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.
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, you might be cut out for journalism. Careers in this field are fast-paced, diverse, and critical to a healthy democracy. The Journalism and Political Science program can prepare you for a career in a diverse range of job opportunities or graduate work. Entering this program means you'll discover how our public lives are organized at the local, national, and international levels. Courses focus on the possibilities for and obstacles to democratic governance.
Earning a journalism degree at Northern Arizona University will help you develop tangible skills and theoretical knowledge. Students gain competence in written, oral, and visual communication as their foundation, adding specialized professional skills in ethics, environmental issues, reporting and editing, and communication and publication law.
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 |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
Earning a journalism degree at Northern Arizona University will help students develop tangible skills and theoretical knowledge. Students gain competence in written, oral, and visual communication as their foundation, adding specialized professional skills in ethics, environmental issues, reporting and editing, and communication and publication law.
Student Learning Outcomes
Take the following 60 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Communication coursework (30 units)
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 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.