset that makes the organization stronger. Simply put, journalism matters. That might mean career paths that include community-based journalism or positions with national news organizations. It also means careers in emerging and traditional fields. Plus, the valuable skillset transfers to other fields and enables those with journalism degrees to find success in a variety of endeavors.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
Most undergraduates initially enter the professional world, but the journalism skillset -- a mix of practical information gathering, organization and, ultimately, storytelling -- is valuable in any endeavor. For those interested in graduate studies, a journalism degree provides a strong basis to continue their education.
Accreditation
The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications is evaluated regularly by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications, and the Bellisario College has consistently met the high standards of the organization that is dedicated to excellence in professional education in journalism and mass communications. For undergraduate students, accreditation most practically means that upper-level professional classes in each major will be conducted in rooms with 20 or fewer students.
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM
20 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0935
ree4@psu.edu