The Journalism Bachelor of Arts (BA) is designed to provide an educational experience that emphasizes professional development. This includes developing strong journalism research and media production skills, an appreciation for professional ethical and legal considerations, and a comprehensive understanding of journalism’s roles and obligations within a democratic society. A complete listing of what you can expect to learn through the major is available here.
The requirements listed below apply to students who started at UMass Amherst in Fall 2018 or later. If you started at UMass Amherst prior to Fall 2018, please contact your advisor.
- Recommended: Take FYS 191SBS: Journalism Success—Thriving as a Major (1 cr.)
- Take JOURNAL 201: Introduction to Journalism (4 cr.)
- Take JOURNAL 300: Newswriting and Reporting (4 cr.)
- Take JOURNAL 460: Journalism Ethics (3 cr.)
- Take one advanced writing/reporting course from the following menu:
- JOURNAL 332: Sports Journalism (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 336: Writing for Public Relations (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 340: Multimedia Journalism (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 390Z: Art of the Profile (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 391J: Food Writing (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 392S: Opinion Writing: Columns (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 395L: Science Journalism (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 410: Social Justice Journalism I (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 433: Photojournalism (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 434: Advanced Podcasting (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 485: Narrative Journalism (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 480: Arts & Culture Journalism (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 490STA: Covering Race (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 492M: Magazine Writing (4 cr.)
- Take two multimedia/visual courses from the following menu:
- JOURNAL 277: Sports Talk Live (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 301: Introduction to Multimedia Reporting (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 333: Introduction to Visual Storytelling (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 334: Introduction to Radio and Podcasting (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 339: Video Content Creation (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 340: Multimedia Journalism (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 343: Data-Driven Storytelling (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 365: Live Digital Sports Production I (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 390C: Live Digital Sports Production II (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 435: Web Design for Journalists (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 444: Short-Form Documentary (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 495BP: Broadcast Performance (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 495N: Video Content Creation II (4 cr.)
- Take one concepts and critical thinking course from the following menu:
- JOURNAL 320: History of American Journalism (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 345: Media Criticism (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 361: Public Relations Ethics (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 380: The Black Freedom Struggle and the Press (4 cr.)
- JOURNAL 390G: Reporting About Gender and Sexuality (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 392T: Issues in Sports (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 394MI: Media, Technology and Culture (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 445: Journalism and Law (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 452: Public Relations Campaign Management (3 cr.)
- Take one international course from the following menu:
- JOURNAL 225: Readings in Journalism (3 cr.)
- JOURNAL 310: International Journalism (4 cr.)
- One course, departmentally and IPO approved, taken during a study abroad experience
- One foreign language course at any level
- One course from the SBS International and Intercultural Course List
- Take two additional Journalism courses that are at least 3 credits
- Complete another area of study that requires at least 15 credits, such as a second major, a minor, or a certificate