This degree has evolved as the needs of the modern journalist have changed and escalated. The program gives students essential professional experiences, as well as practical and philosophical tools such as ethics, reporting, editing, and publication law.
When you read or watch the news, do you have an eye for accuracy, fairness, good storytelling, and professionalism? If you're the kind of person who believes that the world deserves the clearest possible view of important news, a degree in jourmalism might be a great fit for you. Careers in this field are fast-paced, diverse, and critical to a healthy democracy.
Coursework for a journalism degree at Northern Arizona University will engage you as you develop tangible skills and theoretical knowledge. Required coursework will foster your competence in written, oral, and visual communication. Specialized professional skills in ethics, environmental issues, reporting and editing, and communication and publication law will round out your expertise.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Journalism Program provides students with the hands-on experience to tell compelling nonfiction stories in a variety of media platforms.
We build a strong foundation in the history, philosophy and ethics of journalism and photojournalism and emphasize how these disciplines serve varied communities and facilitate the free flow of information needed in a democratic society. Students learn to take a global perspective as they critically assess journalistic work from a variety of places and historical periods. By valuing the principles of the journalistic tradition, our students obtain the critical and creative edge to innovate and be relevant in an evolving media world.
Built upon the fundamentals of storytelling and nonfiction narrative, our curriculum ensures that students can cover breaking news as well as develop features and deeper, under-reported stories. Our students are informed and curious about their communities, and develop a critical understanding of media forms that allows them to identify audience needs and place stories within context. By honing methods of investigative research, relationship building and interviewing, our students learn to gather the materials needed to craft compelling narratives. Their creative works are refined through individual mentoring from instructors as well as through intensive student peer review.
The program’s faculty are innovative teachers and professionals who engage students in their current projects through hands-on experience and personalized mentoring. Students produce and publish journalism for real audiences through classwork and in our state-of-the-art Student Media Center, which integrates a newsroom, TV studio and radio station. Internship and independent study projects allow them to report in depth on subjects important to our community or structured around their passions.
Our goal is to train students to be savvy media consumers and producers who can succeed not only in the realm of professional journalism, but within whatever future they create.
Student Learning Outcomes
Understanding the Role of Journalism in Society
Photojournalism track
Students on this track will gain intensive hands-on experience in visual storytelling through the use of still images, photo editing, and audio and video storytelling techniques. They will:
Take the following 56 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Track Requirements (Select One):
You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
All majors must earn the grade of "C" or better in their freshman composition required course, and their foundation mathematics course.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.