Program Overview

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Journalism program at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has evolved into the Bachelor of Communication and Digital Journalism. This program is designed for individuals who are naturally curious and want to share their findings with a wider audience. The program aims to supplement students' natural curiosity with honed research, interview, photography, and writing skills.

Why Pursue a Bachelor of Journalism?

The Bachelor of Journalism program sharpens students' skills to excel in the evolving world of journalism and communications. It offers an expansive field of career options after graduation, from news organizations to communication and media departments. The program prepares students to work in media organizations at all levels, from local newspapers to national network television channels.

Program Structure

The Bachelor of Journalism degree is granted upon the successful completion of 120 credits, including a minimum of 60 credits of Journalism courses. Most students enter the program at the first year and complete four years of study, graduating after completing 20 required Journalism courses, along with 20 elective courses.

Course Requirements

The program includes a range of courses, such as:

• CMNS 1160 Introduction to Communications
• CMNS 2160 Mass Comm. & Popular Culture
• JOUR 2200 Introduction to Reporting Skills
• JOUR 2210 Introduction to News Photography and Videography
• CMNS 2290 Professional & Business Writing
• JOUR 2060 Introduction to Multimedia
• JOUR 2020 Media Theory and History
• VISA 1500 Introduction to Visual Culture
• CMNS 1290 Introduction to Technical Writing
• ENOL 1100 or ENOL 1110 (or equivalent)

Years 1 and 2

In the first year, the curriculum emphasizes composition skills and media/communication literacy. In the second year, the curriculum emphasizes the basics of reporting, writing, and storytelling in different media formats and an introduction to the theoretical and historical foundations of journalism.

Years 3 and 4

The emphasis in the senior years is to enable students to develop expertise in multi-media and multi-format journalism. Students will also have more opportunity to concentrate on developing expertise in specific reporting subjects or beats, reinforced by additional coursework in other disciplines.

Career Options

The Bachelor of Journalism degree prepares students for a variety of careers in journalism, including:

• Online publication writer or editor
• Newspaper and magazine reporter or correspondent
• Broadcast Journalism
• Film and video editor and camera operator
• Photojournalism
• Researcher
• Technical writer
• Communications
• Media and public relations departments
• Government agencies
• Corporate communications
• Non-profit and advocacy organizations

Laddering Options

Many Journalism graduates go on to graduate or professional school programs. At TRU, students can ladder into the Master of Education.

Program Details

• Credential: Bachelor of Journalism
• Delivery: Kamloops
• Length: Four years
• International: Open to international applicants

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the program include:

• High school graduation or equivalent
• English language proficiency

Tuition and Fees

The cost for this program per semester varies depending on the number of courses taken. Estimated costs include:

• Tuition: $0.00
• Fees: $0.00
• Books and supplies: Typically about $150 per course
• Total (CDN): $0.00