Journalism and Communication - BS, BA

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

About This Degree

The Department of Journalism and Communication (JCOM) prepares students for careers in a wide range of communication fields. Students develop knowledge and skills in such areas as information gathering, writing, video production, online journalism, and media literacy.

JCOM students routinely win state, regional, and national awards in video and print journalism, multimedia and new technologies, and public relations. The faculty members are more than just teachers and researchers; they are veteran mass media professionals and nationally recognized scholars with experience as newspaper journalists, magazine writers, photographers, editors, TV producers, public relations specialists, and Web designers.

What You Will Learn

The department recommends that all students complete a one-semester internship before graduation. Because of the hands-on learning students receive while in the program, they graduate with substantial experience and are more likely to be hired.

Students in the major are required to have a minor to build expertise in another subject area.

Students receive a by completing all required courses in the major. To receive a BA, students must also gain proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

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ADVISING

At a Glance

College: College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department: Journalism and Communication Department

USU Locations:

Program Requirements

Career And Outcomes

Career Opportunities

With a degree in journalism, students can pursue the following careers:

Broadcast/Electronic Media Emphasis

  • News anchor
  • Radio host
  • Meteorologist
  • Talk show host
  • News analyst
  • Announcer
  • Actor
  • Professional blogger
  • News associate
  • Associate producer
  • Entertainment agent
  • Broadcast assistant

Print Journalism Emphasis

  • News writer/editor
  • Magazine writer/editor
  • Professional blogger
  • News analyst
  • Columnist
  • Designer
  • Creative writer

Public Relations Emphasis

  • PR specialist (image building, media relations, social media, etc.)
  • Writer
  • Marketing
  • Fundraising
  • Event planning
  • Crisis Management

The Career and Design Center provides counseling and information on hundreds of job and internship opportunities and even helps students apply and interview.

Job Outlook

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Advising

We will build on your goals and experiences while working together to design an individualized semester-by-semester plan. Your personalized plan will help you see a path from where you are now on to graduation. Even if you are unsure of the major you would like to pursue, we can help with resources and ideas.

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USU Locations

LOGAN CAMPUS

STATEWIDE CAMPUSES*

USU ONLINE**

*This degree is available at various USU locations.

**This degree is 100% available online. USU is a SARA-approved institution offering fully online programs nationwide; please visit USU's state authorizations for details.

Admission

Admission Requirements

In addition to Utah State University’s admissions requirements, the journalism program has additional requirements:

  • Freshmen: New freshmen admitted to USU in good standing qualify for admission as pre-majors.
  • Transfer Students: As many as nine semester credits in journalism and communication coursework may be transferred from other institutions to count toward the major.
  • To be a journalism major, students must meet the following prerequisites:
    • Complete at least 60 semester credits with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
    • Pass a departmental English proficiency test
    • Complete the journalism pre-major core courses

International students have additional admissions requirements.

Program Requirements

Students must complete a minor and they have an internship requirement.

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Cost and Aid

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How to Apply

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