Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor of Science in Journalism

The Bachelor of Science in Journalism degree has evolved to meet the changing needs of modern journalists. This program provides students with essential professional experiences, as well as practical and philosophical tools such as ethics, reporting, editing, and publication law.

Program Overview

The Journalism Program at Northern Arizona University offers students the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to tell compelling nonfiction stories across a variety of media platforms. The program is built on a strong foundation in the history, philosophy, and ethics of journalism, with an emphasis on serving varied communities and facilitating the free flow of information essential in a democratic society.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Journalism

To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, students must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements. The specific requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Journalism include:

• 43 units of major requirements
• Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements
• Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units
• A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University

Major Requirements

The major requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Journalism include:

• COM 400, COM 402 (6 units)
• JLS 104, JLS 105, JLS 131, JLS 205, JLS 231, JLS 250 (16 units)
• PHO 100 (3 units)
• Select from the following to meet the junior-level writing requirement (3 units):
  • JLS 328W
  • JLS 335W
• JLS 431C, which meets the senior capstone requirement (3 units)
• Select from the following (6 units):
  • JLS 251 - Intro to NAZ Today News
  • JLS 251 - NAZ Today Reporters Producing
  • JLS 251 - NAZ Today Studio Production
  • JLS 251 - Writing for the Lumberjack
  • JLS 333 - Flagstaff Business News
  • JLS 333 - Newspaper Editing and Management
  • JLS 408
• Students must complete any 6 units with a Grade of 'C' or better from the courses below, based on their interests:
  • Broadcasting: JLS 124, JLS 205 - Podcasting, JLS 333 - Advanced Television News, CMF 226
  • Writing and Editing: JLS 230, JLS 232, JLS 332, JLS 333 - Newspaper Editing and Management
  • Video Journalism: JLS 350 or JLS 450
  • Sports: JLS 328W - Sports, JLS 328W - Inside Athletics

Student Learning Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science in Journalism program is designed to help students achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Conceptual: Students will appreciate and explain the role of journalism in society, synthesize foundational theories and journalism ethics, and demonstrate a strong foundation in the history, philosophy, laws, and ethics of journalism.
• Practical: Students will demonstrate proficiency in preparing journalistic material, utilize and apply the fundamentals of storytelling and nonfiction narrative, produce complete news stories, and identify and apply research and reporting techniques.

Additional Information

• All majors must earn a Grade of "C" or better in their freshman composition required course and their foundation mathematics course.
• Some courses may have prerequisites.
• Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor to select courses that will be most advantageous to them.
• Although a minor is not required for the Journalism degree, students are strongly encouraged to consider a minor that could equip them with the knowledge to specialize in a specific journalism topic.