Program Overview
The degree of Bachelor of Arts with a major in journalism requires the successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using designated courses (2) the core journalism courses; (3) required, elective, and application courses for one of the journalism emphasis areas as described below; (4) JOUR 3321 (internship); (5) related degree requirements; and (6) a minor as arranged through the student’s minor advisor.
Program Outline
Undergraduate Core courses are used to satisfy the lower-division UCA Core requirement in Diversity, Critical Inquiry, Responsible Living, and Effective Communication and Journalism and Mass Communication courses are used to satisfy the upper-division UCA Core requirements in Diversity, Critical Inquiry, Responsible Living, and Effective Communication. Students will take JOUR 3321, Internship, as the required UCA Core capstone.
Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Journalism enter the Quantitative Literacy Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1360 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit that completes their 1000-level math requirements.
Journalism core (21 hours)
- MCOM 1300 Media and Society
- JOUR 2300 Beginning Reporting
- JOUR 2305 Basic Press Photography
- JOUR 2325 Principles of Online Journalism
- JOUR 2340 Broadcast Journalism Production
- JOUR 3308 News Editing [UD UCA Core: I, C]
- MCOM 3301 Media Law and Ethics [UD UCA Core: R, D]
Electives (9 hours, chosen from the following)
- JOUR 2301 Broadcast Announcing
- JOUR 3300 Advanced Reporting and Editing
- JOUR 3305 Publication Design and Makeup
- JOUR 3311 Digital Imaging
- JOUR 3334 Non-Fiction Writing
- JOUR 3345 Online Publishing I
- JOUR 3346 Online Publishing II
- JOUR 3363 Audio Production
- JOUR 3365 Broadcast Management
- JOUR 3373 Documentary Production
- JOUR 3374 Broadcast Journalism Production II
- JOUR 4313 Writing for Electronic Media
- JOUR 4315 Broadcast Journalism Production III
- JOUR 4331 Investigative Reporting
- JOUR 4333 Writing Editorials and Reviews
- MCOM 3V22 Directed Study in Communication (variable credit: 1-3 credit hours)
- MCOM 3302 Media History
- MCOM 3320 Introduction to Mass Communication Research Methods
- MCOM 3307 Theories of Mass Communication
- MCOM 3391/4391 Topics in Mass Communication
- MCOM 4302 Media Effects
- MCOM 4323 Seminar in Mass Communication
- PRLS 3310 Writing for Public Relations [UD UCA Core: C]
- WRTG 3310 Technical Writing
Application courses (4 hours)
All students must complete 1 credit hour at each level for a total of 4 hours. (Each level many be repeated for a maximum 2 hours of credit). Broadcast Journalism students must take Electronic Media Applications. Online Journalism students must complete at least one hour of Print and one hour of Electronic Applications among the four hours. Print Journalism students must take Print Media Applications.
- JOUR 1121 Print Media Applications
- JOUR 2121 Print Media Applications
- JOUR 3121 Print Media Applications
- JOUR 4121 Print Media Applications
OR
- JOUR 1123 Electronic Media Applications
- JOUR 2123 Electronic Media Applications
- JOUR 3123 Electronic Media Applications
- JOUR 4123 Electronic Media Applications
Internship (3 hours)
- JOUR 3321 Internship (120 hours) [UD UCA Core: Z]
Emphasis Areas
Required (6 hours) – Must complete both courses in at least one of the three options.
Broadcast Journalism Emphasis
- JOUR 3374 Broadcast Journalism Production II
- JOUR 4315 Broadcast Journalism Production III
Online Journalism Emphasis
- JOUR 3345 Online Publishing I
- JOUR 3346 Online Publishing II
Print Journalism Emphasis
- JOUR 3300 Advanced Reporting
- JOUR 3305 Publication Design and Makeup
Related Course Requirements
A journalism major must complete one of these options.
Option 1: Qualitative (3–6 hours)
Successfully complete six hours of any foreign language(s) at any level or sign language or computer programming language; or, if qualified, successfully complete a 2000-level or upper-division foreign language course (excluding 2340 and 2V12).
Students with no prior language experience should enroll in SPAN 1310, FREN 1310, GERM 1310, JAPN 1310, or CHIN 1410. Students with previous language experience (including high school courses) should take the placement exam administered by the School of Language and Literature and enroll in the level of their placement. Students may apply for up to six (6) hours of credit by examination in Spanish, French, German, or Japanese and up to 8 hours in Chinese for coursework below the level of placement
In cases of unusually thorough preparation, or in the case of international students, exemption may be sought from the School of Language and Literature.
Option 2: Quantitative (6–8 hours)
Two (2) classes in mathematics and/or laboratory science in addition to the lower-division core requirements. Science classes do not have to be in the same area. Students may take one mathematics course and one science course.
Minor in Journalism (26 hours)
Journalism Minor Core (8 hours)
- MCOM 1300 Media and Society
- JOUR 2300 Beginning Reporting (Prerequisite WRTG 1320)
- JOUR 1121 Print Media Applications or JOUR 1123 Electronic Media Applications
- JOUR 2121 Print Media Applications or JOUR 2123 Electronic Media Applications
Electives (18 hours, chosen from the following courses)
- JOUR 2301 Broadcast Announcing
- JOUR 2305 Basic Press Photography
- JOUR 2325 Principles of Online Journalism
- JOUR 2340 Broadcast Journalism Production I
- JOUR 3300 Advanced Reporting
- JOUR 3305 Publication Design and Makeup
- JOUR 3308 News Editing
- JOUR 3311 Digital Imaging
- JOUR 3334 Non-Fiction Writing
- JOUR 3345 Online Publishing I (Prerequisite JOUR 2325)
- JOUR 3346 Online Publishing II (Prerequisite JOUR 3345)
- JOUR 3363 Audio Journalism
- JOUR 3365 Broadcast Management
- JOUR 3373 News Documentary Production
- JOUR 3374 Broadcast Journalism Production II (Prerequisite JOUR 2340)
- JOUR 4313 Writing for Electronic Media
- JOUR 4315 Broadcast Journalism Production III (Prerequisite JOUR 3374)
- JOUR 4331 Investigative Reporting (Prerequisite JOUR 3300)
- JOUR 4333 Writing Editorials and Reviews
- MCOM 3V22 Directed Study in Communication (variable credit: 1-3 credit hours)
- MCOM 3320 Introduction to Mass Communication Research Methods
- MCOM 3301 Media Law and Ethics
- MCOM 3302 Media History
- MCOM 3307 Theories of Mass Communication
- MCOM 3391/4391 Topics in Mass Communication
- MCOM 4302 Media Effects
- MCOM 4323 Seminar in Mass Communication
- PRLS 3310 Writing for Public Relations [UD UCA Core: C]
- WRTG 3310 Technical Writing
Prerequisite courses for all other courses—except Media Applications, MCOM 1300, and JOUR 2300—may be taken concurrently.
Abbreviation Key – UCA Core Program
LD = Lower Division
UD = Upper Division
C = Effective Communication
D = Diversity
I = Critical Inquiry
R = Responsible Living
Z = Capstone Experience
University of Central Arkansas
Overview:
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. It boasts a rich 115-year tradition of excellence and is committed to providing an innovative and collaborative education within a culture of student support and success.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Accessibility Resources and Services:
Offers accommodations and support for students with disabilities.Bear Card:
A multi-purpose card used for access to campus facilities, meal plans, and more.Bookstore:
Provides textbooks, course materials, and merchandise.Campus Safety:
Ensures a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.Career Services:
Assists students with career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Disability Resource Center:
Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities.Financial Aid:
Offers various financial aid programs and scholarships to help students fund their education.Food Services:
Provides dining options on campus.Housing & Residence Life:
Offers on-campus housing options and residence life programs.Information Technology:
Provides technical support and resources for students.Library:
Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Health:
Provides healthcare services to students.Student Organizations:
Offers a wide variety of student organizations for students to join and engage in extracurricular activities.Veterans Services:
Provides support and resources for veteran students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make connections. Students can:
Join over 150 Recognized Student Organizations:
Catering to diverse interests and passions.Participate in various events and activities:
From sporting events to cultural performances.Live in on-campus housing:
With various residence halls and living learning communities.Enjoy recreational facilities:
Including a campus recreation center.Volunteer in the community:
Through service-learning opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
UCA Commitment:
A groundbreaking program offering a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees for incoming Arkansas freshmen with household income of $100k or less.Small class sizes:
Allowing for personalized attention from faculty.Engaging programs:
Providing hands-on learning experiences and internships.Supportive community:
Fostering a sense of belonging and success.Strong academic reputation:
With a focus on research and experiential learning.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a wide range of academic programs across five colleges:
