The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Journalism prepares the "new journalist" by merging the ethical art of storytelling with a solid scientific and quantitative foundation. This degree is designed for those who want to master the science of journalism using data-driven insights and analytical methods to report with precision in an increasingly complex information landscape.

In the BS in Journalism major, students establish a professional foundation in media writing and digital production, bolstered by coursework in statistics and research methods to analyze the systems behind the news.

Why Choose the Bachelor of Science?

• Scientific Specialization: Unlike the Bachelor of Arts, BS students complete a scientific minor offered at Texas A&M, ensuring they have the technical expertise to report on complex STEM and quantitative topics.
• Data-Driven Focus: With the guidance of an academic advisor, students select a two-course focus area alongside foundational courses in Statistics and Research Methods to customize their analytical expertise.
• Hands-on Experience: Every student completes a formal, supervised, credit-bearing, journalism internship relevant to their focus, bridging the gap between science and professional journalistic practice.
• Specialized Certification: BS majors option to earn a certificate in Social Media in the department.
• A Supportive Start:
  • ​ Freshmen begin with a dedicated first-semester experience, introducing them to the breadth of the media field and the resources of Texas A&M through small-group engagement.
  • Transfer Students are integrated into the "Communication family" through a transition process that meets students exactly where they are in their academic journey.

Areas of Study

All BS students take a core of foundational of coursework, followed by specialized coursework:

Quantitative & Analytical Foundations

• Statistics
• Research Methods
• Media-Writing

The Science of Journalism

• Fact-Checked Precision: advanced fact-gathering and media writing across multiple digital platforms
• Economic and Systems Analysis: understanding the entrepreneurial and corporate models that sustain modern journalism
• Scientific Literacy: leveraging a STEM-based minor to address "news deserts" and complex public interest stories
• Ethical Enactment: adhering to the Society of Professional Journalists' code: seeking truth, minimizing harm, acting independently and maintaining transparency

Career Opportunities

The BS is designed for journalists who want to lead in technical, medical or data-heavy reporting fields. Our graduates are equipped to navigate the pragmatic challenges of the industry, pursuing paths such as:

• Technical and Data Journalism: data analysts, science reporters, technical writers and investigative researchers
• Health and Environmental Reporting: public health communicators, medical journalists and environmental correspondents
• Entrepreneurial Media: media startup founders, digital strategy directors and news directors
• Broadcast and Digital Production: producers and multimedia journalists who utilize quantitative data to drive high-impact storytelling

Note to Students: We also offer a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism for those seeking a broader liberal arts and humanities-focused approach. Please examine that option before you make your choice.

¹

Must earn a grade of C or better

²

JOUR 100-499 cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.

³

Select from JOUR 100-499 and/or other courses in consultation with the program director or designee to form a supporting focus area.

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Any 100-499 course not used elsewhere. Only 14 hours of KINE 199; AERS 100-499; MLSC 100-499; NVSC 100-499; SOMS 100-499 may be used towards general electives.

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Minor to be selected from among approved university science minors. Consult with advisor regarding how to declare desired minor. Courses fulfilling core curriculum requirements may apply to the minor and therefore some of these courses may become electives. Minors will range between 15 and 18 hours.

Graduation requirements include 3 hours of International and Cultural Diversity courses and 3 hours of Cultural Discourse courses. A course satisfying a core category, a college/department requirement, or a free elective can be used to satisfy this requirement. The required 6 hours may be met by courses satisfying other areas of a degree program.  See your academic advisor for further information.