2013-2014

Journalism and Political Science, Bachelor of Science

Journalism

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Modern journalists have a choice of reporting niches to choose from ranging from “info-tainment” to sports and on to public affairs. This degree sharpens students for careers that clarify and sometimes question the roles of government and politics, at all levels. A strong communication core develops competencies in speaking, writing, and visually demonstrating current events.

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2023

  • 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.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 60 units of major requirements
  • Be aware that you may not use courses with either a JLS or POS prefix to satisfy liberal studies requirements.
  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units

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
Additional Admission Requirements Required
University Honors Program Optional
Progression Plan Link Not Available

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

    • If you want to major in Journalism, you must complete the communication core classes before applying to the program.
Major Requirements
  • Take the following 60 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:

    Communication coursework (30 units)Political science coursework (30 units)
    • POS 110, POS 120, POS 201 (9 units)
    • Additional POS courses, excluding POS 220 (Consult with your advisor in selecting courses appropriate for your career aspirations and academic interests. If you repeat an area-studies or topics course more than once with different content, you may count it more than once toward your major requirements.) (21 units)
General Electives

  • 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.

Additional Information
  • See the School of Communication page for information about the Communication Core, Advising and Student Responsibilities, and Graduation Requirements.
  • All majors must earn the grade of "C" or better in COM 101, COM 200, their required freshman composition 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.