Journalism, B.A.

Program Code: JOURN_BA

Spring 2024 Curricular Update: The program description, entrance requirements, and program requirements detailed on this page are effective beginning Spring 2024. To learn more about what approved curricular changes take effect in Spring 2024, please visit the Changes to the UG Bulletin page. To view the requirements in effect for Fall 2023, please visit the 2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin PDF.

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 skill set 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 Program 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.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JOURNALISM

Spring 2024 Curricular Update: The program description, entrance requirements, and program requirements detailed on this page are effective beginning Spring 2024. To learn more about what approved curricular changes take effect in Spring 2024, please visit the Changes to the UG Bulletin page. To view the requirements in effect for Fall 2023, please visit the 2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin PDF.

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

  1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
  2. have at least third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Spring 2024 Curricular Update: The program description, entrance requirements, and program requirements detailed on this page are effective beginning Spring 2024. To learn more about what approved curricular changes take effect in Spring 2024, please visit the Changes to the UG Bulletin page. To view the requirements in effect for Fall 2023, please visit the 2023-24 Undergraduate Bulletin PDF.

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

3 of the 24 credits for Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements 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 (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 160Basic News Writing Skills1
COMM 260WNews Writing and Reporting3
COMM 271Principles of Journalism3
COMM 403Law of Mass Communications3
COMM 409News Media Ethics3
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 118
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option18
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)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 360Radio Reporting3
COMM 465Television Reporting3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Podcasting
Data Visualization for Journalists
In the Game: TV Sports Magazine
International Reporting
Public Affairs Broadcasting
Television News
Advanced Multimedia Production
Internship (3 credits) 1
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications Keystone/General Education Course
Gender, Diversity and the Media Keystone/General Education Course
Telecommunications Regulation
Mass Media in History
Political Economy of Communications
Media and Government
Perspectives on American Journalism
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)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 460WReporting Methods3
COMM 467News Editing and Evaluation3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Photojournalism
Podcasting
Data Visualization for Journalists
International Reporting
Magazine Writing
Feature Writing
Newspaper Design
Editorial, Opinion and Commentary Writing
Depth Reporting
Advanced Multimedia Production
Internship (3 credits) 1
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications Keystone/General Education Course
Gender, Diversity and the Media Keystone/General Education Course
Telecommunications Regulation
Mass Media in History
Political Economy of Communications
Media and Government
Perspectives on American Journalism
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)
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 269Photojournalism3
COMM 469Photography for the Mass Media3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Podcasting
Data Visualization for Journalists
International Reporting
Newspaper Design
News Editing and Evaluation
Graphic Applications in Print Communications
Advanced Multimedia Production
Internship (3 credits) 1
Select 6 credits from the following:6
Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications Keystone/General Education Course
Gender, Diversity and the Media Keystone/General Education Course
Telecommunications Regulation
Mass Media in History
Political Economy of Communications
Media and Government
Perspectives on American Journalism
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.

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 Keystone/General Education Course 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 and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
  • Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

  • Arts (GA): 3 credits
  • Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
  • Humanities (GH): 3 credits
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
  • Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

  • Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

  • GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
  • GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 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.​

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:

  1. 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;
  2. demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
  3. demonstrate an understanding of gender, race ethnicity, sexual orientation and, as appropriate, other forms of diversity in domestic society in relation to mass communications;
  4. demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of peoples and cultures and of the significance and impact of mass communications in a global society;
  5. understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information;
  6. demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
  7. think critically, creatively and independently;
  8. conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
  9. write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
  10. critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
  11. apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
  12. 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 needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Bellisario College Academic Advising
204 Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-1503
commadvisor@psu.edu

https://www.bellisario.psu.edu/current/advising

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

Effective Spring 2024

Broadcast Option: Journalism, B.A. at University Park Campus 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 160*1COMM 271*3
ENGL 15 or 30H3General Education (GN)3
General Education (GN)3General Education (GH)3
General Education (GH) (Inter-Domain)3General Education (GS) (Inter-Domain)3
Foreign Language4Foreign Language4
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 260W*13COMM 360*23
General Education (GN)3Minor Course*3
General Education (GS)3General Education (GQ)3
Other Cultures3General Education (GA)3
Foreign Language4BA Knowledge Domain (US Cultures)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 465*3COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3
COMM 403 or 409*3Minor Course*3
Minor Course*3CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3
General Education (GQ)3General Education (GA)3
BA Knowledge Domain (IL Cultures)3BA Knowledge Domain3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 403 or 409*3COMM 362, 364, 400, 402, 466, 480, 481, or 495*3
COMM 362, 364, 400, 402, 466, 480, 481, or 495*3COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3
Minor Course*3Minor Course*3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3Minor Course*3
General Education (GHW)1.5General Education (GHW)1.5
Elective1 
 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 260W will take the course upon arrival to University Park fifth semester. CAS 100 should be taken third semester in place of COMM 260W.

2

Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses will take COMM 360 at University Park in the sixth semester. ENGL 202A/ENGL 202B/ENGL 202C/ENGL 202D should be taken fourth semester in place of COMM 360. COMM 465 can move to seventh semester. 

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. 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: Journalism, B.A. at University Park Campus 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 160*1COMM 271*3
ENGL 15 or 30H3General Education (GN)3
General Education (GN)3General Education (GH)3
General Education (GH) (Inter-Domain)3General Education (GS) (Inter-Domain)3
Foreign Language 4Foreign Language4
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 260W*13Minor Course*3
General Education (GN)3General Education (GQ)3
General Education (GS)3General Education (GA)3
Other Cultures*3BA Knowledge Domain (US Cultures)3
Foreign Language4BA Knowledge Domain3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 460W*3COMM 467*3
COMM 403 or 409*3COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3
Minor Course*3Minor Course*3
General Education (GQ)3CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3
BA Knowledge Domain (IL Cultures)3General Education (GA)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 403 or 409*3COMM 269, 362, 364, 402, 461, 462, 463, 464W, 474, 481, or 495*3
COMM 269, 362, 364, 402, 461, 462, 463, 464W, 474, 481, or 495*3COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3
Minor Course*3Minor Course*3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3Minor Course*3
General Education (GHW)1.5General Education (GHW)1.5
Elective1 
 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 260W will take the course upon arrival to University Park fifth semester. CAS 100 should be taken third semester in place of COMM 260W. COMM 460W will move to sixth semester.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. 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: Journalism, B.A. at University Park Campus 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 160*1COMM 271*3
ENGL 15 or 30H3General Education (GN)3
General Education (GN)3General Education (GH)3
General Education (GH) (Inter-Domain)3General Education (GS) (Inter-Domain)3
Foreign Language4Foreign Language4
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 260W*13COMM 269*23
General Education (GN)3Minor Course*3
General Education (GS)3General Education (GQ)3
Other Cultures3General Education (GA)3
Foreign Language4BA Knowledge Domain (US Cultures)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3COMM 469*3
COMM 403 or 409*3Minor Course*3
Minor Course*3CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3
General Education (GQ)3General Education (GA)3
BA Knowledge Domain (IL Cultures)3BA Knowledge Domain3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 403 or 409*3COMM 362, 364, 402, 463, 467, 468, 481, or 495*3
COMM 362, 364, 402, 463, 467, 468, 481, or 495*3COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3
Minor Course*3Minor Course*3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3Minor Course*3
General Education (GHW)1.5General Education (GHW)1.5
Elective1 
 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 260W will take the course upon arrival to University Park fifth semester. CAS 100 should be taken third semester in place of COMM 260W.

2

Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses that do not offer will take COMM 269 at University Park in the sixth semester. ENGL 202A/ENGL 202B/ENGL 202C/ENGL 202D should be taken fourth semester in place of COMM 269. COMM TXX can move to sixth semester.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. 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.

Fall 2023

Broadcast Option: Journalism, B.A. at University Park Campus 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 160*1COMM 271*3
ENGL 15 or 30H3General Education (GN)3
General Education (GN)3General Education (GH)3
General Education (GH) (Inter-Domain)3General Education (GS) (Inter-Domain)3
Foreign Language4Foreign Language4
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 260W*13COMM 360*23
General Education (GN)3Minor Course*3
General Education (GS)3General Education (GQ)3
Other Cultures3General Education (GA)3
Foreign Language4BA Knowledge Domain (US Cultures)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 465*3COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3
COMM 403 or 409*3Minor Course*3
Minor Course*3CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3
General Education (GQ)3General Education (GA)3
BA Knowledge Domain (IL Cultures)3BA Knowledge Domain3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 403 or 409*3COMM 402, 466, COMM 475, COMM 480, COMM 481, or COMM 495*3
COMM 402, 466, COMM 475, COMM 480, COMM 481, or COMM 495*3COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3
Minor Course*3Minor Course*3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3Minor Course*3
General Education (GHW)1.5General Education (GHW)1.5
Elective1 
 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 260W will take the course upon arrival to University Park fifth semester. CAS 100 should be taken third semester in place of COMM 260W.

2

Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses will take COMM 360 at University Park in the sixth semester. ENGL 202A/ENGL 202B/ENGL 202C/ENGL 202D should be taken fourth semester in place of COMM 360. COMM 465 can move to seventh semester. 

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. 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: Journalism, B.A. at University Park Campus 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 160*1COMM 271*3
ENGL 15 or 30H3General Education (GN)3
General Education (GN)3General Education (GH)3
General Education (GH) (Inter-Domain)3General Education (GS) (Inter-Domain)3
Foreign Language 4Foreign Language4
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 260W*13Minor Course*3
General Education (GN)3General Education (GQ)3
General Education (GS)3General Education (GA)3
Other Cultures*3BA Knowledge Domain (US Cultures)3
Foreign Language4BA Knowledge Domain3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 460W*3COMM 467*3
COMM 403 or 409*3COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3
Minor Course*3Minor Course*3
General Education (GQ)3CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3
BA Knowledge Domain (IL Cultures)3General Education (GA)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 403 or 409*3COMM 269, 402, 461, 462, 463, 464W, 474, COMM 475, COMM 481, or COMM 495*3
COMM 269, 402, 461, 462, 463, 464W, 474, COMM 475, COMM 481, or COMM 495*3COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3
Minor Course*3Minor Course*3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3Minor Course*3
General Education (GHW)1.5General Education (GHW)1.5
Elective1 
 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 260W will take the course upon arrival to University Park fifth semester. CAS 100 should be taken third semester in place of COMM 260W. COMM 460W will move to sixth semester.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. 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: Journalism, B.A. at University Park Campus 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 160*1COMM 271*3
ENGL 15 or 30H3General Education (GN)3
General Education (GN)3General Education (GH)3
General Education (GH) (Inter-Domain)3General Education (GS) (Inter-Domain)3
Foreign Language4Foreign Language4
PSU 91 
 15 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 260W*13COMM 269*23
General Education (GN)3Minor Course*3
General Education (GS)3General Education (GQ)3
Other Cultures3General Education (GA)3
Foreign Language4BA Knowledge Domain (US Cultures)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3COMM 469*3
COMM 403 or 409*3Minor Course*3
Minor Course*3CAS 100A, 100B, or 100C3
General Education (GQ)3General Education (GA)3
BA Knowledge Domain (IL Cultures)3BA Knowledge Domain3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
COMM 403 or 409*3COMM 402, 463, 467, 468, COMM 475, COMM 481, or COMM 495*3
COMM 402, 463, 467, 468, COMM 475, COMM 481, or COMM 495*3COMM 180, 205, 401, 405, 410, 411, 412, 419, 496, or 499*3
Minor Course*3Minor Course*3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D3Minor Course*3
General Education (GHW)1.5General Education (GHW)1.5
Elective1 
 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 260W will take the course upon arrival to University Park fifth semester. CAS 100 should be taken third semester in place of COMM 260W.

2

Students studying at any of the commonwealth campuses that do not offer will take COMM 269 at University Park in the sixth semester. ENGL 202A/ENGL 202B/ENGL 202C/ENGL 202D should be taken fourth semester in place of COMM 269. COMM TXX can move to sixth semester.

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity 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.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. 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 skill set 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 skill set transfers to other fields and enables those with journalism degrees to find success in a variety of endeavors.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT POTENTIAL CAREER OPTIONS FOR GRADUATES OF THE JOURNALISM PROGRAM

Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Most undergraduates initially enter the professional world, but the journalism skill set -- 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.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

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.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ACCREDITING COUNCIL ON EDUCATION IN JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATIONS

Contact

University Park   

DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM
308 Willard Building (Bellisario Media Center)
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-0929
jra14@psu.edu

https://www.bellisario.psu.edu/departments/journalism