Program Overview

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Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications

The Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for a successful career in journalism, mass communications, and related disciplines.

Overview

The program is offered by the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas. It is a four-year undergraduate degree that requires the completion of a minimum of 120 credit hours.

Admission Requirements

There are two paths for admission to the School of Journalism and Mass Communications:

• Path 1: Direct admission from high school: Students will be considered for admission if they are admitted to KU by assured admission and have a 3.25 or higher high school GPA (no test score required) or a 3.00 or higher high school GPA and 21 ACT/1060 SAT.
• Path 2: Change of school admission: Transfer students and current KU students who do not declare journalism as their major prior to the first semester of the first year may apply for admission if they have a 2.5+ KU GPA (or 2.5+ transferable GPA if no KU GPA has been earned), a 2.5+ Journalism GPA, and a C (2.0) or higher in JMC 101.

Requirements for Good Standing

Students admitted to the school must maintain a 2.5 KU cumulative grade-point average and a 2.5 journalism grade-point average. If either or both GPAs drop below 2.5, students will be placed on probation for one semester.

General Degree Requirements

• One additional unit that satisfies Core 34: US Culture or Global Culture
• A minimum of 48 hours in journalism and mass communications courses
• A minimum of 30 hours in residence
• A minimum of 45 hours in upper-division courses, including a 3-credit capstone course or equivalent
• Completion of area distribution requirements in one of two ways: an 18-hour minor outside journalism and mass communications or a second degree outside journalism and mass communications

Graduation Requirements

In addition to general degree requirements, the following graduation requirements must be met:

1. The candidate must have earned at least 120 hours of college credit.
2. The candidate must complete a minimum of 30 journalism and mass communications hours in residence.
3. The candidate must have completed a minimum of 48 hours in journalism and mass communications, and at least 60 hours outside journalism and mass communications within the 120-hour total.
4. The candidate must have at least a 2.5 KU grade-point average overall and in all journalism and mass communications courses at KU.
5. The candidate must have earned at least 45 hours in upper-division courses, including a 3-credit capstone course or equivalent.
6. The candidate must complete area distribution requirements in one of two ways: an 18-hour minor outside journalism and mass communications or a second degree outside journalism and mass communications.
7. The candidate must have met all requirements of the school.
8. The candidate must apply to graduate early in their final semester.
9. The candidate must complete a minimum of 30 hours in residence.

Concentrations

The program offers four concentrations:

• Digital Marketing Communications, Advertising, and Public Relations: Students must complete 15 hours of coursework in addition to the School’s foundation core, upper-level core, and electives.
• Media Arts & Production: Students must complete 18 hours of coursework in addition to the School’s foundation core, upper-level core, and electives.
• Multimedia Journalism: Students must complete 15 hours of coursework in addition to the School’s foundation core, upper-level core, and electives.
• Sports Media & Society: Students must complete 18 hours of coursework in addition to the School’s foundation core, upper-level core, and electives.

Course Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, students must complete a minimum required total of 48 hours in journalism and mass communications courses. The program includes a foundation core, upper-level core, and electives.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Employ critical and creative thinking in the practices of journalism, mass communications, and related disciplines.
• Reflect the value of diverse societies and diverse workplaces in telling stories.
• Understand the value of freedom of expression and its importance in society.
• Use theoretical and practical skills in the application of ethical storytelling.
• Understand and use emerging media technologies and their impact on society.
• Incorporate research techniques for analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Understand the functions of communications organizations, the economic and management issues they face, and how media decisions affect individuals and society.