Program Overview

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Journalism program at the University at Albany helps students develop writing and digital skills to excel in modern media. Through coursework and internships, students gain valuable multimedia experience that serves them in industries such as news reporting, public relations, publishing, and politics.

Program of Study

The BA in Journalism program includes courses in non-fiction writing, media analysis and production, history of journalism, and the study of legal, ethical, and business issues. Students improve their writing while developing critical thinking, historical context, editorial judgment, and communication skills.

Core Requirements

• Foundations of Journalism and Media Studies
• Introduction to Reporting and News Writing
• Reporting and News Writing II
• Media Law and Ethics
• Digital Publication

Contextual Courses (9 credits)

• Media and War in U.S. History
• Women and the Media
• History of Journalism in the United States
• Global Perspectives on the News
• Visual Culture
• Images of Journalism in Film
• Media in the Digital Age
• Literary Journalism
• Topics in Journalism

Skills Courses (9 credits)

• Narrative Journalism
• Introduction to Documentary Photography
• Public Relations Writing
• Magazine Writing
• Photojournalism
• Broadcast Journalism
• Digital Media Workshop: Online Publishing
• Digital Media Workshop: Desk-Top Publishing
• Advanced Reporting and News Writing
• Topics in Journalism
• Public Affairs Journalism
• Investigative Reporting

Internship or Electives

3 credits in an Internship or:

• Images of Journalism in Film
• Media in the Digital Age
• Advanced Reporting and News Writing
• Literary Journalism
• Topics in Journalism
• Public Affairs Journalism
• Investigative Reporting
• Independent Study in Journalism

Honors Program

The Journalism Honors Program challenges students with more advanced work. Students work directly with a faculty mentor on a research project. To be admitted, students must be a declared Journalism major, have completed 12 credits in Journalism courses, have a minimum 3.25 overall GPA and a minimum 3.5 GPA in Journalism, and submit an application essay.

Applied Learning

The program offers internship opportunities with television and radio stations, newspapers and magazines, publishing houses, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and public relations firms.

Career Outcomes

With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism degree, students are prepared to launch into careers that utilize skills such as editorial clarity, practiced objectivity, research, and interpersonal communication. Potential job titles include:

• Journalist
• Webcaster
• Broadcaster
• Freelance writer
• Corporate communications specialist
• Television producer
• Editor
• Magazine and book publisher
• Copywriter
• Public Relations specialist

Student Learning Objectives

• Students will describe and critically analyze the role of a free press in a democratic society.
• Students will identify ethical issues, critically analyze them, and identify philosophical and professional considerations.
• Students will design and research accurate stories using multiple research strategies.
• Students will structure and compose stories that effectively engage and educate an audience.