Program Overview

Professional Approaches to Journalism

The Professional Approaches to Journalism course explores issues facing professional journalists, past and present, and the practices that have come to define the field.

Course Details

• Course Code: JOURN X 440.1
• Duration: As few as 11 weeks
• Units: 4.0
• Current Formats: Live Online, In Person
• Cost: Starting at $795.00

What You Can Learn

Acquire a basic understanding of the inner workings of journalism, gain an introduction to news judgment, analysis, and ethics, study best practices of journalism writing, research, and reporting, set personal goals for a career in media, and prepare for a more hands-on approach to practicing journalism.

About This Course

This course addresses topics such as news judgment, analysis and ethics, challenges investigating and reporting the news, artificial intelligence, and evolving approaches to writing, media creation, and news distribution. Students leave the course with a basic understanding of the inner workings of journalism and consider professional goals for a career in contemporary media.

Spring 2026 Schedule

In Person

• Date: April 2 - June 11
• Time: Thursday 6:30PM - 9:30PM PT
• Instructor: Jeffrey Wald
• Location: UCLA Extension Gayley Center in Westwood
• Fee: $795.00

Live Online

• Date: April 1 - June 10
• Time: Wednesday 6:30PM - 9:30PM PT
• Instructor: Jeffrey Wald
• Location: Remote Classroom
• Fee: $795.00

Course Requirements

• The Associated Press Stylebook 2020: and Briefing on Media Law
• Telling the Story

Course Syllabus

The course syllabus includes lectures on various dates from April to June, with specific times and locations provided for both in-person and live online sessions.

This Course Applies Toward the Following Programs

Journalism Certificate

Develop the investigating, reporting, and audio-visual storytelling skills needed for a multifaceted career in modern journalism and related professions in communication. This certificate program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of journalism principles and practices, preparing them for careers in media and communication.