Journalism, B.A.

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?

The core skill set of journalism is gathering information and organizing it to tell a story in a compelling fashion. While consumption and delivery methods change almost daily for information, journalism exists in more forms than ever before: broadcast, digital, online, multimedia, print, and more. Faculty emphasize a fact-based approach to information that serves the public interest. In the department, professionally focused classes and hands-on opportunities prepare students for an ever-changing and important industry that marries a tradition of history-as-it-happens with cutting-edge technology and information delivery.

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

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

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, a minimum of 120 credits is required:

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 world 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)

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)

Course List

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 from the following:		6
COMM 362	Podcasting
COMM 364	Data Visualization for Journalists
COMM 400	In the Game: TV Sports Magazine
COMM 402	International Reporting
COMM 466	Public Affairs Broadcasting
COMM 480	Television News
COMM 481	Visual Storytelling for Journalists
COMM 495	Internship (3 credits) 1
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
COMM 180	Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications
COMM 205	Gender, Diversity and the Media
COMM 381
COMM 401	Mass Media in History
COMM 405	Political Economy of Communications
COMM 407A	Media and Government
COMM 407B	Perspectives on American Journalism
COMM 410	Global Media, Culture, and Society
COMM 411	Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media
COMM 412	Sports, Media and Society
COMM 419	Comparative National Media in a Global Context
COMM 494H	Research Project Courses
COMM 496	Independent Studies
COMM 499	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)

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
COMM 460W	Reporting Methods	3
COMM 467	News Editing and Evaluation	3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
COMM 269	Photojournalism
COMM 362	Podcasting
COMM 364	Data Visualization for Journalists
COMM 402	International Reporting
COMM 461	Magazine Writing
COMM 462	Feature Writing
COMM 463	Newspaper Design
COMM 464W	Editorial, Opinion and Commentary Writing
COMM 474	Depth Reporting
COMM 481	Visual Storytelling for Journalists
COMM 495	Internship (3 credits) 1
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
COMM 180	Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications
COMM 205	Gender, Diversity and the Media
COMM 381
COMM 401	Mass Media in History
COMM 405	Political Economy of Communications
COMM 407A	Media and Government
COMM 407B	Perspectives on American Journalism
COMM 410	Global Media, Culture, and Society
COMM 411	Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media
COMM 412	Sports, Media and Society
COMM 419	Comparative National Media in a Global Context
COMM 494H	Research Project Courses
COMM 496	Independent Studies
COMM 499	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)

Course List

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 from the following:		6
COMM 362	Podcasting
COMM 364	Data Visualization for Journalists
COMM 402	International Reporting
COMM 463	Newspaper Design
COMM 467	News Editing and Evaluation
COMM 468	Graphic Applications in Print Communications
COMM 481	Visual Storytelling for Journalists
COMM 495	Internship (3 credits) 1
Select 6 credits from the following:		6
COMM 180	Survey of Electronic Media and Telecommunications
COMM 205	Gender, Diversity and the Media
COMM 381
COMM 401	Mass Media in History
COMM 405	Political Economy of Communications
COMM 407A	Media and Government
COMM 407B	Perspectives on American Journalism
COMM 410	Global Media, Culture, and Society
COMM 411	Cultural Aspects of the Mass Media
COMM 412	Sports, Media and Society
COMM 419	Comparative National Media in a Global Context
COMM 494H	Research Project Courses
COMM 496	Independent Studies
COMM 499	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 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

World Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one world language in addition to English. This proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or course work. See the Placement Policy for Penn State World Language Courses.

B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, World Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; world language credits in this category must be in a second world language in addition to English or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language). Credits must be selected from the list of approved courses.

World 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 University Cultural Diversity (US/IL) requirement.​

Learning Outcomes

Professional Values and Competencies

The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications requires that graduates of accredited programs be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:

• apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, in a global context, and for the country in which the institution that invites ACEJMC is located;
• demonstrate an understanding of the multicultural history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications;
• demonstrate culturally proficient communication that empowers those traditionally disenfranchised in society, especially as grounded in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and ability, domestically and globally, across communication and media contexts;
• present images and information effectively and creatively, using appropriate tools and technologies;
• write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve;
• demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;
• apply critical thinking skills in conducting research and evaluating information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work;
• effectively and correctly apply basic numerical and statistical concepts;
• critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness;
• apply 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 2025-26 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

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.

*

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 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C 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 World Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as World 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.

*

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 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C 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 World Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as World 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.

*

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 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C 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 World Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as World 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