Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Academic Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Journalism, BS


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Since 1936, SJSU’s School of Journalism and Mass Communications  has built a global reputation for developing aspiring reporters and editors into top-notch professionals. Silicon Valley employers prefer to hire our grads because of their well-rounded cross-platform skills and strong, time-honored media ethics. JMC’s lineup of student media outlets provides young journalists with venues to display and develop their talents in traditional, social and digital media. 

Summary of Degree Units

University Graduation Requirements 50
Major Preparation 15
Major Requirements 40
Academic Focus or Minor (Optional) 0-15
University Electives 0-15
Total 120

Program Roadmaps

The 4-Year Roadmap is available online. Roadmaps should be used in consultation with the catalog and your advisor to identify additional requirements for completing the major (for example, course grade minimums). Associate Degrees (ADT) Pathways are also available online.

International Experience Requirement

To satisfy the major international experience requirement, Journalism majors must study abroad for at least nine days in an approved program. With the approval from the Major Advisor, students have the option to waive the requirement by substituting with an independent study. For more information, email the department at journalism@sjsu.edu.

University Requirements


Students must satisfy all of the major and Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements , which includes unit, GPA, and residency requirements as well as the below identified General Education , American Institutions, Graduation Writing Assessment and Physical Education requirements. Courses that meet Undergraduate University Graduation Requirements are noted with an area designation (see Course Abbreviations ).

Core Lower Division General Education (33 units)


Of the 39 units required by the university, 6 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Courses that meet GE Areas A1, A2, A3 or B4 must be passed with a “C-” or better to meet the requirement. Consult with major advisor for details.

Upper Division General Education (9 units)


Of the 9 units required by the university, 0 units may be satisfied by coursework outlined below. Consult with major advisor for details.

American Institutions (6 units)


Complete one 6 unit sequence of American Institutions (US123) courses, which also satisfies GE Area D. Students may also satisfy the American Institutions Requirement  with other courses, but these may not satisfy other GE areas.

The American Studies (AMS 1A /AMS 1B ; 12 units) and Humanities Honors (HUM 1A /HUM 1B /HUM 2A /HUM 2B ; 24 units) sequences satisfy the American Institutions Requirement and additional GE Areas (see the course description for details).

Consult with a major advisor to select the appropriate sequence.

Physical Education (2 units)


All SJSU undergraduate students, regardless of major, have an opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in physical activities. To accommodate students’ needs and interests, the university offers a diverse selection of activity courses .

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement


At SJSU, students must pass both the SJSU Writing Skills Test (WST) and a 100W course. Exceptions to the GWAR may be found at Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) .

A grade of C or better (C- not accepted) is required to meet graduation requirement.

Major Requirements (40 units)


International Experience (1-3 units)


In consultation with advisor, select an International Experience course or a Study Abroad program. With approval from the advisor, student may waive the International Experience requirement with substitution of MCOM 180 - Independent Study .

Core Courses (30 units)


Media Production Course (3 units)


Complete one course from the following list. All courses are repeatable for credit.

University Electives (15 units)


Academic Focus or Minor (optional) (0-15 units)


Optional: Complete an advisor-approved academic focus of 15 units consisting of a minor with approved courses. Academic foci include: Science, Justice Studies, Human Rights, Sports Journalism, or Visual Journalism & News Documentary. Must include at least 6 units of upper division. For more information, contact the major department. An Academic focus will only appear on a student’s diploma or transcript if it is an officially declared minor . 

Total Units Required (120 units)


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