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 knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience to tell compelling nonfiction stories across a variety of media platforms. We’ve built a strong foundation in the history, philosophy, and ethics of journalism, while emphasizing how these disciplines serve varied communities and facilitate the free flow of information essential in a democratic society. Our new curriculum will prepare students to cover breaking news and tell the types of stories that inform and resonate with local and global communities alike. These abilities equip students for careers in journalism, multimedia content creation, podcasting, radio, television, and public relations.
Students produce and publish journalism for real audiences through classwork and in our state-of-the-art Media Innovation Center, which integrates a digital newsroom, TV studio and FM radio station. Internships and independent study projects allow students to report in depth on subjects important to Flagstaff and the entire Northern Arizona region. This real-world experience promotes career success.
Our updated program was created with a goal to directly align with NAU’s emphasis on the success of underserved students, transfer students, and non-traditional students, regardless of ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, or religion. We have streamlined the JLS program, eliminated the required minor, and established partnerships with community colleges to create a value proposition that promotes success for all of our students.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students may transfer up to 75 units of credit from an accredited community college.
Take the following 43 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each:
You may not use the same course to satisfy more than one degree requirement
Although a minor is not required for the Journalism degree, we strongly encourage you to consult with your advisor or a JLS faculty member about a minor that could equip you with the knowledge to specialize in a specific journalism topic. Such minors could include a foreign language, business, ethnic studies, political science, women’s and gender studies, sociology, sustainability, various science disciplines and more.
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.