Journalism, BS
Overview
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Journalism
JOURNALISM (JOUR), prepares the next generation of journalists to explore and report on the diversity of ideas, people, and events in a democratic society. Students learn the reporting, writing, editing, producing, and multimedia skills and concepts required to produce accurate, fair and thorough journalism and to navigate the ever-changing news media landscape. Journalism graduates combine strong professional training with a broad liberal arts education to pursue careers in online newsrooms, television and radio stations, newspapers and magazines and emerging media.
Degree Requirements
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Graduation Requirements
Minimum hours required for graduation: 124 hours
University Requirements
Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree. Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.
The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.
General Education Requirements
Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Composition I | 4-6 | |
| Advanced Composition | 3 | |
fulfilled by JOUR 200 | ||
| Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | 6 | |
| Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | 6-10 | |
| Language Requirement (Completion of the third semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required) | 0-15 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| College Orientation | ||
| MDIA 100 | College of Media Orientation | 1 |
| Required Major Courses | 41-45 | |
| JOUR 200 | Introduction to Journalism | 3 |
| JOUR 210 | Newsgathering Across Platforms | 4 |
| JOUR 215 | Multimedia Reporting | 4 |
| Skills Courses | ||
| Select four of the following: | 12-15 | |
| Writing for Television & Streaming News | ||
| Adv Public Affairs Reporting | ||
| Audio Journalism | ||
| Video Reporting & Storytelling | ||
| Newsroom Experience | ||
| Data Storytelling for Journalists | ||
| Multimedia Editing and Design | ||
| Augmented and Virtual Reality | ||
| Advanced Documentary Storytelling & Production | ||
| Advanced Television Reporting | ||
| Science Journalism | ||
| Business Reporting | ||
| Environmental Journalism | ||
| Advanced Reporting Topics | ||
| Investigative Journalism | ||
| Context Courses | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| History of American Journalism | ||
| Journalism Ethics & Diversity | ||
| Media Law in Historical Context | ||
or JOUR 311 | Media Law | |
| Media and Public Opinion | ||
| Research Methods in Journalism (or equivalent) | ||
| Journalism Electives | 6 | |
Any Journalism course. Courses from the list above not used to complete requirements may be taken as electives. | ||
| Statistical Methods Course (Choose 1) | 3-4 | |
| Statistics | ||
| Data Science Discovery | ||
Sample Sequence
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Journalism
This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.
Electives are additional courses to help students achieve 124 hours required for the degree. Journalism Electives are any additional Journalism courses not already counting toward the major requirements. These electives can often be any level, but students should check with their advisor for specific guidance.
Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a third level of a language other than English. This may require up to three semesters of language depending on high school coursework or placement. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.
First Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Journalism Elective | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Composition I or General Education course | 4 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course or Language Other Than English (3rd level) | 3 |
| MDIA 100 - College of Media Orientation | 1 |
| Semester Hours | 17 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| JOUR 200 - Introduction to Journalism | 3 |
| Statistical Methods course | 3 |
| General Education course or Composition I | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Language Other Than English (3rd level) or General Education course | 4 |
| Semester Hours | 16 |
Second Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| JOUR 210 - Newsgathering Across Platforms | 4 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 16 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| JOUR 215 - Multimedia Reporting | 4 |
| Skills course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| General Education course | 3 |
| Elective | 2 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
Third Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Skills course | 3 |
| Context course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Skills course | 3 |
| Context course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
Fourth Year
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Skills course | 3 |
| Journalism Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
| Requirements | Hours |
|---|---|
| Context Course | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Semester Hours | 15 |
Total Hours
Total hours for all requirements: 124
Learning Outcomes
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Journalism
- Understand and apply theory and law related to journalism and the First Amendment in the United States.
- Communicate and present information clearly and effectively across a variety of media platforms.
- Apply critical thinking and various research methods—including numerical, statistical, and data visualization techniques—to evaluate information and accurately communicate relevant facts.
- Understand and apply current and emerging tools and technologies in multimedia journalism to tell impactful and innovative stories that engage modern audiences.
- Understand the history of journalism and the role of news professionals and institutions in shaping the development of the media industry and the nation.
- Understand and apply principles and practices of ethical journalism in the pursuit of truth, accuracy, and fairness.
- Practice journalism that respectfully and accurately represents people who are often ignored or misrepresented.
- Critically evaluate journalism products for accuracy, fairness, clarity, style, and grammar.
Contact Information
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Department of Journalism
Department of Journalism website
media-ssc@illinois.edu
(217) 333-4752